CUBS ADD IF LA STELLA FOR VIZCAINO
The Chicago Cubs acquired infielder Tommy La Stella from the Atlanta Braves for pitcher Arodys Vizcaino.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
It seems the current Cubs regime is intent on building with young bats. This marks yet another acquisition by them of a talented infielder (La Stella) in return for a talented pitcher (Vizcaino). That said, Chicago now has a super-glut of potential starting middle infielders. La Stella probably has the tools and plate patience to start for stretches in the majors, but he'll clearly be stuck behind rising star {P Javier Baez} at second base. Meanwhile the Cubs still have star {P Starlin Castro} at shortstop (along with top prospect {P Addison Russell}), and outfielder {P Arismendy Alcantara} can play the keystone spot too). It does give new manager Joe Maddon copious options at important positions, although the Cubs lose some ability to sign international players with the bonus slot part of the deal.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta's No. 1 prospect is speedy second baseman {P Jose Peraza}, and it's clear the Braves think he might be close to ready. By moving La Stella here they clear the way for Peraza, and if Peraza's not quite ready yet they have veteran {P Ramiro Pena} to hold down second base. Meanwhile the Braves get a gifted power arm in Vizcaino, who had some tough injury woes in '12 and '13 but now looks back to high-velocity form. Expect Vizcaino to soon replace the recently-moved {P Jordan Walden} as a top young arm backing up closer {P Craig Kimbrel} in the Atlanta 'pen. The added international bonus slots give the Braves increased flexibility to ink international players.
Fantasy impact
La Stella's already-limited fantasy appeal takes a minor hit here, since he looks unlikely to push for many starts in Chicago's gifted young infield. That said, he has the offensive tools to be a good utility guy. Vizcaino similarly doesn't see much change fantasy-wise, since it would probably take several key injuries in Atlanta's bullpen to earn him a shot at significant fantasy numbers anytime soon.
