ANGELS GET IF RUTLEDGE FOR RP DIAZ
The Los Angeles Angels acquired infielder Josh Rutledge from the Colorado Rockies for pitcher Jairo Diaz.
What does it give the Los Angeles Angels
After the Angels dealt longtime second baseman {R Howie Kendrick} to the Dodgers, they quickly made a move to secure a potential successor in Rutledge. A natural shortstop, Rutledge has some decent pop in his bat and also some speed. However, he essentially lose the second base job to {P D.J. LeMahieu} in 2014 and spent his time as mostly a utility infielder. Now with the Angels, he's expected to compete with {P Grant Green} for a starting role at second base (unless LA does more wheeling and dealing this off-season).
What does it give the Colorado Rockies
The Rockies have let teams know verbally that they're not interested in trading star shortstop {P Troy Tulowitzki}, who has long been rumored to be on the trading block. That said, actions speak louder than words. By moving Rutledge instead, this probably kills any 'Tulo' trade talk. In Diaz, the Rockies land a quality young reliever with the upside to become their closer at some point. LeMahieu is also now more entrenched as the starter at second base. This deal filled needs on both sides, so it's a fairly even swap.
Fantasy impact
The big winners here are LeMahieu, who should have a clearer path to starting most of the time at second base for the Rockies, as well as all Tulowitzki fantasy owners (since it sounds like he won't be leaving Coors Field anytime soon). Rutledge could also benefit from increased playing time if he wins the second base job with the Angels, but there is some talk that LA will make another move for a second sacker. Therefore, buyer beware. Diaz has long-range appeal as a potential closer, and he could see increased late-inning appearances right away in '15.
