BRAVES-CUBS SWAP THREE
The Atlanta Braves acquired infielder Omar Infante and pitcher Will Ohman from the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Jose Ascanio.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
The Braves will use Ohman as a situational lefty, which was Ron Mahay's role late last year. However, in a bullpen with Mike Gonzalez and Royce Ring potentially in the mix, Ohman may not see a lot of action. As for Infante, his time in Chicago was extremely brief. He will now take over Yunel Escobar's old utility role, with the Cuban now expected to take over at shortstop. Infante will help Atlanta, but the club may have given up on the 22-year-old Ascanio too quickly.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
This deal could turn out to be a steal for Chicago, since Ascanio has the most upside of the three players (by far). Moreover, the Cubs will save roughly $3 million in salary with this transaction, so expect them to be extremely busy before the start of spring training. Ascanio has an excellent shot at earning a bullpen role in Chicago, where the closer role comes into question virtually every year.
Fantasy impact
