FS Faux GMs: Mariners Trade for Dodgers’ Scott Van Slyke

As the first move in our Seattle Mariners FanSided Faux-Winter Meetings, GM Trader Dan Hughes has traded away two relievers– Dominic Leone and Lucas Luetge— to the Los Angeles Dodgers for outfielder Scott Van Slyke.

The move looks like a win-win for both teams, these Faux-GMs quickly orchestrated a deal that provided depth in previously thin areas. The Mariners, in desperate need of depth in the outfield, get Scott Van Slyke. And the Dodgers, who were thin in the ‘Pen aside from Kenley Jansen, Brandon League (gasp), and J.P. Howell, are getting some serious depth in youngster Dominic Leone and lefty Lucas Luetge.

Let’s break down the players involved:

Scott Van Slyke:

2014 numbers: .297/.386/.524 with 11 home runs, 29 RBI, 28 walks and 71 strikeouts in 246 plate appearances over 98 games.

Career (3 seasons): .261/.348/.476 hitter. Played left field, center field, right field, and first base.

Contract: under team control until 2020.

Dominic Leone:

2014 season (and career): 8-2 record, 2.17 ERA in 57 games. 66.1 innings pitched, 1.161 WHIP, 3.07 FIP, 70 strikeouts and 25 walks.

Contract: under team control until 2020.

Lucas Luetge:

2014 season: 0-0 record, 5.00 ERA in 12 games. 9.0 innings pitched, 1.222 WHIP, 7.58 FIP, 7 strikeouts and 5 walks.

Career (3 seasons): 3-5 record, 4.47 ERA, 1.5 WHIP, 72 strikeouts and 45 walks.

Dominic Leone is the big prize for the Dodgers. He has the potential to develop into a very productive set-up man in the bullpen, someone to take the 8th before Kenley Jansen goes out for the save in the 9th. Luetge’s numbers aren’t nearly as wow-worthy, but he provides left-handed depth, especially as a player who can be at the Triple-A level as a backup for those occasions that injuries pile up.

For the Mariners, Scott Van Slyke provides outfield versatility and depth. He won’t blow anyone out of the water with his defense, but his versatility and solid power numbers are appealing. With a full 600 plate appearances in a season, he could be a 20 home run/35 doubles hitter. That kind of right-handed power is a big need for the M’s, and his 5 years under team control make him an affordable piece, someone who could hopefully become the 4th outfielder if and when the Mariners go out and make a bigger splash.

What do you think? Would you like to see GM Trader Jack go out and make a trade like this at the real winter meetings?