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.