Wed, Dec 12, 2007 at 12:00am

BROUSSARD A RANGER

The Texas Rangers acquired first baseman Ben Broussard from the Seattle Mariners for second baseman Tug Hulett.

What does it give the Texas Rangers
Broussard may get a chance to play more in Texas, since the team dealt away Mark Teixeira last season. Furthermore, Jarrod Saltalamacchia is expected to remain at catcher on a full-time basis in 2008, which has opened up first base for Broussard. However, he's never hit left-handers well and is expected to settle into a platoon at first base--that's if he wins the job in the first place.

What does it give the Seattle Mariners
The Mariners remain committed to Richie Sexson at first base and Jose Vidro at designated hitter, which essentially meant Broussard was in limbo. Therefore, Seattle made this minor swap in order to give Broussard the chance to play more regularly. Hulett is a decent offensive second baseman who is not expected to compete for a roster spot right away.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

Seattle Mariners

Tug Hulett IF

Texas Rangers

Ben Broussard 1B