As the deadline approached the rumor mill churned constantly. We heard that almost certain hall-of-famers, Cy Young winners, top prospects, and rookie phenoms could all be on the move. We were all impressed, and perhaps slightly surprised, when the action was kicked off by the Brewers, a team renowned for their low budget. They made a move like the big boys do, and CC Sabathia was a Milwaukee Brewer. The Chicago Cubs then reacted to the Brewers move, and Rich Harden was a Cub. This was just the beginning.

Last week was full of moves that sent more than one fantasy team owner reeling, as the trade deadline rocketed toward us. The rumors grew more and more outrageous as the World Champion Boston Red Sox had to rid themselves of their most valuable player. Suddenly the antics that had once made Manny Ramirez so loveable had made him expendable. The week was full of talk, but we had been there before. The Red Sox had always found a way to make peace with their eccentric left fielder. Thursday’s four o’clock trade deadline came, and it looked as if Manny would remain in Boston. Looks can be deceiving.

Join the RotoExperts Team as we examine the fantasy implications of a week’s worth of trades between contenders and rebuilding teams. Every fantasy leaguer has changing situations to consider. So gather up your FAAB dollars and heed the advice of the RotoExperts.com and make the most of the trade deadline action.

The Milwaukee Brewers acquired INF Ray Durham from San Francisco for OF Darren Ford and LHP Steve Hammond.

Jon Williams Spin: The loser here is going to be Rickie Weeks. The Brewers have too much at stake to continue to play the defensively inadequate and offensively pathetic Weeks any longer. Ray Durham comes from the Giants and provides a steadier presence and a much improved on-base percentage over the young Weeks. Weeks owners should take advantage of any opportunity to deal him as the next few weeks may just crush his confidence forever. Durham increases his value by leaving the weak lineup of the San Francisco Giants. Durham should provide plenty of runs, a few stolen bases, and occasional power.

Jonathan Phillips Spin:  Ray Durham is still alive?  Really?  Durham's an awfully expensive rent-a-player for what he brings until you consider that Rickie Weeks has yet to become the kind of hitter Milwaukee thought he was, struggling against righties and lefties equally.  This is not a good development for Weeks owners unless the competition pushes Weeks to better numbers.  Weeks is only 25, so I wouldn't expect that Milwaukee is giving up on him just yet.
Jason Revelia Spin: Ray Durham was not much fantasy help before this trade, but he is now going to hurt fantasy teams by dowsing any hopes of Rickie Weeks having a monster second half.
Paul Bourdett Spin:  Can somebody say platoon? This deal occurred less than 2 weeks ago, and we have already seen some of its implications.  Weeks has started six games at 2B, and Durham has started four.  You do not need me to tell you that each player loses value, but then again, I would not have recommended either in the first place.  The fact that Milwaukee even felt a need to go out and get a second baseman says something about Weeks' long-term value, does it not? 

The Houston Astros acquired LHP Randy Wolf from the San Diego Padres in exchange for RHP Chad Reineke.

Williams Spin: The Astros are seven games under .500 and 14 games out in a division that includes the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and St. Louis Cardinals, one of whom will win the NL Wild Card. This makes it very difficult to understand their trade for Randy Wolf, who will be a free agent after the season and is an average pitcher at best. I suppose it is because the Astros rotation is thin. Chad Reineke is not a top prospect. Still, the Padres may have made another in a long line of astute acquisitions of quality bullpenners languishing in the minors. Reineke has thrown 118.1 innings for two different teams in the Pacific Coast League. As of this writing, he has a 105:36 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He is a fly ball pitcher that seems tailor-made for Petco Park.

Phillips Spin: Randy Wolf simply hurts his value by going to the much more hitter-friendly confines of Orange Juice Field.  Expect an already high WHIP to be joined by a slight increase in ERA.  Now he counts on one of the league's worst offenses to score enough runs. This is not good for his fantasy value.

Revelia Spin: Randy Wolf was not pitching well in one of the most pitcher-friendly parks in MLB. His move to Houston may get him a few more wins, but at a cost to his ERA and WHIP.
Bourdett Spin: I am not sure I understand why the Astros made this move, but I guess it can never hurt to acquire starting pitching. They don' really think they're still in this thing, do they? As for Wolf, he goes from an extreme pitcher's park to one of the friendliest hitter's parks in baseball.  He should still be good for Ks, but if you look at his road numbers this season (1-6, 6.60 ERA in 11 road starts), the future does not look pretty.  Reineke has struggled at Triple-A this season, and does not look bound for the majors any time soon.  

