YANKEES ADD BERKMAN
The New York Yankees acquired first baseman Lance Berkman and cash from the Houston Astros for pitcher Mark Melancon and infielder Jimmy Paredes.
What does it give the New York Yankees
The Yankees will almost certainly use Berkman mostly as a DH the rest of the way, since veteran Nick Johnson is disabled and unlikely to be a factor down the stretch. Berkman is not expected to remain a Yankee beyond 2010, so this move was a rental. He'll bat lower down in the Yankees lineup than he was used to in Houston. The Yanks received a little money to cover Berkman's remaining salary this year.
What does it give the Houston Astros
Melancon could help Houston's bullpen situation right away, and he has a chance to become an impact reliever for the Astros over the long haul. Paredes is a marginal second-base prospect for a team with very little middle-infield depth and few great prospects for the future. Also, Berkman may opt to return to Houston as a free agent over the winter, so this move is low-risk/high-reward.
Fantasy impact
