ROCKIES CLAIM KING FOR MILES, BIGBIE
The Colorado Rockies acquired pitcher Ray King from the St. Louis Cardinals for second baseman Aaron Miles and outfielder Larry Bigbie.
What does it give the Colorado Rockies
In King the Rockies have acquired one of the better non-closer left-handed relievers in the game. He has a slider that is killer against left-handed hitters in the late innings, which is important when you're in the NL West and facing foes like Barry Bonds, Brian Giles, J.D. Drew and Shawn Green. King is also a great clubhouse guy who will be a positive influence on a young club.
What does it give the St. Louis Cardinals
The Cards may have landed their second baseman of the present and future in Miles. Heading into his third big-league season, the diminutive infielder would provide a pesky but tiny tandem up the middle in St. Louis with David Eckstein. Trouble is, he's shown mixed results with the bat away from Coors Field. He'll definitely get a shot at the second-base job in camp, but may have to settle for a utility role if they find someone better to play second. Bigbie is a talented left-handed hitter, but has failed to really take off over the past few years with the Orioles and Rockies. He has decent power and the Cards plan to start him in left field, hoping they can get the most out of him where others couldn't.
Fantasy impact
