Seattle traded LHP Derrick Van Dusen and 2B-L Jermaine Clark to Texas in order to acquire RHP Ismael Valdes from the Rangers yesterday, making the move to add a starter many observers thought they needed months ago. Despite Van Dusen's upside and Valdes' history of health problems, this trade was necessary for the Mariners. Their team has undergone an adjustment from last year rather more severe than expected, as although it wasn't logical to expect that they would receive the career years from their players that led them to a 116-46 record last season, most didn't think that so many of their players would encounter the struggles they've experienced this year.

Nevertheless, while they'll have to fight for the AL West/Wild Card this season, they're in a better position to win now then they likely will be for the next few years. Consequently, adding a pitcher like Valdes with the ability to provide them with quality starting innings was worth the cost involved. My main concern is whether Valdes can avoid the blister problems that have periodically bothered him the last few years.

The Mariners drafted Van Dusen out of California's Riverside Community College in the 5th round of the 2000 draft. He split his time after signing between Seattle's Rookie-level Arizona League team and Short-Season Everett in the Northwest League. Last season, the Mariners assigned Van Dusen to A Wisconsin in the Midwest League to start the season with a brief call-up to A+ San Bernardino in the California League before the end of the year.

Van Dusen compiled a 118:36 K:BB in 124.2 IP with 111 H and 13 HR allowed this year, compelling the Mariners to promote him mid-season to AA San Antonio in the Texas League. At the time of the trade, he'd only pitched 25 innings at AA, allowing 31 H and 4 HR with a 17:12 K:BB. Given the very solid nature of his skills prior to this bump, I see nothing to worry about; the Texas League is a hitter-friendly environment, so it's natural for Van Dusen to go through an adjustment phase when switching leagues. Although, his performance must have bothered the Mariners, as they briefly returned him to A+ San Bernardino before trading him to Texas. He'll revisit the AA TL with the Rangers, moving to their affiliate at Tulsa. The 21-year-old should develop into a good starting pitcher for Texas after another season or so in the minors. Additionally, if he experiences problems as a starter, he can always become a useful member of the bullpen as a lefty.

Seattle drafted Clark out of the University of San Francisco in the 5th round of the 1997 draft. After four years in Seattle system, in which he worked his way through AA, Clark went to Detroit in the 2000 Rule 5 draft. However, the Tigers chose not to keep him on their major league roster for the season, returning him in late April. He has demonstrated very promising plate discipline with good speed skills and some power potential. As a result, he spent much of last season with Tacoma in the Pacific Coast League and returned there this year. At the time of the trade, Clark was hitting .266 with a .370 OBP, and .375 SLG on 98 H, 14 2B, 4 3B, and 6 HR with a 62:59 BB:K and 29/43 SB% in 368 AB.

Before he'll deserve a full-time major league position, the 25-year-old will need to improve the quality of his contact, as despite quality strike zone judgment, he appears unable to hit for average. Current starting second baseman Mike Young has struggled with his average and lacks the benefits of the walk skills of Clark. However, Young likely won't be displaced, as he possesses superior defensive skills and has established himself in the position. The Rangers may consider a platoon but both Clark and Young may be destined for bench positions if they stay in the Texas organization, as Hank Blalock should probably soon move to second base to make room for Mark Teixeira at third.

There was little reason for them to retain a pending free agent like Valdes considering the Rangers' disappointing season. By making the trade, Texas was able to acquire two players that should either eventually contribute directly to their major league team or bring significant return in a future trade. Valdes' departure also opens a rotation spot on their major league team, which they can use to audition one of the several prospective young starters the team owns. Previously they'd been forced to shuffle them between AAA and the majors to insure the pitchers received regular starts. Subsequently, I think is one of the best trades I've seen all year in terms of benefiting both organizations involved.

When we discussed the Mariners after the trading deadline, I suggested that they needed to improve their bench in order to continue their pursuit of the playoffs. Shortly thereafter, Seattle made a trade with Boston to acquire Jose Offerman in return for cash considerations. Boston had designated Offerman for assignment following the acquisition of Cliff Floyd and was prepared to release him. The Mariners did not claim Offerman on waivers as that would make Seattle responsible for the remainder of his contract. However, they also didn't want to risk the possibility that he would sign with another team, so they made the deal, which evidently cost them little even in the way of cash.

Luis Ugueto dutifully developed a Rule 5 sprained wrist, going on the disabled list to clear space for Offerman on the roster and so that the Mariners could fill his spot with someone more helpful in the playoffs. Offerman was exactly the kind of player the Mariners needed for their bench. With the race for both the division and the Wild Card so close, I don't want to predict the outcome, but these two trades significantly bolster Seattle's ability to grab a spot in the playoffs and strengthen the team for possible competition in the post-season.