RANGERS DEAL FOR DIAZ
The Texas Rangers acquired outfielder Victor Diaz from the New York Mets for minor-league catcher Mike Nickeas.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
This acquisition was made more with next year in mind than for the Rangers' immediate success, but Diaz has already proven he can hit big-league pitching well at 24. The right-handed slugger has good power and the ability to hit for decent average. With Carlos Lee and Mark DeRosa possibly leaving as free agents after this season, Diaz, along with fellow young newcomer Nelson Cruz, have a good shot at taking those vacant spots in the lineup.
What does it give the New York Mets
Though young, the 23-year-old Nickeas is already a fairly polished defensive catcher down at Double-A, who has shown good leadership skills. That, along with his occasional power, give him a shot at becoming a big-league backup catcher in a year or two.
Fantasy impact
