BUCS LAND QUALITY LEFTY RP BASTARDO
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired pitcher Antonio Bastardo from the Philadelphia Phillies for pitcher Joely Rodriguez.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
In Bastardo, the Pirates get a left-handed reliever among the best in the National League. He's not a closer but rather a quality left-handed setup man who can be relied upon to pitch against both left-handed and right-handed batters. He joins fellow lefty {P Tony Watson} and closer {P Mark Melancon} to form a very strong late-inning bullpen situation in Pittsburgh.
What does it give the Philadelphia Phillies
For the Phillies, this is about getting more quality young pitching in their system. Rodriguez, a talented left-hander who can both start and relieve, could vie for a spot on Philadelphia's 25-man roster during spring training. However, this deal is more about the future. Bastardo was to become a free agent after 2015, and the Phils have both {P Jake Diekman} and {P Mario Hollands} to replace lefty Bastardo in the 'pen.
Fantasy impact
Rodriguez has keeper appeal, though he will need to learn how to pitch effectively at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, which isn't always easy. Still, his fantasy prospects are on the rise. For Bastardo, his fantasy value remains high and is probably better now that he's moved to a true NL contender in Pittsburgh.
