Fantasy Update- Phillies & Astros make a move

I was watching Sportscenter last night and the ticker at the bottom of the screen read 5 player trade- HOU trades RP Brad Lidge & Util Eric Bruntlet to PHI for OF Michael Bourn, P Geof Geary & minor league OF. My first thought was it's about time!!! I mean it seems like 2 years and going that Houston has been shopping their streaky closer, and as a fantasy player he has been one of those high risk high reward players that I personally avoid unless they are available at a great value. Surprisingly the fallout of this trade as small as it would seem is quite large.


I think the biggest benefactor from this trade is Phillies Ace Brett Myers. Myers ended the season as the teams closer, a role he was "forced" into due to their bullpens ineptitude and early season injuries to the aging Tom Gordon. I never think it's a good idea to move the teams best pitcher to the bullpen mid- season, it's an adjustment of both pitching style and mentality. There was never a question of whether Myers had the closer mentality, he does...But Charlie Manuel called his number way too often letting him go multiple innings on a regular basis. Of course we all know the story Myers hurt his shoulder, which I personally expected... you got a guy coming in for a short situation throwing harder than he would as a starter pacing himself for 6+ IP and he is called on frequently (7 times in 11 days prior to injury). The blame cannot all be put on Manuel as the Phillies bullpen rank near the top in Blown Saves, not the list you want to lead. Manuel often looked to Myers to stop the bleeding and knowing Myer's competitive nature he most likely never asked for a day off. Now with this trade Myers is thrust back in the starting rotation and is a great guy to keep your eye on as he will most likely slide well below his true value due to his mixed numbers from last year. He is a great guy to target in RD 8-10 after his ADP was around 81 last season. Myers could potentially be a #2 or a solid #3 on any fantasy team next season. Along with Cole Hamels and impressive rookie Kyle Kendrick the Phillies have a good looking top of the rotation, unfortunately behind them is just one big ?


Obviously the other big impact the trade creates is Brad Lidge should immediately step in as the Philly closer. Tom Gordon shouldn't pose too much of a threat after dissapointing last season, and Lidge when he is on , is truly unhittable with that mid 90's fastball and one of the most devastating sliders in the game. Remember Philly is a hitters ballpark and Lidge has been to know implode on occasions so expectations should be held in check. Lidge does consistently provide good strikeout totals from a closer so that will help his value.

Michael Bourn is a speedy outfielder that could potentially fill the CF vacancy with rookie phenom Hunter Pence headed to RF and Berkman playing 1st base on a more consistent basis. Bourn will likely compete with OF Luke Scott for playing time, but could play himself into a larger role with his speed playing a key role at the top of the Houston lineup. In only 119AB's last season Bourn was successful in 18 of 19 SB attempts , while hitting a decent .277, and was a constant defensive replacement for Pat Burrell in left field. As of now it's too early to know what Bourn's role will be but if he shows good defense in CF and can keep his on base percentage at a reasonable level he could be a valuable sleeper pick for a manager looking for a boost in SB's. Keep an eye on this situation throughout training camp.

Beyond those 3 key players little else will be effected in the world of Fantasy. Geoff Geary likely will step into middle relief for Houston. Minor league OF Carlos Costanzo will start the season in the minor league, he is 24 and showed good power hitting 27HR for the Astros Double A affiliate. Eric Bruntlett a solid defensive utility man, and contact hitter will step into a similar role with Philly backing up their middle infield positions and possibly playing some time at 3rd base.