KOUZMANOFF HEADS TO OAKLAND
The Oakland Athletics acquired third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff and infielder Eric Sogard from the San Diego Padres for outfielders Scott Hairston and Aaron Cunningham.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
With Eric Chavez's availability likely sporadic (if that) at third base going forward, the A's needed a player with Kouzmanoff's credentials to either platoon and/or take over at the hot corner. While Kouzmanoff doesn't take a lot of walks (usually a must for A's players), he does have obvious power in his bat and has done a good job improving his defense the past couple of seasons. Adding him gives Oakland more options at third, and they won't have to rely so much on great-hitting, not-so-great defending infielder Jake Fox. Meanwhile, prospect Sogard is much closer to the type of player Oakland usually covets, since he's a patient hitter with a solid bat and a little speed on the basepaths. Sogard could start the season at Triple-A.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
With Kouzmanoff gone, the Padres can now move Chase Headley back to third base (from left field). That obviously opens up an opportunity in the young Padres outfield, and both Hairston (who is well-known to San Diego) and Cunningham (who has enjoyed solid success in the minors) could vie for time there in 2010.
Fantasy impact
