TIGERS ACQUIRE RULE 5 PICK KOBERNUS
The Detroit Tigers acquired infielder Jeff Kobernus from the Boston Red Sox for outfielder Justin Henry.
What does it give the Detroit Tigers
Kobernus is an intriguing player, since he has great size for the middle infield positions. However, his greatest asset is his lightning-fast wheels and base-running ability. That alone makes him a decent candidate to stick around in Detroit all season in 2013 (as a Rule 5 selection, he must remain on the Tigers' 25-man roster for all of 2013).
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
Like Kobernus, Henry has good speed and some base-stealing upside, though he needs to start becoming more efficient in his attempts. He's also a patient hitter who walks as much as he strikes out. Unfortunately, he doesn't have much power. Since he wasn't added to the Red Sox' 40-man roster, he is an organizational afterthought.
Fantasy impact
Kobernus could be a good source for stolen bases if he played a fair amount in the big leagues in 2013, but that's not a given on a veteran-laden squad such as the Tigers. So, he's at best a fantasy dark horse. Henry has no fantasy value at this time.