The St. Louis Cardinals acquired Minor League RHP Luis Perdomo from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for RHP Anthony Reyes.

Williams Spin: There may not be a player in baseball that will benefit more from a change of scenery as much as Anthony Reyes. Do not look at his numbers to date, since they cannot really tell the story. Trust me when I tell you that Reyes is everything Mark Prior was once thought to be, except he has been dealing with a Cardinals coaching staff (LaDuncan) that refused to allow him a role on the major league team and the freedom to pitch as he chose, at the same time. He will be on many of my teams down the stretch and even more of them next season.

Revelia Spin: Anthony Reyes getting out from an obviously bad situation in St. Louis can only help him. He could have some fantasy impact in AL-only leagues and deep mixed leagues when the Indians take their new purchase for a test ride.
Landry's Take:  Anthony Reyes was one of the hottest prospects in baseball two years ago, and the Cardinals have really done a number on him. He needs a fresh start, and I think it will do wonders for his performance. With the Indians looking like sellers, he will get a chance to play before the year ends. I think he just needs to do enough to build his confidence heading into 2009, and he'll be one of my favorite sleepers for next year's fantasy drafts.
Bourdett Spin: Anthony Reyes was one of the most highly touted prospects in baseball just a few years ago, and now he's been traded for a 24-year-old bullpen arm who hasn't even thrown at Triple-A?  Sure, Luis Perdomo throws heat, and I guess he could possibly close in a year or two, but don't the Cards already have a couple of young arms who can do just that (Chris Perez/Kyle McClellan)?  A new address could be all that Reyes needs to become the front-of-the-rotation starter many thought he would be.  He could be worth an add if you are in need of starting pitching come September (he is currently with the Indians Triple-A squad), but I would look towards 2009 as the year he finally puts it all together.    

The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired RHPs Jeff Karstens, Daniel McCutchen, and Ross Ohlendorf and OF Jose Tabata from the Yankees in exchange for OF Xavier Nady and LHP Damaso Marte.

Williams Spin: Jeff Karstens, Daniel McCutchen, and Ross Ohlendorf lack the upside that fantasy owners look for in prospects but all project to be average major leaguers, which has serious value to a team like the Pirates but not much to fantasy leaguers. Jose Tabata is a player who still has a ton of upside. The Yankees did not give up on him; they sent the Pirates a player they still valued highly, although his fantasy impact will not come for a few years. Xavier Nady’s value should not change much for mixed leaguers. He will still be an everyday player for the Yankees in a strong lineup. Nady could make a major difference to AL-only teams. He makes a very good replacement for Hideki Matsui in fantasy lineups. Damaso Marte has value as a frequently used set-up reliever in AL-only leagues. Unfortunately, he will not see enough save opportunities to have much value in mixed leagues.

Phillips Spin: Jeff Karstens was great for the Pirates in his first start Friday.  Nothing in his past, though, suggests he is worth adding. 

Revelia Spin: Damaso Marte loses all value except in those mixed leagues that count holds and deep AL-only leagues. Xavier Nady's value skyrockets going from the Pirates lineup to the much more fantasy-friendly Yankee lineup. Jeff Karstens may very well make a second-half impact in NL-only leagues.
Bourdett Spin: While McCutchen and Ohlendorf are still down in the minors, Karstens was called up to replace John Van Benschoten as the Pirates fifth starter.  Those last three words should tell you all you need to know about his fantasy prospects. The 19-year-old Tabata is the real prize.  I wouldn't look for him to hit the big show for at least another year or two, but Pittsburgh did well in getting at least one top prospect in return. Xavier Nady will be fine in pinstripes, and despite the drop in the batting order, he should continue to hit well in the stronger lineup.  I would not look for as many RBI opportunities, and I do not expect him to continue hitting .330, but he should still score an ample amount of runs and settle into the .280 to .290 range. Damaso Marte owners are the biggest losers.  He goes from closing games out in Pittsburgh to being a situational lefty pitching big games in the Bronx. In my opinion, it is time to cut bait. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired INF Casey Blake and cash considerations from the Indians in exchange for C Carlos Santana and RHP Jonathan Meloan.

