Trade Phil Nevin

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I never bothered to suggest that the first baseman be traded because I couldn't imagine anyone wanting him. It has been suggested by Dan Graziano and Ed Price of The Star Ledger that the Yankees may be willing to eat Phil's stupid contract (hat tip: Gas Lamp Ball):

Another possibility is San Diego. The Padres can't take on any payroll, but if they dealt a player like Phil Nevin (who's making $8.5 million this year and next) for a player like Matsui (who's making $8 million this year and can be a free agent when it's over), it could help them free up some cash for other things.

That's a fantastic idea if it's actually possible. Matsui plays a much better left field than Ryan Klesko (Who doesn't? A lot of people actually, but that's not the point I'm trying to make). Also, Matsui is a free agent at the end of this year and that translates into both a draft pick and freed up cash. If the New York Yankees are stupid enough to make this deal, Towers had better be smart enough to take it.

Josh Barfield

Josh Barfield Batting Stats
Team	Age	AB	BB	SO	XBH	H	BB/AB	SO/AB	BB/SO	XBH/H
Idaho Falls	18	277	16	54	23	86	0.058	0.195	0.296	0.267
Fort Wayne	19	536	26	105	31	164	0.049	0.196	0.248	0.189
Lake Elsinore	20	572	51	126	68	187	0.089	0.22	0.405	0.364
Mobile	21	521	48	119	49	129	0.092	0.228	0.403	0.38
Portland	22	241	18	55	13	69	0.075	0.228	0.327	0.188

Why was Barfield pushed through the ranks so fast? I just don't get it. Anyone?