METS GET BENSON IN THREE-WAY
In a three-way trade, the New York Mets acquired pitcher Kris Benson and minor-league second baseman Jeff Keppinger from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates acquired third baseman Ty Wigginton, infielder Jose Bautista from the Royals and minor-league
What does it give the New York Mets
Right away, the top of the Mets' rotation gets significantly stronger, as they have quality righty Benson to put up there with veteran lefties Tom Glavine and Al Leiter. Benson has always been a gifted pitcher -- he was drafted first overall in 1996 -- but he's been a mystery as a big-leaguer. One day he can look just like the ace he was expected to be, but the next he can be all over the place. The Mets, obviously, hope they get more of the former. But the good news is he won't be relied upon to be an ace in New York. Keppinger is not exactly a significant prospect, a young second baseman who can hit for average, has a little speed and a good glove, but has very little power.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have been aching for a decent third baseman since they traded Aramis Ramirez last year and Wigginton could be their man. Though he had a poor start to the season, he's been coming on lately, already surpassing his career high in home runs. Bautista is returning to the organization that drafted him in 2000. The Pirates mark his fourth team this year and his only upside is as a utility man around the infield. Peterson, a big, young righty, may wind up being the key to this deal for the Bucs. The 22-year-old is a curveball specialist who has been strong at Double-A this year. He could wind up taking a rotation spot in Pittsburgh sometime next year.
What does it give the
Huber is a bit of a strange acquisition for the Royals, after recently acquiring young backstop John Buck from the Astros. They're very similar catchers, both big guys who are offense-first. They both have 20-homer power but Huber is a couple of years younger. Still, they could wind up splitting time behind the plate for the Royals next year, as Huber has already been promoted to Triple-A.
Fantasy impact