Williams Spin: Third baseman Casey Blake has been very good with runners in scoring position this season, and that should pay off for fantasy leaguers. In the Dodgers lineup behind players like Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Manny Ramirez, and James Loney, Casey should have tons of RBI chances. Carlos Santana and Jonathan Meloan are very good prospects but should not see much, if any, major league action this season. Meloan has the potential to become an unconventional closer, and Santana should be a front-line catcher in years to come.
Revelia Spin: Casey Blake's fantasy value increases by going to a contender. He is a streaky hitter, but when he is hot, he can help a fantasy squad. The Dodgers moving Andy LaRoche should give him the insurance of consistent at-bats. Having Manny Ramirez added to the lineup increases his value.
Bourdett Spin:   I do not see much of a change in Casey Blake's fantasy value going forward.  As for those cash considerations, that is a different story.  Seriously, though, Blake should not see a drop in production as the everyday 3B in tinsel town.  Perhaps his home run totals take a slight hit in the cavernous Dodger Stadium, but it is not as if he was hitting 30 for you anyway. Carlos Santana is a 22-year-old catching prospect who could be up with the big league club some time next season.  Meloan was a former relief-pitching prospect who has not pitched well as a starter in the minors.  If Cleveland can put him back in the bullpen where he belongs, and the team is still searching for a closer, he could be a candidate for saves in 2009.  

The Los Angeles Angels acquired INF Mark Teixeira from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for INF Casey Kotchman and RHP Steve Marek.

Williams Spin: Mark Teixeira is a favorite player of fantasy leaguers. Teixeira has tended to have strong second halves. Playing for the contending Angels in a great lineup should give him a fantastic boost in production. Casey Kotchman is no slouch himself, and the Braves did very well to acquire him. He is not on Teixeira’s level as a power hitter, but his power is still developing. Kotchman should be a very nice fit on the Braves, but his RBI chances are not as good in the weaker lineup.  

Revelia Spin: Mark Teixeira owners are probably pretty ecstatic, unless of course you were in an NL-only league…ouch! His bat could get silly good with postseason staring him in the face. Casey Kotchman's value may take the biggest hit, going from a contender (and the only team he has ever played for) to an Atlanta team that has all but given up on the season. I think the mental side of this trade will hurt his production.
Landry's Take:  For the first time in many years, the Braves have clearly failed to milk their farm system to save their season. So what to do? Look to the future. Kotchman is already a good contact hitter, and there's still upside for him in the power department. With Tex in the last year of his deal, let the Angels worry about it after they use him to pursue a championship. No one is really talking about Marek, because he isn't someone who'll knock your socks off, but with several key RPs due to be off contract in the next 2-3 years (Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez, most notably), he could end up in the closer mix down the road.
Bourdett Spin:    I think you will see a slight increase in production from Mark Teixeira, especially in the batting average and RBI categories.  It is just a better lineup, and he should find more players on base in front of him. I do not envision Kotchman moving up or down as the result of this deal. He has been consistent throughout his short career and does not really wow you in any particular category.  Look for him to continue to hit around .290 with mediocre power and run production. Steve Marek was an excellent throw-in to the deal.  He is an elite relief-pitching prospect. He could wind up closing for the Braves sometime in the next year or two.  For fantasy purposes, however, he will probably finish out the rest of this season in the minors. 

The New York Yankees acquired C Ivan Rodriguez from the Detroit Tigers for RHP Kyle Farnsworth.

Williams Spin: Ivan Rodriguez should get a huge boost by playing every day for the Yankees in a stacked lineup. However, Kyle Farnsworth is the player in line for the biggest change in fantasy value. The Tigers approached the Yankees about this deal because they feel Farnsworth can be the answer to their bullpen problems. Todd Jones is out of the closer role, and Fernando Rodney is a temporary solution at best. The Tigers do not want to move Joel Zumaya into the closer role yet to prevent him from overdoing things after shoulder injury. You can count on Farnsworth getting save chances very soon.

