NATS REEL IN RELIEF: MADSON & DOOLITTLE
The Washington Nationals acquired pitchers Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle from the Oakland Athletics for pitchers Blake Treinen and Jesus Luzardo, plus infielder Sheldon Neuse.
What does it give the Washington Nationals
The contending Nationals have been saddled with one major issue all season long--a shaky bullpen--and the obvious hope is Madson and Doolittle can fix it. Both newcomers have extensive experience as closers, and the fact they are a righty-lefty combo (Madson righty, Doolittle lefty) only adds to the team's options. Of the two, Madson is doing better this season (with a 2.06 ERA, to Doolittle's 3.38) and could get first shot at closing games for Washington. This was a necessary move for the Nats, and it did not cost them too much either.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
First and foremost, this is a massive salary dump by Oakland. In moving the contracts of vets Madson and Doolittle, the A's shed significant salary for next season (Madson is on a 3-year, $22 million deal and Doolittle has a 5-year, $10.5 million pact, both ending in 2018). In return, the only significant salary they take on is Treinen's $0.56 million contract, which expires after this season. Meanwhile, Luzardo (a left-hander) and Neuse are both very solid prospects, and both are currently doing well in the lower minors. For his part, Treinen can capably help replace some of the late-inning work left by Madson and Doolittle.
Fantasy impact
Madson may immediately take over as Washington's closer, and so his fantasy fortunes could soar as a result. The Nationals have the third-most wins in the majors this season (despite their earlier closer-related issues), so Madson should be in line to pile up saves down the stretch. Doolittle's value stays roughly the same as it was in Oakland, since he was not the clear-cut closer with the A's (but is still capable of regular holds). Look for on-again, off-again former Nats closer Matt Albers to lose significant value and become a setup man for Washington. There is not much change in fantasy value for Oakland relievers, but put Liam Hendricks on your watch list (since incumbent closer Santiago Casilla might be traded soon). Neither of Luzardo nor Neuse will be fantasy-viable anytime soon for Oakland, but both are fairly talented players to keep in mind for keeper leagues.
