CUBS LAND RIZZO FROM SAN DIEGO
The Chicago Cubs acquired first baseman Anthony Rizzo and pitcher Zach Cates from the San Diego Padres for pitcher Andrew Cashner and outfielder Kyung-Min Na.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have a big hole at first base, which they hope Rizzo can fill--eventually. The club went with veteran Carlos Pena last season, and are expected to use veteran journeyman Bryan LaHair at first in 2012 until Rizzo is deemed ready. Rizzo struggled in San Diego last season, but is viewed as a big-time prospect. Cubs GM Jed Hoyer loves him, obviously, since he also acquired Rizzo while with San Diego last year. This move may end Chicago's flirtation with free agent Prince Fielder. Cates is a pretty solid pitching prospect, so overall the Cubs added two good assets here.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
Cashner has a great arm, and is expected to set up veteran closer Huston Street in San Diego in 2012. He could eventually become the club's closer. Cashner has also been used as a starter in the big leagues, but that's not expected to be an option for the Padres (not yet anyway). As for Na, he is extremely raw at only 20 years of age, but he does have a lot of athleticism. Still, it'll be a while before Na is considered a candidate to take over one of San Diego's three outfield positions. Overall, the Pads might have given up a bit too much in this deal, especially for a reliever.
Fantasy impact
