Mon, Dec 13, 2004 at 12:00am

BREWERS, CHI-SOX SWAP OUTFIELDERS

The Chicago White Sox acquired outfielder Scott Podsednik, pitcher Luis Vizcaino and a player to be named later from the Milwaukee Brewers for outfielder Carlos Lee.

What does it give the Milwaukee Brewers
Suddenly the relatively limp Brewers' lineup gets a whole lot more potent with the addition of this slugging outfielder. One of the more unheralded hitters in the game, Lee will fit right into the middle of the lineup, possibly even in the cleanup spot, as a consistent hitter with power. With their solid stock of young pitching, this new lineup will definitely make the Brewers more competitive in 2005.

What does it give the Chicago White Sox
Podsednik is certainly the key to the deal for the White Sox, as he'll give them a true speedy leadoff man and the kind of rangy center-fielder they've been missing. He also gives them a left-handed hitter in the lineup -- something they've been in short supply of. Vizcaino bounced back from a horrible 2003 to re-establish himself as a reliable right-handed setup man with the Brewers last year and he'll surely fill that role with the Sox. However, if closer Shingo Takatsu struggles, Vizcaino will be next in line.

Fantasy impact