BREAKING: GREINKE TO ANGELS

BREAKING: Zack Greinke has been traded to the LA Angels in exchange for prospects.  This move gives the Angels 4 aces (Weaver, Wilson (borderline ace), Haren and Greinke) to go along with a strong, albeit relatively top heavy, lineup.

This move must concern the Texas Rangers because they were very interested in Greinke and now have him to their chief divisional rival.

Even though the Rangers are now 5 games ahead of the Angels at this point, this has to give the Angels the edge to win the division.  With the Rangers struggling over the last month (8-10 in July) and depleted of pitching due to a number of injuries and the Angels playing well after an 8-14 start, making up the 5 games is a very reasonable proposition.

Ultimately, I think both teams will make the playoffs; however, with 2 wild cards this year, winning the division is over premium import.

FANTASY IMPACT: The move only helps Greinke owners as he moves to a much better team (=more wins) and to a better place to pitch (park factor of 0.851 (#23) in LA vs. 1.306 (#4) in Milwaukee - higher number is a better place to hit, per ESPN.com (link).  The one obvious factor mitigating more success is an improved division.