MARINERS, DODGERS DEAL: LEE FOR TAYLOR
The Seattle Mariners acquired pitcher Zach Lee from the Los Angeles Dodgers for infielder Chris Taylor.
What does it give the Seattle Mariners
The Mariners headed into this deal needing starting pitching depth, and Lee gives them a still-promising (if disappointing) rotation arm in Triple-A ball. Big club starters Wade Miley, Felix Hernandez and Taijuan Walker are all dealing with injuries, so Lee can help shore things up in the minors and free up some call-up arms. Lee was notably a first-round draft pick by the Dodgers in 2010, but his minor-pro career has been bumpy. Clearly the Mariners are hoping they can turn his talent into results.
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
Taylor isn't as heralded a prospect as Lee, but he is having a strong year in Triple-A ball and has enjoyed an impressive minor-league career so far as a hitter (producing a .314 batting average over five seasons). The Dodgers can use Taylor's solid bat and versatile glove down the stretch, since he appears ready for a call-up (and the team is in need of a utility guy). He will not likely supplant starting shortstop Corey Seager (but does give the option of eventually moving the latter to third base).
Fantasy impact
In the short term Taylor likely has more sleeper appeal than Lee, since he appears closer to being ready for MLB. That said, over the long term Lee probably still has more upside fantasy-wise (assuming he can turn things around in the Seattle organization). For the rest of this season, however, it's hard to see either player bringing much to the table for fantasy enthusiasts.
