ROX GET HALE IN 4-PLAYER DEAL WITH BRAVES
The Colorado Rockies acquired pitchers David Hale and Gus Schlosser from the Atlanta Braves for catchers Jose Briceno and Chris O'Dowd.
What does it give the Colorado Rockies
In Hale, the Rockies land a serviceable pitcher who can both start and relieve. He is capable of being a groundball specialist, which greatly enhances his chances for success pitching half the time at Coors Field in Denver. Hale should compete for a spot in Colorado's rotation in spring training. Schlosser is a depth lefty who will probably spend much of 2015 in the minor leagues.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
In exchange for a fifth starter candidate and a depth left-hander, the Braves received two catching prospects in this deal. With {P Christian Bethancourt} likely graduating to the starting job in Atlanta this season, Atlanta felt they needed more catching depth in the organization. That said, neither Briceno nor O'Dowd is close to challenging Bethancourt for the top job.
Fantasy impact
Hale's fantasy value should take a bit of a dip now that he's in Denver, though he is still a candidate to pitch in the starting rotation in 2015. Schlosser's fantasy value is negligible. As for Briceno and O'Dowd, they should be considered merely depth catchers for now (and possibly for the long haul, as well).
