According to ESPNs Buster Olney (click here for the article) the Royals have traded Zack Greinke and SS Yuniesky Betancourt to the Milwaukee Brewers for SS Alcides Escobar, OF Lorenzo Cain, P Jake Odorizzi and P Jeremy Jeffress.

The Brewers paid a hefty price, but certainly got their money’s worth.  With a one-two punch of Greinke and Yovani Gallardo at the top of the rotation, with Shaun Marcum filling the No. 3 spot, the team suddenly has a formidable rotation that should help them compete in the NL Central.  It certainly would appear that they are going for it in 2011, making a potential Prince Fielder trade significantly less likely (unless they are out of it at the trading deadline).

Greinke would’ve been considered among the Top 20 starting pitchers if he spent the year in Kansas City, but moving to the NL certainly helps his value.  His K/9 fell to 7.40 last season, but a rebound to 8.00 or better could easily be in the cards now. 

You also would’ve expected an improvement from last year’s 4.17 ERA (he did suffer from some bad luck, with a 65.3% strand rate), but a move to NL should make it a lock and potentially significantly so.  We have more strikeouts, a better ERA and a significantly better opportunity for wins.  What’s not to like?  He came it at No. 17 in our most recent starting pitcher rankings (click here to view), but certainly moves up a few spots now.  Consider him a low-end SP1/high-end SP2 now that he’s found a home in the NL.

As for the other players moved in the deal, Escobar figures to get the biggest boost in value.  He leaves a place that rarely gave him a chance to run (as well as hit him at the bottom of the order), to go to a team where he will get a shot to leadoff and show off his wheels.  Remember, he had 42 SB in 430 AB at Triple-A in 2009, before attempting just 14 SB in 506 AB for the Brewers last season.

The Royals are a rebuilding team looking for a sparkplug at the top of the order and Escobar certainly brings that potential.  They have no illusions of competing in 2011, so he should be given every chance to grow into the role, where he could thrive for years to come.  He was a Top 15 option prior to the trade (click here to view), but now could easily be considered a low-end Top 10 option and is likely usable in all formats.

Cain will join a crowded outfield, with Alex Gordon, Melky Cabrera and Jeff Francoeur.  Jarrod Dyson, who was thought to be in the mix for the centerfield job and leadoff spot is probably now ticketed back to Triple-A.  Cabrera and Cain could share time in center, but we all know Cabrera is not the greatest of offensive threats.  Cain at least brings some speed (33 SB across three levels in ‘10) and could be a low-end option in five-outfielder formats if he wins the job outright (as he should).  He certainly brings more to the table and should see plenty of action.

Odorizzi was in Single-A in 2010 going 7-3 with a 3.43 ERA and 135 K in 120.2 innings.  Prior to 2010 Baseball America ranked him as the Brewers ninth best prospect, saying “His free and easy delivery and good extension allow his heater to get in on hitters quickly, and it features good sink and armside run. He also features a curveball that’s a plus pitch at times. He throws strikes and shows good poise and competitiveness.”  The 20-year old is still a ways away, but he has plenty of potential.

Jeffress has had problems with illegal drugs in the past and has been transitioned to the bullpen, but throws the ball extremely hard (has been said that he’s hit 100 mph with his fastball).  He posted a 2.70 ERA with 8 K in 10 innings for the Brewers in 2010 and figures to slide right into the Royals pen.  Could he develop into a back-end type option?  In time, but I wouldn’t expect him to get there yet meaning he is not likely to have fantasy appeal in 2011.

Both teams got significant value, with Greinke and Escobar likely being the biggest winners.  What are your thoughts?  Who won?  Who lost?

Make sure to check out our early 2011 rankings:

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