Phillips Spin: Brandon Inge steps in to catch for the Tigers full time, which may hurt his long-term numbers due to wear and tear. Kyle Farnsworth is not likely to close with the return of Joel Zumaya and Francisco Rodney. Rodney is the closer for now. Ivan Rodriguez is not the clutch hitter that Posada is, but he is a defensive upgrade.  Posada was barely throwing out 17 percent of runners.  Pudge has also doubled his walks this year, which means his batting eye is not as awful as it was in the past.  The now upgraded offense increases his value slightly. 
Revelia Spin: Ivan Rodriguez owners should be pleased. I do not think the lineups are much of a difference maker for his fantasy value, but going to a contender will not hurt his motivation. Kyle Farnsworth may just well get a shot at closing for the Tigers, at least until Joel Zumaya starts finding the strike zone more consistently.
Landry's Take: The Tigers know Farnsworth well from his last stint with the team. In a shaky ninth-inning situation, he could be an immediate candidate to close out games if Rodney doesn't pan out. As for Pudge, the Yankees need someone to step in for Posada, and Jose Molina might be a great gamecaller, but he ain't much on offense. Pudge was raking in the spring but hasn't done the same since. Maybe he'll wake up now, because we all know he'll see some hittable pitches in that former-All-Star stacked lineup (including him).
Bourdett Spin:   With Todd Jones on the DL, Fernando Rodney struggling in the closer's role, and Joel Zumaya still not at 100 percent, Kyle Farnsworth owners suddenly look like big winners. Farnsworth immediately enters the picture for saves in Detroit, and in a less pressure-packed environment, he certainly has the stuff to succeed in the role. Pudge should see a slight increase in playing time in New York, because he had begun sharing catching duties with Brandon Inge in Detroit.  The extra at-bats should once again make him a useful fantasy catcher.  You can count on him to hit around .290 with above average speed for the position.  

The Yankees acquired INF Matt Cusick from the Houston Astros for RHP LaTroy Hawkins and cash considerations.

Williams Spin: Matthew Cusick has zero chance of starting for the Yankees but could be utilized as a utility infielder at some point. Until he does, he has zero fantasy value. LaTroy Hawkins has been good at times but is one of those players who cannot stand the pressure of pitching for big market teams like the Yankees. The Houston Astros should be more his speed, but his fantasy value is still minimal.
Bourdett Spin: I am not going anywhere near LaTroy Hawkins. Between his poor strikeout potential and low position on the Houston bullpen depth chart, his days as a fantasy contributor are a thing of the past.  Matt Cusick is a minor league infielder who has no shot to make any fantasy contributions with Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez on the team. 

The Florida Marlins acquired LHP Arthur Rhodes from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Minor League RHP Gaby Hernandez.

Williams Spin: Arthur Rhodes has been very good this season but does not pitch enough innings to have a great fantasy impact.
Bourdett Spin: There is no spin. Even in the deepest of leagues, Rhodes is a lefty specialist at this point in his career. Gaby Hernandez looked like he might crack the Mariner's rotation back in spring training, but he was sent down to the minors and has since struggled.  He is only 22, was a former third round pick, and has pitched extremely well at both A and Double-A, so he's got the potential to right the ship and enter the picture as a major league starting pitcher some time next season. 

Chicago White Sox acquired OF Ken Griffey, Jr. from the Cincinnati Reds for INF Danny Richar and RHP Nick Masset.

Williams Spin: White Sox GM Kenny Williams has the utmost faith that Ken Griffey, Jr. can still handle CF on a regular basis. You can bet on Griffey playing nearly every day. Griffey is not the power hitter he once was but should get a significant boost by playing in meaningful games for the first time in years. Expect every aspect of Griffey’s game to improve and his fantasy value to soar. The loser in this deal is Paul Konerko, who brought it on himself by having such a pathetically unproductive season. Konerko will now sit more often than not as Nick Swisher moves to first base to accommodate Griffey. You may have thought it impossible for Konerko’s fantasy value to sink any lower, but it just did.

Phillips Spin: This is a nightmare for Paul Konerko, Nick Swisher, and possibly Jim Thome.   Ken Griffey is better suited for the AL because of his health and the possibility of being a DH.  In addition, if he does not perform, the club can spend $4 million to buy him out and avoid the 2009 contract option. Does this mean the club is looking to avoid Thome's $13 million option for 2009?  It is very possible.  For now, you have a morass of players all vying for two spots. 
Revelia Spin: This move by the White Sox has me a bit puzzled because it does not really look like they have anywhere for Ken Griffey, Jr. to play, unless they plan to move him back to CF, which seems unlikely. If that is the case, however, this could have more of a fantasy impact on the White Sox starters, and I would downgrade them a bit.
Landry's Take: Junior had better be willing to play CF, because that's where he'll end up. The DH role is already owned by Jim Thome. Richar and Masset have failed to take advantage of their opportunities in the past, so the Reds have a couple of developing prospects who are likely getting a last chance to prove themselves before becoming career minor leaguers.
Bourdett Spin:   Junior was really starting to come on in July, with a solid .271/.386/.541 line. Unfortunately, it looks like his value will take a small hit in Chicago, because there is no way they have him playing CF everyday.  He should play CF against most righties, with Nick Swisher moving over to 1B.  When the White Sox face lefties, however, I am thinking Paul Konerko plays 1B, Swisher goes back in CF, and Griffey rides the pine.  I suppose Griffey could rotate between DH and CF, but I think the team would be better off giving Griffey a couple days off per week.  Of course, as mentioned, it also means less playing time to go around for Nick Swisher, Jim Thome, and Paul Konerko.  Although in Konerko's case, does it really matter? Danny Richar will go to Triple-A, but do not look for him to have an impact in the majors any time soon -- he is blocked at 2B by a guy named Brandon Phillips.   As for Nick Masset, he will immediately join the Reds bullpen but will not provide any fantasy value.   

