WINDY CITY RELIEVERS SWAP SIDES
The Chicago Cubs acquired reliever Neal Cotts from the Chicago White Sox for reliever David Aardsma and minor-league pitcher Carlos Vasquez.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
With Scott Eyre and Will Ohman already in the bullpen, the acquisition of another left-handed reliever seems a little strange, but you can never have too much of a good thing. Cotts took a huge downturn in 2006 after a stellar '05. But he's always pretty effective against left-handed hitters and when he's at his best he can retire anyone.
What does it give the Chicago White Sox
A first rounder by the Giants back in 2003, Aardsma is almost two years younger than Cotts at 24 and is coming off a solid rookie season in the Cubs' bullpen. He throws hard and could have a future setting up closer Bobby Jenks in the South Side. Meanwhile, after dealing Cotts the Sox get a lefty right back in the deal in Vasquez. Just 23, he's slowly rising up the ladder despite being suspended in 2005 for steroid use. He probably still needs a full year at Triple-A under his belt before he's considered for the White Sox's bullpen.
Fantasy impact
