According to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star (via Twitter), the Kansas City Royals have traded Alberto Callaspo to the Los Angeles Angels for RHP Sean O’Sullivan and minor league LHP Will Smith. Let’s take a quick look at the winners from the deal:
Los Angeles Angels
They have been using Maicer Izturis, Brandon Wood ,and Kevin Frandsen at 3B, so needless to say this is an upgrade for them.
Callaspo is currently hitting .275 with 8 HR, 43 RBI, 40 R and 3 SB in 349 AB. He’s primarily hit fifth or sixth for the Royals, though I don’t see him filling that role in L.A. There’s a chance he could see time hitting second, should Brandon Wood struggle, otherwise he’ll hit seventh or eighth.
There’s also a chance he shares time at 3B, so unless he sees regular AB and hits second, his value remains unchanged (though, he could see less RBI opportunity). He’s worth owning in deeper formats due to his eligibility at 2B and 3B, but he’s far from a must own.
Kansas City Royals
In O’Sullivan, the Royals get a pitcher who has worked primarily as a starter, though he has struggled in recent years. In 10 starts (12 appearances) for the Angels in 2009 he posted a 5.98 ERA and 1.48 WHIP.
At Triple-A this season he went 5-5 with a 4.76 ERA and 58 K over 85.0 innings. He was also very hittable, allowing 95 hits, as well as walking 31. While it was in the PCL, those are still not encouraging numbers.
He does have a career GB percent of 48.5 percent in the minor leagues, though it was just 42.1 percent at Triple-A this season. Yes he pitched well against the Yankees earlier this week (2 ER over 6.0 IP in a win), but don’t read much into it. He has little chance of being usable outside of AL-Only formats.
Will Smith has posted a 5.53 ERA in 19 starts across three levels in 2010, so needless to say he’s a non-factor for fantasy owners.
As for who assumes 3B duties, don’t expect it to be Mike Moustakas. Unless the Royals have dramatically changed their stance, the plan was to keep him in the minor leagues all year long.
Wilson Betemit, who has played seven games at 3B, will likely get the majority of the AB. He’s currently hitting .368 with 4 HR and 10 RBI in just 57 AB. He’s long had potential, but never has lived up to the hype. For those in deeper formats, he certainly is worth gambling on, especially with the lack of depth at the position.
Conclusion
While there is no huge winner in this deal, the biggest benefactor is likely Betemit, who has the potential to contribute to fantasy teams over the final two months of the season. Look for the average to fall (his BABIP is currently at .436), but the potential is worth the low-side risk in deeper leagues.
What are your thoughts on the deal? Who is the winner? How does it affect Callaspo’s value?
Make sure to check out our other trade analysis:
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