TORONTO TRADES FOR OUTFIELDER FRANCISCO
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired outfielder Ben Francisco from the Philadelphia Phillies for pitcher Frank Gailey.
What does it give the Toronto Blue Jays
The Jays picking up Francisco here is a bit hard to figure, since they already have a deep group of rising young talent in the outfield. That said, Toronto could use Francisco as a right-handed half of an outfield platoon in left field in 2012--with either Travis Snider or Eric Thames. Perhaps another deal is coming after this one.
What does it give the Philadelphia Phillies
Gailey has been a very effective lefty reliever at the Single-A level but struggled last season at Double-A. At 26 he needs to start stepping up, but at the very least he gives the Phils some bullpen depth in the system (and he's a Philadelphia native too, a nice bonus). Francisco was arbitration eligible, so this move gives them some financial flexibility as well.
Fantasy impact
