O'S GET STARTER SAUNDERS FOR LINDSTROM
The Baltimore Orioles acquired pitcher Joe Saunders and cash from the Arizona Diamondbacks for pitcher Matt Lindstrom and cash.
What does it give the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore's rotation has been very inconsistent this season, and while Saunders isn't exactly ace material he does bring veteran leadership and experience to a mostly young group. He also provides another lefty (giving the rotation a bit more balance) and while Saunders won't dominate he can gobble up innings for a team that's surpisingly still firmly in the AL Wild Card hunt. His contract expires after this season, so if Saunders doesn't pan out the Orioles don't lose much here.
What does it give the Arizona Diamondbacks
If Lindstrom could stay more healthy the hard-throwing righty might get more chances as a closer. That won't likely happen in Arizona's already-deep bullpen, but Lindstrom adds yet another quality big arm. If he doesn't work out ideally for the D'backs the club has the option to let him go before 2013. Expect Lindstrom to get regular seventh-inning work down the stretch.
Fantasy impact
Saunders isn't a great fantasy option (since he doesn't provide a great ERA or strike may batters out) but the move to Baltimore might give him a short-term boost across the board (especially in the wins column). Lindstrom's value won't likely change with the D'backs (since his role won't likely change) and unless he starts seeing a lot of holds chances, he probably isn't a viable fantasy option the rest of the way.
