Sat, Jul 21, 2012 at 10:07pm

HOUSTON MOVES MYERS TO CHISOX

The Chicago White Sox acquired pitcher Brett Myers and cash from the Houston Astros for pitchers Matt Heidenreich and Blair Walters, and a player to be named later.

What does it give the Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are expected to keep young {P Addison Reed} as closer for now, but Myers brings them excellent insurance at closer and a gritty vet who can set up right away. Myers converted 19 of 21 saves for the Astros this year after being moved from the starting rotation before the season started, and he may well take over as closer in Chicago if Reed continues to struggle in the role. The cash helps pay for Myers' salary this season, and Chicago can buy him out over the winter if things don't pan out.

What does it give the Houston Astros
Houston continues to move veterans while beefing up their farm system here. Moving Myers to the closer role in spring training was a great move that paid off both on the field and with this trade, and the recent acquisition of {P Francisco Cordero} from the Blue Jays gives Houston a new closer. Heidenreich is a righty starter who did well in High-A earlier this summer but has struggled at Double-A, while Walters is a lefty starter who dominated this year at Low-A before struggling at High-A ball. The two don't appear close to the majors.

Fantasy impact