ANGELS ACQUIRE ATLANTA'S TOMMY HANSON
The Los Angeles Angels acquired pitcher Tommy Hanson from the Atlanta Braves for pitcher Jordan Walden.
What does it give the Los Angeles Angels
The Angels needed help in the starting rotation, especially since {P Zack Greinke} and {P Dan Haren} are free agents who may not return in 2013. Enter Hanson, whose stock has dropped dramatically since his rookie campaign (2009). Perhaps a change of scenery will do him well. Hanson will probably slide into the No. 3 starter role (barring more acquisitions) behind ace {P Jered Weaver} and {P C.J. Wilson}. This could turn out to be a shrewd acquisition for the Halos.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
Walden lost the closer job in 2012, so it's not surprising that the Angels let him go at this time. He'll join closer {P Craig Kimbrel} and setup lefties {P Jonny Venters} and {P Eric O'Flaherty} in what is shaping up to be one of the best bullpens in baseball. With Hanson gone, the Braves have created room in their rotation for young talent such as {P Julio Teheran} and {P Randall Delgado}, who could vie for the No. 5 starter role during spring training.
Fantasy impact
Hanson should rebound with the Angels, but pitching in the American League will limit his fantasy boost. His impact should be more or less the same as a result. As for Walden, he will be hard-pressed for save opportunities in Atlanta so his fantasy stock will take a bit of a dive in 2013.
