VALVERDE TO HOUSTON
The Houston Astros acquired pitcher Jose Valverde from the Arizona Diamondbacks for infielder Chris Burke and pitchers Chad Qualls and Juan Gutierrez.
What does it give the Houston Astros
After dealing Brad Lidge to Philadelphia, the Astros were planning of promoting Qualls to the role of closer. Management clearly had a change of heart, since they now add Valverde, who is coming off a tremendous 2007 campaign in Arizona. He's an upgrade over both Lidge and Qualls, though his numbers may not be easy to duplicate at Minute Maid Park.
What does it give the Arizona Diamondbacks
The D'backs will likely promote Tony Pena to the role of closer, with Qualls and Brandon Lyon around to set him up. Arizona has been extremely busy this off-season, and the club obviously felt they needed a quality starter (Dan Haren) more than a quality reliever (Valverde). Only time will tell if they were right, though conventional wisdom suggests they are. Burke will probably serve a utility role in Arizona, while Gutierrez is probably going to be converted to relief full time with the D'backs.
Fantasy impact
