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For days, Ted Lilly(notes) and Ryan Theriot(notes) have been linked to the Dodgers in trade rumors. The deal was finally completed on Saturday, as the Cubs shipped the pair to LA in exchange for Blake DeWitt(notes) and minor league right-handers Brett Wallach and Kyle Smit.

If you own Lilly in any fantasy format, this move works. You were no doubt panicked about the possibility of a shift to the American League, and that threat has now passed. Lilly's home park situation improves, as does his projected run-support. What he lacks in velocity these days (86.1 mph fastball) he's made up for in guile and … well, a bit of luck (.261 BABIP). This is a clear upgrade for the Dodgers, of course. They've had a revolving door in the starting rotation. Lilly is a flyball pitcher, and that trait should play better in LA than it did at Wrigley.

Lilly's departure should enable the Cubs to begin restoring Carlos Zambrano's(notes) value, or kill it off entirely. Thomas Diamond, a 27-year-old righty with the Iowa Cubs, reportedly may get a start for Chicago on Monday. He has a 3.16 ERA at Triple-A with 104 Ks in 108.1 innings, but walks have been an issue (46). 

Theriot's situation is now somewhat murky. According to MLB.com's Ken Gurnick, he's "likely to split time at second base with Jamey Carroll(notes)." Theriot's fantasy value has always been propped up by his 20-steal speed (never mind the poor success rate), but in reality, DeWitt seems like the greater asset. He's six years younger than Theriot, he's cheaper, he's under team control through 2014, and he's reaching base at a better clip (.352 OBP vs. .320). Neither player offers much assistance in terms of power, although DeWitt has a few double-digit homer seasons on his minor league resume. All things considered, he's not such a bad pick-up for Chicago.

Neither of the prospects involved in the deal are going to visit the majors this season, but they're both worth discussing. The 21-year-old Wallach is the son of this man, who happens to be the manager at Triple-A Albuquerque, the Dodgers' PCL affiliate. Brett is 6-0 in the Single-A Midwest League with a 3.72 ERA and 92 Ks in 84.2 innings. He was a third-round pick in the 2009 draft.

Kyle Smit is not the son of Rik Smits, which would be awesome. All we can say for sure is that he's a 22-year-old reliever who was recently promoted to Double-A, and he's delivered a 2.35 ERA and six saves across two levels. Smit has struck out 47 batters in 53.2 innings and he's issued just 10 walks. 

Rik Smits, as far as we know, has not been traded. Still a retired Pacer. No need to add him.

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Photo via Getty Images

The front offices in Pittsburgh and Cleveland did the right thing on Saturday afternoon, accepting the fungible nature of late-inning relief and trading their closers to the Dodgers and Yankees, respectively. From a broad baseball standpoint, we can stand back and applaud the moves.

But the roto heads that got counterfeited on Octavio Dotel(notes) and Kerry Wood(notes) don't want to hear it. Nothing stings like a closer who's traded completely out of his fantasy value.

We'll discuss the Dotel move first because it's got the most actionable fantasy element tied to it. Dotel heads to Chavez Ravine where he'll be one of the set-up men in front of Jonathan Broxton(notes); Dotel will have holds appeal if you're in one of those groups, but his ninth-inning days are done. Pittsburgh gets an intriguing pair of players back, promising right-handed starter James McDonald(notes) and Double-A outfielder Andrew Lambo.

The Bucs now have a closer opening and it's a little tricky because Evan Meek(notes) and Joel Hanrahan(notes) are both good fits for the post. Meek's been a revelation as the seventh-inning magician this year (1.23 ERA, 0.87 WHIP), but Hanrahan has plenty in his favor as well: he's more of a power arm (63 whiffs in 45.2 innings; he looked amazing at St. Louis on Friday) and he's owned the eighth inning all season, traditionally the gateway to the big chair. Maybe it shouldn't matter that Hanrahan has some previous closing experience but that sort of thing often comes into play as well. Bottom line, if you have one ticket to punch speculating on saves in Pittsburgh, I'd go with Hanrahan.

Wood's trade to The Bronx comes as no big shock; the Indians have been shopping Wood most of the season and the Yankees needed to hedge their Joba Chamberlain(notes) bets. Chris Perez(notes) shifts from temporary Cleveland closer to permanent ninth-inning staple now that Wood has departed; Perez cemented his status with a rocky-but-converted save at Toronto shortly before the gun fired on the trade deadline.

