2011 MLB Trade Deadline Roundup: Big Trades & Their Fantasy Impacts
Philadelphia receives: Hunter Pence
Houston receives: John Singleton, Jarred Cosart, Josh Zeid, and PTBN
Fantasy Impact:
Hunter Pence: Fantasy owners who have Pence are sure to be excited about his new team. The move from the Astros lineup to the Phillies lineup seems to be a surefire upgrade. In reality, it’s hard to imagine Hunter’s numbers going up too drastically, as while Houston’s offense was far below average, Pence was the main contributor who maintained All Star numbers. Owners will continue to be happy with Pence, although I’m not sure they will see the increases that they are hoping for.
Jason Bourgeois: Bourgeois will now be an everyday player instead of being a super utility guy. His batting average is well over .300 and he seems to attempt a steal almost every time he’s on base. He’s definitely a guy you want if you need speed. He’s hit in the 3 hole the past couple of games, and that hasn’t slowed him down at all. He hit his first homer of the season today, but it could very well be his last.
Detroit Tigers / Seattle Mariners
Detroit receives: Doug Fister, David Pauley
Seattle receives: Casper Wells, Charlie Furbush, and Francisco Martinez
Fantasy Impact:
Doug Fister: Fister is an above average starter (3.33 ERA / 1.17 WHIP) who is moving from a team with an anemic offense, to one that can put up some runs. Still not close to becoming a guy who be owned in deep leagues, his value definitely increases as a spot starter.
Baltimore Orioles / Texas Rangers
Baltimore receives: Chris Davis, Matt Harrison
Texas receives: Koji Uehara
Fantasy Impact:
Chris Davis: Chris Davis has been tempting fantasy owners for years with his raw power. His AAA production has yet to join him in the majors, but there will be playing time in Baltimore with Derek Lee on to Pittsburgh. For those in deeper leagues who are in need of power, he is someone to keep an eye on.
Koji Uehara: Uehara was a productive setup man in Baltimore who was able to pick up the occasional save. With Mike Adams joining him in Texas, Uehara will most likely become their top lefty out of the pen, replacing Darren Oliver. Less holds for him now, and no reason to expect any more saves either.
Atlanta Braves / Houston Astros
Atlanta receives: Michael Bourn
Houston receives: Jordan Schafer, Juan Abreu, Paul Clemens, Brett Oberholtzer
Fantasy Impact
Michael Bourn: Bourn, like Pence, joins a better ballclub, although I don’t see a big change in productivity. There may be a few more runs scored as Atlanta’s lineup is deeper than Houston’s, but there’s also a possibility that he could get less steals as well, since the Braves can produce runs with their bats, while Houston needed to use their legs as well. I don’t think his value changes a whole lot.
J.D. Martinez: Martinez was called up to play. In AA he was hitting .340 with 13 homers and 71 RBI. Someone to keep an eye on.
Jordan Schafer: It will be interesting to see where he fits into the lineup once he returns from the DL. If he’s playing everyday he could become a guy who can help out a team in steals.
Los Angeles Dodgers / St. Louis Cardinals
Los Angeles receives: Alex Castellanos
St. Louis receives: Rafael Furcal
Fantasy Impact:
Dee Gordon: With the departure of Furcal, Gordon will now be the Dodgers’ everyday shortstop. He has zero power and wasn’t able to hit well enough to stay in the bigs after his initial callup, but the kid can flat out run. Should be a good source of steals, but be prepared to get little production in the other categories.
Boston Red Sox / Seattle Mariners / Los Angeles Dodgers
Boston receives: Erik Bedard
Los Angeles receives: Tim Federowicz and Stephen Fife
Seattle receives: Trayvon Robinson and Chih-Hsien Chiang
Fantasy Impact:
Erik Bedard: Bedard leaves the friendly confines of Safeco for a much more hitter-friendly Fenway. His peripherals could take a hit, but this move could be the largest change in win-potential that we’ve seen in years. If he can handle the spotlight, his value should increase.
Oakland Athletics / Arizona Diamondbacks
Oakland receives: Brandon Allen and Jordan Norberto
Arizona receives: Brad Zeigler
Fantasy Impact:
Paul Goldschmidt: The departure of Brandon Allen opens the door for Goldschmidt who has posted an OPS over .1000 in each month this year save for July. There’s a ton of power here, but it’s yet to be seen if he can produce against major league pitching. Could be worth a speculative add if your team needs power.
League movers:
NL: Derek Lee to Pitt, Orlando Cabera to SF
AL: Mike Adams to Tex
Written by Ilyn Yeh exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com
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(July 30, 2011 – Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images North America)
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