Fri, Jul 20, 2012 at 11:00am

JAYS ADD PITCHING IN 10-PLAYER SWAP

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired pitchers J.A. Happ, Brandon Lyon and David Carpenter from the Houston Astros for outfielder Ben Francisco, pitchers Francisco Cordero, David Rollins, Asher Wojciechowski and Joe Musgrove, catcher Carlos Perez and a player to be named later.

What does it give the Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have been ravaged by injuries this season, in particular to their starting rotation. Therefore, adding Happ at this time is a solid move. He's not great, but he is serviceable (and they need arms right now). Lyon and Carpenter should pitch out of the Toronto bullpen and add some depth--especially since closer Sergio Santos is out for the season. Look for Lyon to help set up new closer Casey Janssen. The Jays gave up a lot of quantity in this deal, but were able to keep their best prospects. This is a good move for a team still in contention for an AL Wild Card berth.

What does it give the Houston Astros
The Astros gave up one starter and two relievers here, but it's just the continuation of their massive rebuild, which should come to a head before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline. Rollins may wind up being the key player in this deal, as he's the best of the pitching prospects acquired. Wojciechowski and Mugrove add depth, while Francisco should see a little more playing time in Houston (perhaps as a right-handed half of a platoon in right field). Cordero, who was terrible in Toronto, may get a new lease on life with the Astros. Don't be surprised if he pitches the eighth or ninth innings again. Perez adds catching depth and the player to be named later should be known by year's end. Overall, Houston added a lot of players but nothing earth-shaking here. Happ's spot in the rotation will likely go to promising rookie lefty Dallas Keuchel.

Fantasy impact