Wood will be used in a high-leverage role with the Yankees so long as he's healthy, but obviously he's no longer a ninth-inning guy now that he's caddying for Mariano Rivera(notes). Can Wood handle the pressure of New York and the challenges of the hitter-friendly ballpark? Let's allow Harold Reynolds of MLB Network to take a stab at that:

"I can't see . . . putting the game on the line . . . in a fly-ball ballpark, where the ball jumps, with a guy who throws the ball who gives up fly balls. It just doesn't fit for me."

I don't even know how to respond to that. Mr. Reynolds has spoken. Let's head to the comments and talk about closers, past, present and future.

Update, 2:17 pm: Pirates manager John Russell isn't endorsing a closer right now, according to Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com. The early save opportunities – and what happens with them – will go a long way in determining who handles the job the rest of the way. I still favor Hanrahan if you have to pick just one of these guys right this second; his skill set and the usage pattern this year makes him the logical favorite to get the first chance.

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Photo via Getty Images 

In Fantasyland it 'tis the trading season. We're all intrigued for various reasons.

Good little baseball girls and boys lay asnooze in their beds with thoughts of category difference makers dancing in their heads. Only leaguers who've hoarded FAAB cash are in a prime position to make a mad Berkman, Cantu or Scotty Pods dash. Shallow managers who relish a mix, may even pick-up good ole' Jayson Nix(notes). So come, reveal your wishes on Santana Claus' lap. And don't forget to weigh the pluses and minuses of J.A. Happ(notes).

Here's a buyer's guide from a very busy deadline week to help you prepare for a championship streak:

Drew Storen(notes), Was, RP, 26-percent owned 
Bust a move in … 10-team mixers via waivers/trade
Matt Capps'(notes) dismissal to Minnesota throws open the door of opportunity for the highly skilled rookie. Though initially he'll be involved in a rotation with Tyler Clippard(notes) and Sean Burnett(notes), Storen is clearly the 'Nats' closer of the present and future. His mid-90s fastball, hard-breaking slider and change are all plus pitches. Working exclusively as a setup man, he's posted a 2.64 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 7.63 K/9 over 30.2 innings. His 4.11 BB/9 is slightly worrisome, but he has the makeup to be a dominating closer. It's inevitable he will separate from the pack.

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 23.1 IP, 2.77 ERA, 1.24 ERA, 19 K, 2 W, 12 S

Lance Berkman(notes), NYY, 1B/DH, 74-percent owned (Full breakdown here)
Bust a move in … AL-only formats (Empty FAAB bank), mixers via trade
Sewer rats are shivering in their disease-infested fur, the Big Puma is about to invade the Bronx. The multi-time All-Star has lost some punch, but his still lethal wallop from the left side should thrive in the jet stream aided confines of Yankees Stadium. The vet's 19:2 K:BB split in July and overall GB/FB rise (1.32) are concerns, but he's shown signs of regaining his fearsome form. Since Independence Day he's launched six homers with 14 RBIs. In a ridiculously rich lineup, he should easily be a top-10 first baseman moving forward.

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 216 at-bats, .278 BA, 10 HR, 43 RBI, 40 R, 1 SB

Jorge Cantu(notes), Tex, 1B/3B, 75-percent owned (Full breakdown here)
Bust a move in … AL-only formats ($40-$45 bid), mixers via trade
The Can-Do man's shift from the cavernous specs of Land Shark Stadium to Rangers Ballpark should do wonders. Expected to be the everyday first baseman with Hurricane Chris Davis(notes) once again displacing Mini Coopers in Oklahoma City, the RBI machine will be a very useful corner infield from this point forward. Cantu's expanded strikeout-to-walk disparity is unattractive (0.30 BB/K), but his .299 BA with runners in scoring position speaks volumes about his runs-driving potential. An additional 40-45 RBIs is certainly attainable in Texas' loaded lineup. 

