In addition to their trade with the Mets, the Rockies completed a deal with the Rangers on Wednesday. Colorado sent OF-L Todd Hollandsworth and LHP Dennys Reyes to Texas for OF-R Gabe Kapler, 2B/CF-R Jason Romano, and cash. Kapler has been on the trade market for quite some time with the Rangers surprisingly receiving little interest, so I suspected that whatever team eventually landed him would receive a nice bargain.

Kapler's significantly improved his strike zone judgment over the last few years and possesses both speed and power skills. Unfortunately, he's been hindered by injuries this season, including a wrist problem that caused him to spend time on the disabled list and which is likely responsible for his lack of power this season. However if his wrist has healed, the 26-year-old should be able to regain his power as the season continues; at the very least, it should return by next season. Of course playing in Colorado should aid his power numbers. His plate discipline has also diminished this year, but I expect that to rebound if he's given regular playing time.

Texas drafted Romano with the 39th overall pick in the first round of the 1997 draft. He demonstrated promising plate discipline in limited at-bats at AAA Oklahoma in the Pacific Coast League last season but has reverted to bad habits this year. The 23-year-old possesses moderate speed and power skills and can play both second base and center field. Regrettably ,while Romano would likely excel in the Colorado atmosphere, there isn't currently room for him on the roster. He should be a part of September roster expansion and may find a more regular role next season.

Despite moving Hollandsworth, the Rockies do not have additional outfield at-bats available because that transaction was designed primarily to make room for Jack Cust in left field. At the time of his promotion, Cust was hitting .265 with a .407 OBP, and .524 SLG in 359 AB at AAA Colorado Springs in the Pacific Coast League on 95 H, 24 2B, and 23 HR with an 83:121 BB:K and 6/9 SB%. His 23% walk rate excuses his high strikeout rate. Cust's power potential is obviously enormous, and he seems to have finally worked past the defensive problems that caused Arizona to dislike him.

The only downside to starting Cust in left field is that with three left-handed starting outfielders, the Rockies really need to acquire a right-handed power bat for the infield. Colorado should have a chance to correct that problem next season, using the third base slot opened by the departure of pending free agent Todd Zeile. In addition to the possibility of adding someone from outside the organization, there are a number of players already in the organization who could be shifted to play third.

Jay Payton, acquired from the Mets, and Kapler will share the at-bats not given to Cust, Juan Pierre, and Larry Walker. Although Pierre has not excelled this season, the Rockies remain committed to starting him in center field. Colorado Manager Clint Hurdle has suggested that he may try to use his new players to maximize favorable match-ups, but Pierre has a minimal platoon split. Some at-bats will likely be available due to Walker's health, but I don't see enough playing time here for Kapler.

Payton slightly improved his plate discipline this season, but it still remains below target levels. His new home park will likely amplify his moderate power skills, and he possesses a bit of speed. However, he should be last in line for playing time. I'm really not sure why the Rockies wanted him, especially when they had to move their best starter in exchange.

That entire trade with the Mets makes very little sense from Colorado's perspective. Mark Corey has demonstrated good skills at AAA since his move to the bullpen, but the 27-year-old righty continues to struggle with his control in the majors. Additionally, I'm of the opinion the Rockies should never really give up anything for pitching given their ballpark situation. They certainly shouldn't have traded John Thomson, one of the few pitchers who has ever experienced a modicum of success for them. The moderate upside of Robert Stratton in no way compensates for the loss of Thomson.

Reyes suffered from control problems prior to joining the Rockies in the Pokey Reese trade. While the Rangers have had trouble maintaining healthy, effective left-handed pitching, I don't think Reyes will solve their problems. The 25-year-old likely won't do much better than his Colorado 30:24 K:BB in 40.1 IP with 43 H and 1 HR after his move to Texas. The Rangers could try sending him back to AAA to try starting again, as his skills seem better prior to his move to the bullpen. Colorado shouldn't have difficulty replacing him.

Hollandsworth possesses poor plate discipline and only moderate power skills at best outside of Coors. He offers speed only if his team is willing to risk a 50% chance that he'll be caught stealing. However, he will assume full time centerfield duties in Texas because the Rangers are unwilling to play Carl Everett in center due to his health-induced defensive limitations.

Although I have difficulty finding adequate playing time for Kapler in the Rockies outfield, I still consider him a worthwhile pick up for Colorado because they had to give up so little to add such potential. The Rockies even received cash to partially offset Kapler's contract, which wasn't originally overly burdensome at $1.8M this season and $3.25M next year, though he will need a larger role to justify next season's salary. Romano's also more than a nice throw-in. On the other hand, Texas received almost nothing in this trade other than some defensive stability in center and a left-handed pitcher with marginal upside.