BAEZ, CARTER TO DODGERS
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired pitchers Danys Baez and Lance Carter from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for pitchers Edwin Jackson and Chuck Tiffany.
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
Having lost three key relievers throughout the off-season, the Dodgers had to find a way to improve their bullpen depth, and they did that in a big way with this deal, acquiring two righties with closer experience to fit in behind Eric Gagne. After a couple of solid seasons as a closer, Baez really broke through last year, netting 41 saves and an all-star berth. He'll become the Dodgers' primary setup man. Carter was the Rays' closer before Baez came along, amassing 26 saves and earning an all-star nod in 2003. Since then he's filled setup duties and will work with Yhency Brazoban as the Dodgers' seventh-and-eighth-inning guys.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays had been trying all winter to find a new home for Baez, who had priced himself out of their budget, and they worked out a fairly promising deal here. Jackson is a flame-throwing young righty with tremendous stuff who made his major-league debut on his 20th birthday in 2003 and looked terrific. Trouble is, he's had nasty struggles in the majors and minors ever since. But he is still just 22 and if he finds his footing in the majors, he could be a strong starter for a long time. He'll challenge for the fourth or fifth spot in the rotation this spring. Tiffany is a crafty lefty who will soon turn 21. He's got a nasty curveball and a good feel for pitching, but he's still a couple of years away from making an impact in the majors. He'll surely start 2006 at Double-A.
Fantasy impact
