RAYS BRING IN INFIELDER RYAN SCHIMPF
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired infielder Ryan Schimpf from the San Diego Padres for infielder Deion Tansel.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
This is a typical move by the Rays, who are constantly looking for multi-position players. Schimpf, a left-handed hitter with a long swing but plenty of home-run power, can play all over the infield. The 29-year-old Schimpf could see at-bats as a utility infielder, backup third baseman, DH or other in 2018. His presence also provides insurance in case Tampa Bay finally decides to trade away franchise third baseman Evan Longoria (who is rumored to be on the trading block this winter).
What does it give the San Diego Padres
The Padres made a deal to bring back Chase Headley from the Yankees, so it made sense that the club parted ways with one of its depth infielders. Schimpf started quite a few games at the hot corner for San Diego but was never able to establish himself as an everyday player due to his lack of consistency at the plate. Strikeouts were a problem. In Tansel, the Pads land a decent shortstop prospect who was behind several others on the Rays' depth chart. He may be better off with San Diego.
Fantasy impact
Schimpf is a risky fantasy prosposition no matter where he plays, so his fantasy value should remain at the same feast-or-famine level that it was in San Diego. That said, the fact that he may steal at-bats as a DH moves his fantasy needle up--slightly. As for Tansel, it is too early to tell whether the move to San Diego will pay dividends. However, he will turn 24 next June and has never reached full-season A-ball yet, so there is probably very little to see here.
