CUBS ACQUIRE HARD THROWER RODRIGUEZ
The Chicago Cubs acquired pitcher Henry Rodriguez from the Washington Nationals for pitcher Ian Dickson.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
In Rodriguez, the Cubs land a quality power arm with plenty of untapped potential. Rodriguez can reach triple digits on the radar gun with his fastball but has been plagued by a lack of control and injuries so far in his young career. If he could ever put it together, the Cubs may have landed a future closer. At the very least, Rodriguez should help the Cubs out of the bullpen in whatever role they use him in.
What does it give the Washington Nationals
Selected in the 35th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, Dickson was pitching in the Midwest League (low Single-A ball) at the time of the trade. A very projectable right-hander (6-5, 215 pounds), he pitched both as a starter and reliever during his stint with the Cubs. Either way, the Nationals did pretty well here because they had designated Rodriguez for assignment and got back a solid arm.
Fantasy impact
Rodriguez has some sleeper appeal as a Chicago Cub now, since his path is not blocked by several others in the bullpen anymore. It's now up to Rodriguez to harness his arsenal and maximize output. A little luck from the injury front would also be nice. As for Dickson, he has a bit of long-range keeper appeal but is only a blip on the radar for the time being.
