Pending the results of physicals, the Texas Rangers pulled off a big trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, acquiring slugger Carlos Lee, minor-leaguer Nelson Cruz and a player to be named later for Kevin Mench, Francisco Cordero, and Lance Nix.

The prize of the trade is the pending free agent, Carlos Lee, even if he is just a second-half rental.  Lee is having a great season with 28 home runs, 81 RBIs and a .286 batting average.  At first glance, one would think the trade increases Lee’s second-half home run production.  But don’t count on that.  Before the trade, Lee was a candidate for a second-half power fade.  He has just 18 doubles to go with the 28 home runs.  That anomaly should correct itself in the second-half, look for more doubles and less home runs.  Lee’s G/F ratio has also increased from 0.74 in 2005, when he hit 32 home runs and 41 doubles to 0.94 so far this season. The difference between Miller Park and Ameriquest Field for right-handed batting power is not significant enough to offset those factors.  What should increase is Lee’s .286 batting average.  His contact rate of 90% and batting eye of 0.97 are the numbers of a .300+ hitter.  The 12 stolen bases in 14 tries is a nice bonus.

At 26 years of age Nelson Cruz is getting close to crossing the line from prospect to suspect.  He is having a fine season in Triple-A with 19 home runs, 72 RBIs and a .302 batting average.  However the 100 K’s in 367 AB leaves open the question of whether he will be able to make enough contact as a big leaguer to contribute.  He will not have a fantasy impact this season.

Kevin Mench goes to Milwaukee where Miller Park is actually slightly better for right-handed hitting power hitters.  But his streakiness will cause fits for fantasy owners.  9 of his 12 home runs came in a 13 game period in late April to early May.  He has just 1 home run in his last 117 AB.  With droughts like that, let someone else in your league deal with him.

Cordero’s acquisition will put an end to the speculating between Derrick Turnbow, Matt Wise, Dan Kolb and Jose Capellan for saves, as he will step right into the closer’s role.  After a disasterous start, Cordero has pitched quite well.  His K/9 of 10.00 is well above league average and his command ratio of 3.4 is the best he has ever produced.  As a flyball pitcher, he will greatly benefit moving to Miller Park and the National League.  He should be owned in all formats.

Lance Nix was once thought of as a top prospect, but poor contact skills and a below average batting eye make him a bench player at best.  He has no fantasy value.