Jeff Keppinger traded to Astros for a PTBNL

[missionhockey21]

Per Rotoworld.com:

Astros acquired infielder Jeff Keppinger from the Reds for a player to be named or cash.
Ideally, the Astros would have gone out and gotten an everyday third baseman and turned Geoff Blum into a utilityman. Keppinger, though, is a useful player and an upgrade from what a healthy Aaron Boone would have given them. He'll replace Boone as the third baseman against lefties, and if he starts off well, he could cut into Blum's playing time against righties. Chris Johnson will head to Triple-A, which is where he belongs. The Reds figure to carry Adam Rosales as the replacement for Keppinger in a utility role.

The Astros needed 3B help and considering the cost, this wasn't an awful move for a team who needed the help. The Reds did not need Keppinger, whose bat seems to be a question mark after his injury last season, and is a defensive liability so I am not upset by the move.

Do you believe this clears a spot for Paul Janish? He might not be able to hit but could certainly be an asset to replace someone like Hairston in late innings, when Hairston starts at shortstop.

[Doppelgänger]

It could certainly be a spot for Janish, although at this point I think the team needs more offensive help than defensive. (feels weird to say that about the Reds) It is sad to see Kepp go, he was a good guy who hit well for a while and could play just about anywhere despite his lackluster range, but I think that knee injury may have derailed him. Kepp hasn't been the same since.

[love_that_reefer]

Good move for the Astros although Mike Lamb and Dallas McPherson were just released. The Astros could have had them both without trading anyone. Keppinger is a good pickup though.

[love_that_reefer]

The Astros sent infielder Drew Sutton to the Cincinnati Reds today as the player to be named later in the March 31 deal that brought infielder Jeff Keppinger to the Astros.

Sutton will report to Class AAA Louisville.

Sutton, 25, was named the Most Valuable Player last year at Class AA Corpus Christi, hitting .317 with 20 homers and 69 RBIs. He led all Astros minor leaguers in batting average, hits (165), runs (102), walks (76), doubles (39) and extra-base hits (63).

Sutton spent the first half of spring training in major league camp and hit .267 in five games at Class AAA Round Rock.

Not a bad return for Keppinger.