ANGELS LAND STREET IN SIX-PLAYER DEAL
The Los Angeles Angels acquired pitchers Huston Street and Trevor Gott from the San Diego Padres for infielder Taylor Lindsey, shortstop Jose Rondon, as well as pitchers R.J. Alvarez and Elliot Morris.
What does it give the Los Angeles Angels
The Angels continue to tinker with their bullpen, but they now appear to have finally found a closer (at least for now). Street is expected to slide into the ninth-inning role, which would bump solid righty {P Joe Smith} back to a setup role (and knock former Pirates closer {P Jason Grilli} down a peg, as well). Street turns 31 next month and has loads of experience (including in the American League West during his time with Oakland). Gott is yet another reliever with pretty decent big-league upside who has reached Double-A ball.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
This was a pretty good haul for the Padres for their veteran closer. Lindsey immediately becomes San Diego's second baseman of the future (which would move the injured {P Jedd Gyorko} back to his natural third base position upon his return) and should see time in the bigs this year. Rondon is only 20 but has a bright future as a big-league shortstop. He is at least a year away, though. Alvarez has a chance to eventually close for the Pads (he is currently in Double-A ball), while Morris is a decent starting pitching prospect. Good deal for the Pads.
Fantasy impact
Street's fantasy value may suffer a little going from the NL to the heat of the pennant race in the American League West, but it shouldn't fall dramatically. Smith and Grilli lose out on save chances here, as both will now be setup men for the Halos. Joaquin Benoit (if he isn't traded before July 31) should inherit save chances in San Diego, so his value goes up. Lindsey could be the other big winner if he lands the Padres' starting second base job later this year (and in 2015). Alvarez and Rondon have obvious keeper-league appeal and should be squarely on the fantasy radar. Morris and Gott are long shots.