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 222 at-bats, .274 BA, 8 HR, 41 RBI, 33 R, 0 SB

Matt Capps, Min, RP, 86-percent owned (Full breakdown here)
Bust a move in … AL-only formats ($35-$40 bid), mixers via trade
Most analysts, including yours truly, believe sacrificing top catching prospect Wilson Ramos(notes) for a middle-of-the-road closer was a questionable move, especially given Jon Rauch's(notes) end game effectiveness (21-for-25 in save chances). But despite a few potholes in the road, the All-Star has been fabulous this season. His ability to place pitches accurately (1.72 BB/9) has garnered a career best 1.43 GB/FB. Adventurous outings will occasionally occur, but on a team in the thick of a division race, he should be equal in value to Jose Valverde(notes), Joakim Soria(notes) and Brian Fuentes(notes) over the final two months.  

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 31.0 IP, 3.38 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 22 K, 2 W, 13 S

Ted Lilly(notes), LAD, SP, 49-percent owned (Full breakdown here)
Bust a move in … 10-team and deeper mixers via pick-up/trade
No starter benefited most from a uniform change than Lilly. The homer vulnerable pitcher's change of address from Wrigley to Dodgers Stadium greatly improves his fantasy standing. LA's significantly better offense also provides the support the southpaw rarely received on the North Side. His excellent command (3.07 K/BB, 1.14 WHIP) and innings eating demeanor will yield delicious fruits for owners desiring a champagne shower. Expect him to be a top-flight No. 3 over the remainder of the season.

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 79.0 IP, 5 W, 3.06 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 58 K

Jon Jay(notes), StL, OF, seven-percent owned
Bust a move in … 12-team plus mixers, watch in shallower formats
First advertised by the Noise two weeks ago, the Cardinals' Chief Justice received an enormous boost of confidence when Ryan Ludwick(notes) was shipped to San Diego. Absolutely raking as an everyday player, he's accumulated a .429 BA since the break, totaling six multi-hit performances. His smooth through-the-zone stroke (1.29 GB/FB), favorable minor league track-record and entrenched spot in the two-hole should net plenty of BA/runs value. Employ Jay and he'll make the opposition pay.

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 228 at-bats, .319 BA, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 37 R, 2 SB

Joel Hanrahan(notes), Pit, RP, eight-percent owned (Full breakdown here)
Bust a move in … 12-team and deeper mixers via pick-up/trade
Octavio Dotel's(notes) dishing to the Dodgers likely elevates Joel Hanrahan from setup man to stopper. For owners unappreciative of quality middle relievers, the righty has been, along with the Cubs' Sean Marshall(notes), incredibly useful. In 45.2 innings, the fastball/slider reliever has posted an outstanding 12.72 K/9. His 2.76 BB/9 isn't too shabby either. The young Bucs have shown some offensive improvement in recent weeks which bodes well for Hanrahan's door-slamming opportunities. Based on his sky-high K/9, he could be a John Axford(notes)-type the rest of the way. 

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 29.1 IP, 1 W, 3.46 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 36 K, 10 S 

Miguel Tejada(notes), SD, 3B/SS, 60-percent owned (Full breakdown here)
Bust a move in … NL-only formats ($35-$40) watch in shallower formats
Age may only be a number but to Tejada it's a nemesis. At 36, the shortstop is still an excellent contact hitter, as his 90.3 CT percentage indicates. However, in terms of power, he's wielding a hollow bat. His current 5.9 HR/FB rate is the lowest of his illustrious career. Moving to the heavy air of Petco definitely won't help the vet rediscover his missing muscle. But improvement in runs, RBI and BA are a strong possibility batting cleanup. Currently the 23rd-most valuable shortstop in the Y! game, look for him to puncture the position's top 20 by season's end.

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 232 at-bats, .275 BA, 4 HR, 34 RBI, 29 R, 0 SB

Jhonny Peralta(notes), Det, 3B/SS, 27-percent owned
Bust a move in … 12-team plus mixers, watch in shallower formats
Similar to Tejada, Peralta was a downward trending bat trapped in baseball purgatory. Now in a more nourishing environment, the multi-positional infielder could regain his mojo in Motown. Paying instant dividends in his Tigers debut, he went 3-for-4 with two homers and three RBIs against the Red Sox. The 28-year-old has been more pull conscious this season, indicative in his radical increase in fly-ball percentage ('09: 30.6, '10: 46.0). Unless his approach reverses, his BA will continue to suffer. But batting just behind Miguel Cabrera(notes) could lead to generous results in HR/RBI.

