TIGERS LAND SIMON FROM CINCINNATI
The Detroit Tigers acquired pitcher Alfredo Simon from the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Jonathon Crawford and infielder Eugenio Suarez.
What does it give the Detroit Tigers
Detroit will have at least one opening in their starting rotation (once they officially deal {P Rick Porcello} to Boston), and maybe more (if they can't re-sign {P Max Scherzer}). Therefore, they got some help in the form of Simon, who is coming off a breakout 2014 campaign (32 starts, 15-10, 3.44 ERA, 196.1 IP). The 33-year-old Dominican is a bit of a risk, though, since he totaled 19 starts prior to this past season. Still, he's a solid depth addition to the Tigers rotation.
What does it give the Cincinnati Reds
For the Reds, this move was predictable because there were several reports that Cincinnati was looking to move starting pitching. In fact, {P Mat Latos} is the next to go. Crawford is the key to the deal for the Reds, as he is a top pitching prospect with a bright future. He's a few years away, however. In Suarez, the Reds get a solid infielder who played a lot of shortstop in '14 due to the injury to {P Jose Iglesias}. He may back up both SS {P Zack Cozart} and 2B {P Brandon Phillips} next season.
Fantasy impact
Simon's move to a bigger ball park (Comerica Park in Detroit) and stronger offensive team may help his fantasy value, but as a general rule it's a risky proposition whenever a pitcher goes from the National to the American League. Buyer beware. Crawford has definite keeper appeal but won't be a major fantasy factor for at least a couple of years, while Suarez is a limited offensive player (and currently a backup). So his value is minimal, at best.
