Wed, Jul 19, 2006 at 12:00pm

METS AND ROYALS SWAP DEPTH INFIELDERS

The New York Mets acquired minor-league second baseman Ruben Gotay from the Kansas City Royals for minor-league second baseman Jeff Keppinger.

What does it give the New York Mets
Really the Mets didn't get much more than a depth second baseman in this deal. While they're still looking to acquire a second baseman to start for them in the majors down the stretch, veteran Jose Valentin continues to do a good job. Meanwhile, prospect Anderson Hernandez is the heir-apparent. Gotay was once viewed as a solid prospect and he's still just 23, but failed to win the starting job in K.C. last year and hasn't hit up a storm at Triple-A this year.

What does it give the Kansas City Royals
Keppinger also figures as a depth guy in Kansas City. Now 26, he's proved himself as an excellent contact hitter in the minors, but doesn't offer much in the way of speed or power. Batting .299 for Triple-A Norfolk this year, he could be up as a utility man later this season.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

Kansas City Royals

Jeff Keppinger IF

New York Mets

Ruben Gotay IF