BRAVES LAND RENTERIA FOR TOP PROSPECT
The Atlanta Braves acquired shortstop Edgar Renteria and cash considerations from the Boston Red Sox for infielder Andy Marte.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
Having lost shortstop Rafael Furcal as a free agent to the Dodgers in the past week, the Braves had to find themselves a suitable replacement and Renteria is just that. A four-time all-star, three-time Silver Slugger and two-time Gold Glover, Renteria had a tough time living up to his billing after signing with the Red Sox last year, particularly on defense. But there's little reason to believe he won't bounce back, particularly being back in the National League, where he'd spent his entire career before 2005. He and his keystone partner, Marcus Giles, will duke it out for the No. 1 and 2 spots in the lineup. The substantial cash heading to Atlanta will help pay for the $29 million owed to Renteria through 2008.
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
Even without a general manager, the Red Sox have landed themselves one of the top hitting prospects in baseball, which makes up for having traded their top prospect, shortstop Hanley Ramirez, earlier this off-season. The 22-year-old third baseman could be a big power hitter and run producer the near future, plus he's a mature kid with a strong glove at the hot corner. This acquisition may mean the Sox will soon try to trade either Marte or recently-acquired veteran third baseman Mike Lowell, who's under contract for two more years. Marte should be ready for The Show sometime in 2006.
Fantasy impact
