MARINERS GET VETERAN OF DENORFIA
The Seattle Mariners acquired outfielder Chris Denorfia from the San Diego Padres for outfielder Abraham Almonte and pitcher Stephen Kohlscheen.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
The Mariners need way more offensive help than what Denorfia can provide, but he's at least an upgrade. Seattle often uses three left-handed batters in their starting outfield ({P Dustin Ackley}, {P James Jones} and {P Endy Chavez}), so Denorfia should help against left-handed pitching (at least). The veteran can play all three outfield positions and is a streaky hitter with a bit of pop and some base-stealing speed. Therefore, don't be surprised if he plays every day down the stretch.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
The Padres have needs in their outfield as well, so perhaps Almonte will be given another shot in the big leagues. He won Seattle's starting center field job this spring but faded badly and was optioned back to Triple-A ball. Kohlscheen is a huge right-handed reliever who could emerge at some point as a decent option out of the San Diego bullpen. Denorfia was a spare part on the Pads, so they did OK in netting two assets for one here.
Fantasy impact
Denorfia is a bit of a sleeper here, and could emerge as a solid late-season pickup if he plays a lot with the M's. Almonte is at best a fantasy dark horse who is simply way too streaky, while Kohlscheen may have some closer appeal in keeper leagues.