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 212 at-bats, .267 BA, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 26 R, 1 SB

Jake Westbrook(notes), StL, SP, three-percent owned (Full breakdown here)
Bust a move in … 12-team plus mixers, watch in shallower formats
Rags to riches could be Westbrook's second half story. Any pitcher, no matter how painfully mediocre, that receives the tutelage of pitching wizard Dave Duncan deserves a roster spot. Todd Wellemeyer(notes), Joel Pineiro(notes) and Jaime Garcia(notes) are just a few reasons why even shallow leaguers should get excited about the righty. The former Indian isn't a strikeout machine, but his ability to coax ample weak contact (53.3 GB%) is a major plus. A shift from the pitcher friendly NL certainly doesn't hurt. Even in 12-team mixers, Westbrook will pay lucrative dividends across three categories.

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 81.2 IP, 7 W, 3.86 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 44 K

Alex Gordon(notes), KC, 3B/OF, 15-percent owned
Bust a move in … 14-team plus mixers, watch in shallower formats
Presumably the twin brother of Texas' Davis, the former No. 2 overall pick has traveled down a wayward developmental path. Beset by various injuries and ineptitude, Gordon has been one of fantasy's greatest wiener teases. But in what could be his last chance to impress, the former elite prospect's potential may finally be realized. Now the everyday leftfielder for the Royals, the 26-year-old is hoping to tap into his 20-20 talent reservoir. Currently riding a five-game hit-streak, including a walk-off three-run bomb against the O's on Friday, he could be a top 20 third-basemen over the remainder of the season. Fantasy Biggies, give him one more chance.

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 209 at-bats, .266 BA, 7 HR, 29 RBI, 26 R, 4 SB

Scott Podsednik(notes), LAD, OF, 69-percent owned (Full breakdown here)
Bust a move in … NL-only formats ($20-$25 bid), 14-team plus mixers, watch in shallower formats
Roaming the outfield once again on the senior circuit at Xavier Pau's expense, the former Brewer is a shot in the arm for deep leaguers desperate for steals and runs. Pods' terrific batted ball and contact profiles also suggest he will be a valuable BA source. Once Manny Ramirez(notes) is activated, he will slide back into a utility role. But with roughly 3-4 starts per week he should generate appreciable numbers in small doses, especially if Joe Torre's "test run" inserting the outfielder into the leadoff spot becomes more permanent.

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 177 at-bats, .298 BA, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 28 R, 13 SB

Aaron Heilman(notes), Ari, RP, seven-percent owned
Bust a move in … 14-team plus mixers, watch in shallower formats
ERA punching bag Chad Qualls'(notes) departure to Tampa instantly thrusts Heilman into save opportunities. Arguably the steadiest performer in the leagues worst bullpen, the journeyman reliever has scattered just six hits (one earned run) in eight appearances since July 9. A free agent this upcoming winter, the righty will be motivated to finish strong. Though end-game chances may be few and far between, especially if he splits duties with Juan Gutierrez(notes), he is still worthy of a roster spot on teams strapped for saves. But keep in mind his uncomfortable mixture of walks (3.94 BB/9) and fly-balls (0.66 GB/FB) could lead to a disastrous outing or three.  

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 28.1 IP, 1 W, 3.55 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 20 K, 5 S

J.A. Happ, Hou, SP, 36-percent owned
Bust a move in … 14-team plus mixers, watch in shallower formats
Glancing over his peripheral profile from a season ago, Happ undoubtedly had a torrid affair with Lady Luck. His -1.40 FIP-ERA differential and .270 BABIP support the claim. However, the still developing former top prospect, who is now back at full strength after missing most of the season from a forearm injury, has the potential to excel in a pressure-less environment. In his 'Stros debut against Milwaukee he tossed six scoreless (2 HA, 6 K, 4 BB) earning his first win of the season. He won't light the world on fire, but quality back-of-the-rotation numbers in deeper mixers are certainly achievable over the final two months if his control is harnessed.  

