TIGERS ADD MORE SS DEPTH IN GONZALEZ
The Detroit Tigers acquired infielder Alex Gonzalez from the Baltimore Orioles for infielder Steve Lombardozzi.
What does it give the Detroit Tigers
The contending Tigers got bad news recently that projected starting shortstop {P Jose Iglesias} may not play much this season due to shin fractures. That prompted this trade, as well as another recent swap that brought in {P Andrew Romine}. Gonzalez might not have much left in the tank at age 37, but he is a capable fielder at short who can provide the occasional home run at the bottom of the order. He's also batting very well this spring, and is well-known to Tigers GM {B Dave Dombrowski} from their time together in the Marlins organization.
What does it give the Baltimore Orioles
Lombardozzi doesn't bring much at all as a hitter but does have above-average speed on the basepaths (with six steals this spring) and a very good glove, with the ability to fill in as a backup at several positions. Those tools add up to him being a potentially solid utility guy and pinch-runner for an Orioles team that puts a priority on good glovework. They could also use more speed.
Fantasy impact
Gonzalez might have marginal fantasy value as a short-term plug-in/injury replacement when he gets on a hot streak, but otherwise should probably be avoided in most formats (since he's aging, injury-prone and strikes out a ton). This deal saps Romine of any fantasy upside he may have enjoyed this season. Lombardozzi is not a fantasy factor and should not be considered unless he somehow finds himself in a starting role (which is unlikely) and you're in need of a few steals.
