RED SOX LAND BUCS CLOSER HANRAHAN
The Boston Red Sox acquired pitcher Joel Hanrahan and infielder Brock Holt from the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitchers Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel, first baseman/outfielder Jerry Sands and infielder Ivan DeJesus jr..
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox wanted more late-inning insurance for current closer {P Andrew Bailey}, who is coming off an injury-marred first season in Boston. Enter Hanrahan, who should at the very least push Bailey for save opportunities in 2013. The Red Sox also get Holt, who may emerge as a utility infielder. The Sox gave up a lot of quantity in order to land Hanrahan--a potential free agent after 2013--but they didn't have to give up a lot of quality here.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
In Melancon, the Bucs land an inconsistent but talented reliever who could wind up pitching in a setup role for Pittsburgh in 2013. He may replace veteran {P Jason Grilli}, who has now been promoted to Hanrahan's old closer job. Pimentel is a pretty good, albeit raw, talent. Sands has some upside as well, but he may not have a regular spot in the lineup. DeJesus adds some infield depth, too. The Bucs clearly wanted to get something for Hanrahan.
Fantasy impact
Hanrahan was an undisputed closer in Pittsburgh, so the fact he might share the role with Bailey could hurt both late-inning relievers from a fantasy perspective. Melancon, on the other hand, may have a more defined role in Pittsburgh. Therefore, his fantasy value is on the rise. Sands is a dark horse, while Pimentel has keeper-league value. Neither DeJesus nor Holt will amount to much from a fantasy perspective.
