LA FLIPS HEANEY RIGHT AWAY FOR KENDRICK
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired second baseman Howie Kendrick from the Los Angeles Angels for pitcher Andrew Heaney.
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
Hopefully, Kendrick likes the Los Angeles area because he's staying put--despite being traded. For the second time in a week, the crosstown-rival Dodgers and Angels made a trade. This time, it's big. In Kendrick, the Dodgers get a very solid second baseman to replace the recently-dealt {P Dee Gordon}. It cost them the prize acquisition from the Gordon deal (Heaney), but clearly the new Dodgers regime likes what Kendrick brings to the ball park more than what Gordon does. Kendrick has more pop in his bat and is a more steady defender, though he doesn't run as well and lacks Gordon's flashiness afield. Overall, though, Kendrick upgrades the position of second base for the Dodgers.
What does it give the Los Angeles Angels
Kendrick had been rumored to be on the trading block for quite some time now, but perhaps the last place he expected to land was across town with the Dodgers. In Heaney's case, he was only a Dodger for a few minutes before being flipped to the Angels. His new team has a more pressing need for starting pitching than either the Dodgers or Marlins, so Heaney may be on the fast track to the majors in 2015. With {P Garrett Richards} (knee) not expected to be ready for Opening Day, look for Heaney to compete for a rotation job in spring training. His ceiling is very high, so the Angels feel he was worth moving their starting second sacker for.
Fantasy impact
For Kendrick, moving to the National League and spacious Dodger Stadium may negatively affect his fantasy value. That said, the dropoff shouldn't be significant. He's still an above-average option at second base. Heaney went from Miami, to Chavez Ravine, to Orange County in a matter of minutes. His fantasy value remains high and his chances to pitch regularly in the bigs has improved now that he's with the Angels.