Manny with a possible tribute to Turk Wendell? Photo Credit Icon SMI

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired OF Manny Ramirez and cash consideration from the Boston Red Sox for 3B Andy LaRoche and minor leaguer Bryan Morris. The Red Sox then sent both players and OF Brandon Moss and RHP Craig Hansen to the Pittsburgh Pirates for OF Jason Bay.

Williams Spin: This deal was not just about the last 2 months of this season. Jason Bay is a superb fill-in for Ramirez this season and is signed to a very affordable contract in 2009. Bay should benefit by the move to Fenway Park, which is an excellent park for hitters, especially compared to PNC Park. Bay’s average and power should both improve significantly, and his fantasy value should go through the roof.
Manny Ramirez is still a capable hitter but was artificially inflating his stats this season by sitting out games against harder-throwing starters. Ramirez will have to face all comers in Los Angeles if he expects to salvage enough of his reputation to sign a huge contract after this season. Playing in more games should increase his RBI production, but you can expect his average to fall outside of Fenway. Overall, his fantasy value should not plummet, but it will decline a bit. Brandon Moss should see regular playing time for the Pirates and will provide a solid batting average and 20-HR power for the balance of the season. He should be a very cheap FAAB alternative to Manny Ramirez.  Craig Hansen becomes a part of the Pirates bullpen-by-committee. He should see some save chances but is unlikely to be the closer this season. He makes an excellent speculative FAAB target for those in keeper leagues.
Andy LaRoche will be the Pirates third baseman this year and next. Fantasy owners should not be concerned about the presence of Neil Walker or about 2008 draft pick Pedro Alvarez. Walker has not proven he is ready to take the job, and Alvarez may not even sign with the Pirates. LaRoche gets a giant boost in fantasy value.

Phillips Spin: Jason Bay is not Manny, especially in the clutch.  He is a strong right-handed bat, yet the majority of his home runs were over the center field wall in PNC.  In Fenway, you are hoping he pulls more of those.  It is a better park for Bay overall, although he has never been in the pressure cooker of Boston.  Expect an adjustment period. Manny Ramirez is Manny.  He will hit anywhere, but his HR numbers may drop slightly in the park that yields the lowest homers so far in 2008.  His presence will increase the value of Jeff Kent and Russell Martin.  I would expect Martin to fall to fifth in the order, with Manny batting third or fourth.  He offers great protection for those guys.  Problem is there are so many outfielders; Andre Ethier and Andruw Jones stand to lose the most time.  It is hard to see the Dodgers benching Juan Pierre, except in defensive situations.  Pierre is a run producer--period.

