The Padres are getting calls of inquiry on third baseman Chase Headley, and while they head into the trade season with no intention to deal Headley, they will at least listen.
That makes sense considering their current standing. But one Padres official summed up what it would take for them to trade Headley in two words: "A lot.''
Headley doesn't have the big the name of Kevin Youkilis but he's much more desirable at this point. He should draw many of the same teams with interest, as well as some others. The Indians, Diamondbacks, Pirates, Dodgers and Orioles are among teams with lingering needs of different degrees at third base. Many of the teams that made mild offers for Youkilis did so because of questions about Youkilis, 33, who has past health questions and been slumping.
Headley is batting .269 with seven home runs and 35 RBI, which seem like numbers that are good but less than great, until you consider Headley plays home games at impossible PETCO Park. Two more pluses: Headley is only 28 and makes a reasonable $3.475 million.
The Padres are expected to more aggressively look for deals for veterans who are either older and/or closer to free agencyy, including outfielder Carlos Quentin, closer Huston Street, starter Edinson Volquez and others. But Headley is another one to consider as we move closer to the trade deadline.
