from the SD-UT site

The Padres apparently are trying to move first baseman Phil Nevin.

Yesterday it was learned that the club recently talked to the Orioles about swapping Nevin for pitcher Sidney Ponson, a right-hander who is guaranteed $13.5 million, has a 6.04 ERA and reportedly is on the verge of being dealt to Florida, Texas or another club.

A person close to the talks confirmed that Nevin-Ponson discussion but said, "There would be a lot of hurdles to clear" if Ponson's other scenarios fall through. Nevin, 34, would have to give his written consent to waive a no-trade proviso that covers eight clubs, including Baltimore. Two offseasons ago, when the Padres tried to trade Nevin to Cincinnati for center fielder Ken Griffey Jr., Nevin, a Southern California native, turned down the trade, although accepting would've added $2 million to his income.

The Padres weren't eager to get Ponson, who's been on the trade block for some time and has allowed a .329 batting average this season. But they're looking for better allocation of payroll dollars. First base is the best position of their two highest-paid players, Nevin and Ryan Klesko, and Padres minor league personnel have said that first base also is the best position for Xavier Nady, a 26-year-old slugger who, like Nevin, has a right-handed power bat.



Nevin is guaranteed about $15 million, including $10 million next season and a $2 million bonus in 2007. Adding to the dynamic, Nevin will regain full no-trade powers 59 days into the 2006 season – about June 1 – when he reaches 10 years of major league service. Nevin is batting .262 with nine home runs and 47 RBI.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports...1s23nevin.html