A's, RANGERS SWAP FOUR PLAYERS
The Oakland Athletics acquired outfielder Craig Gentry and pitcher Josh Lindblom from the Texas Rangers for outfielder Michael Choice and infielder Chris Bostick.
What does it give the Oakland Athletics
The A's seem to be in more of a win-now mode than they've been in many, many years. Gentry is an accomplished fourth and platoon outfielder with excellent defensive ability and good speed. He may not play every day but he should see ample playing time in 2014. Lindblom is capable of both starting and relieving, but with Oakland he's expected to serve a bullpen role going forward.
What does it give the Texas Rangers
Choice, who turned 24 last month, still has plenty of upside as a run producer. He saw his first taste of the big leagues in 2013 and may get a shot at an everyday gig with the Rangers in 2014. A Texas native, Choice could fill a void in left field immediately. Bostick is a solid middle-infield prospect who has played a lot of second base since being drafted by Oakland. He's a long-range prospect.
Fantasy impact
Gentry's playing time is currently in flux, so his fantasy value probably remains stagnant at this point. Choice is the one who may see a significant spike in fantasy value here, especially if the Rangers don't acquire another option for left field. Choice has enough bat to DH, too. Lindblom's days as a starter could be done, so his fantasy value takes a hit after this deal, while Bostick is now on the keeper-league radar (but is clearly blocked by both {P Jurickson Profar} and {P Elvis Andrus}).
