A'S GET SLUGGER BANKS FROM SAN DIEGO
The Oakland Athletics acquired first baseman/outfielder Kyle Blanks from the San Diego Padres for first baseman/outfielder Jake Goebbert and a player to be named later.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
Blanks is the latest Oakland reclamation project, something the A's organization is very good at. He has light-tower power but also an extremely long swing, which gets him into trouble. Blanks, who can play first base and either corner outfield position, is better suited to the American League--where he can be used as a designated hitter. He may be used in a platoon role at a variety of positions. Don't be surprised if Oakland gets good mileage out of Blanks.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
The Padres no longer had room for Blanks on the roster, since outfielders {P Carlos Quentin} and {P Cameron Maybin} recently returned from injury. With {P Seth Smith}, {P Chris Denorfia}, {P Will Venable} and {P Alexi Amarista} also in the picture, there wasn't a need to keep Blanks around any longer. At first base, the Pads have {P Yonder Alonso} as the starter, while catcher {P Yasmani Grandal} may also see more action there going forward. So, San Diego took what they could get.
Fantasy impact
Blanks' fantasy value should improve dramatically in Oakland, a team that likes big power hitters (even those with very long swings and a propensity to strike out a lot). He now becomes an intriguing fantasy sleeper. As for Goebbert, he has virtually no fantasy value as he's a midling 26-year-old journeyman outfielder without much of a big-league future.
Player focus
San Diego Padres
player to be named later in 2014 - Ronald Herrera
