'STROS GET RP CLIPPARD IN SWAP WITH CHISOX
The Houston Astros acquired pitcher Tyler Clippard from the Chicago White Sox for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
What does it give the Houston Astros
Several reports suggested some of Houston's players were upset about their team's relative inactivity at the non-waiver trade deadline, so this will bring at least a solid boost in morale. It will also help bolster an Astros bullpen that has been passable this season, but not lights out (and has struggled mightily in recent weeks). So, this bodes well for the playoff push. Clippard was closing games for the White Sox and should provide capable insurance as a setup guy behind stopper Ken Giles.
What does it give the Chicago White Sox
The ChiSox are in full rebuild-with-youth mode, so moving Clippard and his fairly hefty salary (the pro-rated amount left this season on a two-year, $12.25 million deal) makes all the sense in the world. It also gives Chicago more innings to use auditioning any of their plethora of promising pitching prospects down the stretch. They will likely receive a fringe prospect in return for Clippard, but the goal of this deal was to keep the rebuilding movement going. Job done.
Fantasy impact
Clippard's fantasy value suffers a steep drop-off, since he is going from closer status to setup man. That said, he should be a fairly reliable source for holds the rest of the way playing for a very good Houston team. On the Chicago side of things, look for Juan Minaya to get an early crack at closing games in the White Sox bullpen. He is a must-add for still-competing fantasy teams in dire need of saves (but just do not expect a great ERA).
