BUCS ADD VERSATILE LEFTY OLIVER
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired pitcher Andrew Oliver from the Detroit Tigers for catcher Ramon Cabrera.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
Not long ago, Oliver was a promising left-handed starter in the Tigers system with a great opportunity to fill the team's No. 5 starter role. Unfortunately, he imploded and wound up moving to the bullpen at Triple-A Toledo in 2012. Still, he's only 25 and considered a decent prospect. Pittsburgh, which should have an opening in the rotation during spring training, will have Oliver compete for a starter job. If he fails to win that, he'll likely wind up in the 'pen.
What does it give the Detroit Tigers
The Tigers finally gave up on Oliver, as other lefties (specifically {P Drew Smyly}, {P Casey Crosby}, {P Duane Below} and {P Adam Wilk}) surpassed him on the team's depth chart. In return, Detroit gets a solid (if unspectacular) catching prospect in Cabrera, who can hit for a good average and switch-hit. He also calls a good game, which makes him a candidate to back up {P Alex Avila} down the road. He will probably begin his Tigers career at Toledo in 2013.
Fantasy impact
Oliver's fantasy value should be significantly higher as a starter in Pittsburgh, as opposed to a fringe reliever in Detroit. In fact, he now owns plenty of sleeper appeal for 2013. Cabrera won't be much of a fantasy factor when he eventually reaches the big leagues, plus he'll be stuck behind Avila for some time in all likelihood.