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 77.1 IP, 4 W, 3.93 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 59 K

Brett Wallace(notes), Hou, 3B, two-percent owned (Full breakdown here)
Bust a move in … all keepers, 14-team plus mixers, watch in shallower formats
In his short professional career, Wallace has been passed around more than sun tan lotion on the set of "Jersey Shore." But with Lance Berkman in pinstripes, the Walrus may finally break out of the minor league zoo. Considered the best natural hitter in the '08 draft by Baseball America, the corner infielder has performed admirably at Triple-A this season tallying a .301-18-61 line with Las Vegas. His above average hitting tools should translate well to the big league level once promoted. Grab him in deep leagues. 

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 167 at-bats, .284 BA, 6 HR, 27 RBI, 21 R, 0 SB

Jayson Nix, Cle, 2B/3B/SS, three-percent owned
Bust a move in … 14-team plus mixers, watch in shallower formats
Since his first big league promotion in 2008, Nix has racked up the frequent flyer miles. Playing for his third team in as many seasons, he's finally been gifted an everyday opportunity. Filling the void vacated by Peralta, he could notch surprising power totals the rest of the way. Remember the monster tear he went on before the break (10-for-33, six homers, eight RBIs July 2-9)? Given his versatility and power upside, deep-thinking owners sound in BA with a gaping hole at MI should consider the well-traveled infielder.

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 208 at-bats, .248 BA, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 16 R, 3 SB

Daniel Hudson(notes), Ari, SP, three-percent owned (Full breakdown here)
Bust a move in … 14-team plus mixers, watch in shallower formats
Fleeced from Chicago for Edwin Jackson(notes), the prized prospect is a deceptive thrower with Jered Weaver(notes)-like upside. His aggressive approach and plus four-pitch arsenal - 91-93 mph fastball, slider, change and curve - should eventually propel him into fantasy starting rotations in the near future. However, despite his eye-popping numbers at Triple-A (93.1 IP, 3.47 ERA, 1.203 WHIP, 103 K), he has shown little polish at the big league level, which, when accompanied with his skyward profile (0.55 GB/FB), is troubling. At best, investors will net a Clayton Richard(notes) post-trade '09 return. Still, his punchout potential is very appealing.

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 72.1 IP, 3 W, 4.38 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 67 K

Josh Bell(notes), Bal, 3B, one-percent owned
Bust a move in … all keepers, 14-team plus mixers, watch in shallower formats
With the Orioles in their annual rebuilding mod, Bell should see regular at-bats with Tejada in San Diego. Rated the No. 2 prospect in the O's organization by Baseball America, the free-swinging hot corner (24.7 K% at Triple-A this year) possesses the pop to eventually develop into a perennial 25-30 homer masher. However, until he exhibits more patience, inconsistency will be the norm. But his keeper upside is rather formidable. Watch him closely. 

Fearless Forecast (rest of season): 159 at-bats, .258 BA, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 13 R, 1 SB

Other players dished at the deadline who also received a value boost: Chris Perez(notes), Cle, RP (thanks to Kerry Wood(notes) to NYY deal); Chris Snyder(notes), Pit; Edwin Jackson, ChW, SP; Rick Ankiel(notes), Atl, OF; Cristian Guzman(notes), Tex, 2B/SS; Ryan Theriot(notes), LAD, 2B/SS

DOUBLE DIPPERS

For stream conscious owners who want to push the innings-pitched envelope this is the list for you. Run support, ballpark factors, historical and recent trends, opposing offenses, opposing SPs, managerial tendencies and meteorological influences are painstakingly taken into account to give you the top double dippers of each week.

Other AL Double Dippers: Jeremy Guthrie(notes), Bal (LAA, ChW), Mitch Talbot(notes), Cle (at Bos, Min), Brian Bannister(notes), KC (at Oak, at Sea)

Other NL Double Dippers: Joe Saunders(notes), Ari (Was, SD), Aaron Cook(notes), Col (SF, at Pit), Paul Maholm(notes), Pit (Cin, Col), Ross Ohlendorf(notes), Pit (Cin, Col), Scott Olsen(notes), Was (at Ari, at LAD), Sean West(notes), Fla (Phi, StL)

FEAST OR FAMINE?  

Torn between two stat-similar infielders this week? Use the pitching and hitting staff sorters below to help you decide whether or not Adam LaRoche(notes) or Carl Pavano(notes) is fantasy feast or famine. Stats are for games played through July 29:

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