RED-HOT ROYALS REEL IN VETERAN WILLINGHAM
The Kansas City Royals acquired DH/outfielder Josh Willingham from the Minnesota Twins for pitcher Jason Adam.
What does it give the Kansas City Royals
The Royals have won eight games in a row, taking over a slim lead in the AL Central and solidifying themselves as a contender for the playoffs. Willingham should help them down the stretch (and in the postseason, if they get there). Although he's batting only .210 this season, Willingham still produces prodigious pop in streaks and is a patient hitter who takes walks. He should step in right away and fulfil regular DH duties (with {P Billy Butler} manning first base while {P Eric Hosmer} is sidelined by a broken hand). Assuming the team keeps lefty-hitting DH {P Raul Ibanez} around, he and Willingham can form a platoon.
What does it give the Minnesota Twins
Adam isn't a top prospect but he has some promising tools as a starting pitching prospect. His season in the minors (at both Double-A and Triple-A) has been hot and cold overall, but he has the goods to eventually push for a rotation spot in Minnesota. Willingham's somewhat pricey contract expires after this season, so the young Twins get something in return for an aging player while saving some cash down the stretch.
Fantasy impact
This trade pretty much saps Ibanez of any remaining fantasy value he had, and while Willingham may be motivated to help his new club, he too isn't boosted by this deal. Meanwhile in Minnesota, speedy {P Jordan Schafer} appears poised to take over left field for Willingham (and so has some fringe fantasy value for those needing steals). Don't consider Adam in fantasy leagues until a few years from now, if at all.
