ROCKIES GET RELIEVER LOPEZ
The Colorado Rockies acquired pitcher Wilton Lopez and a player to be named later from the Houston Astros for pitchers Alex White and Alex Gillingham.
What does it give the Colorado Rockies
There are concerns about Lopez' elbow, since the Philadelphia Phillies were set to acquire him earlier in the off-season but decided against it. Still, the Rockies are taking a chance that he's healthy. If that's the case, Lopez should help Colorado in the bullpen quite a bit. A closer for the Astros late in 2012, he is expected to set up for {P Rafael Betancourt} in 2013. The Rockies will also get either a marginal prospect or some cash back in this deal. This is a solid move by Colorado at this time.
What does it give the Houston Astros
White was once a highly touted prospect in the Cleveland Indians organization. Then he was dealt to the Rockies in the {P Ubaldo Jimenez} trade and never panned out with Colorado. Injuries played a role, but so did White's confidence pitching at Coors Field. The Astros are hoping he can get his mojo back. In terms of stuff, he has what it takes to earn a job in Houston's rotation in 2013. Gillingham has some promise as a starter but is several years away from the big leagues.
Fantasy impact
Lopez could still save games in 2013, but he is more likely to be Colorado's holds guy in the eighth inning (in front of Betancourt). Therefore, his fantasy value could take a small dip. There are also concerns about his elbow, so his overall impact may not be great. As for White, he has a much better chance of making an impact in Houston than Colorado, so his value is spiked here. Gillingham is several years away, and may not have good fantasy value when he arrives anyway.
