ZOBRIST TO THE A'S IN 5-PLAYER SWAP
The Oakland Athletics acquired infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist and shortstop Yunel Escobar from the Tampa Bay Rays for catcher John Jaso, infielder Daniel Robertson and outfielder Boog Powell.
What does it give the Athletics
This is a very interesting swap for two teams who usually mirror each other (build from within, trade players for prospects, etc.). This time, Oakland is clearly buying talent and selling off prospects. In Zobrist and Escobar, they receive two solid veterans who should make up the team's double-play combination in 2015. Zobrist is extremely versatile, so he could wind up in the outfield if need be. Escobar should start at shortstop. Both vets could be moved again at some point in '15.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
By dealing their DP combo, the Rays did receive a solid return here. Jaso is familiar with Tampa Bay and should play regularly against right-handed pitching. However, the key player for the Rays in this trade is Robertson, ranked as Oakland's No. 1 prospect for 2015 according to Baseball America. The 20-year-old shortstop could make it to Tampa Bay in a hurry. As for Powell, he's a more raw prospect. He's 22 and will likely spend '15 at either high Single-A ball or Double-A ball.
Fantasy impact
Zobrist's power could take a hit playing in Oakland, so both he and Escobar may suffer from a fantasy standpoint as long as they're with Oakland. That said, they could be dealt to a contending team at this year's trade deadline. The big winner here could be Robertson, who is probably closer to reaching the bigs as a member of the Rays. His fantasy upside is trending upward and has big-time keeper-league appeal. Jaso's value is steady, while Powell is several years away from prominence.