Revelia Spin: This is the biggest trade of the year, and Manny gets his wish. The C.C. Sabathia trade for the Brewers looked like it might be tough to beat for best trade. I actually think C.C.'s value jumped up dramatically, getting to come to the "senior circuit", but Ramirez's mouth finally got his rear shipped out of Boston. In the process, he completely turned NL- and AL-only leagues upside down. Ramirez's value has to take a hit going from the AL and the hitter-friendly Fenway to the NL and pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium. Of course, Manny has a big enough ego to go on a tear just to show the Red Sox what's up. Jason Bay's fantasy value just went way up. "Hello American League, and hello great fantasy lineup." Bay could help carry your fantasy team and the Red Sox to a championship. Craig Hansen's value jumped, and he could be inserted as the Pirate closer. Brandon Moss may get consistent time if the Pirates decide Andrew McCutchen isn't ready. I think he is. McCutchen is a second-half sleeper candidate. The Andy LaRoche part of this deal has me scratching my head a bit, since the Pirates have Neil Walker and second overall pick Pedro Alvarez. If LaRoche is given the 3B job in Pittsburgh, he could very well help you down the stretch, especially in NL-only leagues. The deal for Bay was a good one.  Andy LaRoche may see playing time very soon, and Jose Bautista owners should hear the warning shot that was just fired across the bow.  Bautista can play outfield, so there is a possibility he will see some time there in the interim. However, Brandon Moss is now an add in most leagues because he's expected to start right away in left field.  Moss has not yet transitioned his bat to the MLB level, but he has been clobbering the ball in the minors.  Last season he hit 41 doubles at Pawtucket.
Landry's Take: What the heck will it take for the Dodgers to finally give Matt Kemp a chance to play? Andruw Jones, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, Juan Pierre...now Manny. Does Joe Torre realize he's in the NL now? Oh yeah, and the Sox get to deal away a problem child in return for an underappreciated, former stud slugger with solid defensive skills. Take THAT Yankees! As for the Bucs, they're just building depth through all this trade activity, in hopes of one day digging themselves out of the hole they have lived in for years. Moss and Hansen may actually help, but the jury is still out on LaRoche and Morris. I will say that at least one of those pitchers the Yankees sent back for Nady & Co. could pan out, but the question is how many, and which one. I can't really say they hurt themselves, but let's see if they did anything to help.
Bourdett Spin: After the earthquake last week, you heard many people in LA talking about the "big one."  I thought they were referring to the massive earthquake that seismologists have been predicting for years.  Who would have thought they were talking about the huge deal LA would make before the deadline. Let's start with the prospects involved.  Pittsburgh acquires a nice set of young talent.  In LaRoche, they could have a stud 3B for years.  He did not quite hit as well as LA wanted him to this season, but he's hit very well on every level.  Look for him to be a sleeper in next year's draft.  If you are desperate for a 3B, give him a tryout for the rest of this season.  You never know. The Bucs' acquisition of Craig Hansen is an interesting one.  The man they signed to close for them, Matt Capps, is currently on the DL after shoulder surgery.  For now, Tyler Yates and John Grabow are in the mix for saves.  So, where does Craig Hansen fit in?  Remember, he was deemed the closer of the future in Boston before Jonathan Papelbon's move to the bullpen was considered a permanent one, so he could be in the mix here as well.  Perhaps he is insurance in case Capps is never the same.  The team could even give him a full-time tryout these next 2 months.  It is too early to tell at this point, but if you see him pitching in a save situation over the next week, and you are desperate for saves, it cannot hurt to take the chance. Brandon Moss should replace Jason Bay in right field for now, and his minor league/major league numbers suggest he'll be a quality fourth outfielder in fantasy leagues.  He might not play much against lefties, but at least you will know when he will sit. Bryan Morris is a former first round pick with a ton of upside, but he had Tommy John surgery last season and is a ways off from reaching the bigs. Here is my whole take on the Manny/Bay part of the deal, and I KNOW I am in the minority on this one.  Jason Bay will do just fine in Boston.  In fact, he should improve on his already solid numbers hitting in that lineup.  I honestly do not think Boston loses a step without Manny in there.  Remember, Manny is not this .330, 40 HR, 140 RBI guy anymore. He's now a .290, 25-30 HR, 90-100 RBI guy.  Bay does that, steals bases, and plays a better defensive outfield.  As for Manny's fantasy value, we are talking about possibly the greatest righthand hitter of our generation.  I do not think a change in park should affect him much.  Some of his HRs may turn into doubles, and he may see fewer pitches in a weaker lineup, but have no fear -- he will still get his. Juan Pierre and Andre Ethier owners out there, I offer my condolences.  It looks like a timeshare is in store.  It is especially hurtful to those owners depending on Juan Pierre for stolen bases.

The Washington Nationals get SS Alberto Gonzalez from the Yankees for minor league pitcher Jhonny Nunez.

Williams Spin: Alberto Gonzalez is a future utility infielder for the Nationals. He has a little bit of pop but will need to improve his plate discipline to develop meaningful value in fantasy leagues.

Phillips Spin: Alberto Gonzalez becomes a temporary fill-in for Christian Guzman.  He is expected to be a future .250 to .260 player with strong defensive capabilities.  When Guzman returns to the lineup, Gonzalez may be demoted back to Triple-A.

For those looking for more on the minor league prospects involved. RotoExperts will soon provide a more in depth take on this in Jason Revelia’s breakdown down of all the minor league prospects from this season’s trade deadline moves. If you have questions that need an immediate answer post it on the RotoExperts Forums or e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , either route will guarantee you a swift response.

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