FRANCE FINDS A NEW HOME
The Cincinnati Reds acquired first baseman Ty France and cash from the Seattle Mariners for catcher Andruw Salcedo.
What does it give the Cincinnati Reds
The Reds infield has been hit hard by the injury bug this season. The hope is that the struggling France can rediscover his form and provide some help. He mainly plays 1B but that would allow the versatile Spencer Steer to move around the field, lengthening the lineup. France may find his hitting stroke again in the friendly confines of Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
The Mariners placed France on waivers after he lost his way at the plate earlier this season. Seattle was able to get a prospect instead of cash, which is a nice return under the circumstances. Salcedo is a 22-year-old switch-hitting catcher. He only has 98 games of minor-league experience, however. Therefore, the Mariners will have to be patient with him.
Fantasy impact
This is best-case scenario for France. Higher-than-usual strikeout rates seem to have led to his demise this season. Now in a hitter-friendly ballpark, a few adjustments at the plate could lead to an end-of-season rebound. Do not rush to play him right away, but monitor his first game action with the Reds. If he gets hot, his value could return.
