TIGERS LAND LATE-INNING RELIEVER VERAS
The Detroit Tigers acquired pitcher Jose Veras from the Houston Astros for outfielder Danry Vasquez and a player to be named later (David Paulino - September 13 2013).
What does it give the Detroit Tigers
All season long the contending Tigers have struggled to find consistency from their late-inning relievers, and Veras can definitely provide that. He's been very impressive as the Astros' closer, posting 19 saves and a 2.93 ERA along with 44 K's in 43 innings (and a sterling 1.00 WHIP). Veras is also a mature veteran leader who brings great intangibles to the Detroit clubhouse, so he should be a stabilizing influence for the shaky bullpen--and possibly the eventual closer, depending on how {P Joaquin Benoit} holds up. Vasquez is a very solid prospect, but the trade market this year isn't very deep in quality relievers like Veras. If Veras doesn't pan out the Tigers can decline his option for 2014.
What does it give the Houston Astros
The Astros are a very young team so moving the aging Veras was a no-brainer, and they get a solid young outfield prospect in Vasquez here. Vasquez is still very young (19) but already has a professional approach as a hitter, showing excellent ability to bat for contact as well as flashing solid athletic tools that suggest he might eventually be a good major-league regular. Vasquez is a nice add for Houston's impressive stockpile of young talent, and fits in well with a group of batters that includes excellent young prospects in {P George Springer}, {P Jonathan Singleton}, {P Carlos Correa}, {P Delino DeShields Jr.} and others.
Fantasy impact
In the short term the fantasy value for Veras takes a minor hit, since he goes from being a closer on a bad team to setup man on a contender. That said, Veras could supplant Benoit as closer for the Tigers sooner rather than later, which would give Veras a nice fantasy boost. This brings a slight downgrade for Benoit, and likely torpedoes any chance {P Al Alburquerque} or {P Bruce Rondon} have of ascending to the role anytime soon. In Houston there's now a need for a new closer, but it's unclear if it will be righty {P Jose Cisnero}, lefty {P Travis Blackley} or {P Josh Fields}. Keep an eye on that situation for saves. Also keep Vasquez on the long-term keeper radar, since he probably now has more opportunity to reach the majors sooner with young Houston than he did with veteran-laden Detroit.
