LOFTON TO PHILLIES
The Philadelphia Phillies acquired outfielder Kenny Lofton from the New York Yankees for reliever Felix Rodriguez.
What does it give the Philadelphia Phillies
Clearly the Phillies have decided that young Marlon Byrd isn't going to cut it as their everyday center-fielder because Lofton is certainly going to take the bulk of the load there, though Jason Michaels will get some time there as well. But the big question is whether or not the career-long leadoff man will take on that role in Philly with Jimmy Rollins so strong in that role last year. The answer is most likely that he'll either bat second or eighth. The 37-year-old speedster also lends plenty of postseason experience to the Phillies.
What does it give the New York Yankees
The Yankees like only the best and in Felix Rodriguez, they've landed one of the best setup men in the game. He's used to having top closers in front of him in San Francisco (Robb Nen) and Philly (Billy Wagner) and will be right at home setting up Mariano Rivera. The veteran righty arguably gives the Yanks the best corps of right-handed relievers in baseball, alongside Rivera, Paul Quantrill, Tom Gordon and Steve Karsay.
Fantasy impact
