A'S GET VERSATILE COGHLAN FROM THE CUBS
The Oakland Athletics acquired infielder/outfielder Chris Coghlan from the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Aaron Brooks.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
The A's could use Coghlan all over the field, as he is versatile enough to play third and second base, plus the outfield corners. He might even see time in center field and first base. His left-handed bat should help Oakland, a team that perennially struggles to find enough offense to win consistently. Look for Coghlan to play mostly against right-handed pitching and see most of his time either in a platoon at third with Danny Valencia or left field with Khris Davis.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
The Cubs swept in at the last minute to re-sign veteran center-fielder Dexter Fowler (who was rumored to be leaning towards signing with the Orioles to play right field), which made Coghlan expendable. With Fowler back, Kyle Schwarber and Jorge Soler should platoon in left and Jason Heyward will play right field. Coghlan had nowhere to play, so Chicago moved him for a decent, dependable reliever in Brooks. This trade should benefit both clubs moving forward.
Fantasy impact
Coghlan's numbers in Chicago may not be duplicated now that he will spend half his games at spacious O.co Coliseum in Oakland, but his playing time is sure to be better with the A's than what his role might have been this season at Wrigley Field. As for Brooks, he will provide solid middle relief but little in the way of fantasy numbers.
