ROYALS ACQUIRE MARRERO
The Kansas City Royals acquired outfielder-catcher Eli Marrero and cash considerations from the Atlanta Braves for pitcher Jorge Vasquez.
What does it give the Kansas City Royals
With Marrero's history as a catcher and with this trade coming around the same time as the trade of Benito Santiago, it might look like the Royals are looking at Marrero to take that role. But that's not likely, as he's only caught in six games over the last two seasons. He'll be worked into a crowded outfield mix that doesn't really feature a proven everyday outfielder, so with his steady and occasionally powerful right-handed swing, he should get plenty of playing time.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
At 26, Vasquez is a bit of a late-blooming prospect but is no less promising for it. Though he doesn't have terribly overpowering heat, he has an off-the-charts slider, which he uses often and has incredible command over. That's made him a strong closer in the minors the past two seasons and could work him into the Braves' setup plans in 2005.
Fantasy impact
