Barfield Traded to the Indians

[moebarguy]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2654211

Can someone explain why the Padres traded Mark Loretta last season, a very servicable 2B, to pave way for Josh Barfield (who had a great rookie season all-around), who they've now traded away? I can understand if the Padres got a starting pitcher for him, but they got 2 mid-level prospects...

[Solair Wright]

No offense, but I got a bad feeling for the Padres that this trade isn't going to work out. Mark Bellhorn WON'T be resigned because he was hitting below the Mendoza line. You lose a second baseman last year, and put in a struggling second baseman in Bellhorn. Then you try putting a second baseman at third base (Todd Walker) and his range was horrible at third.

Why, Kevin Towers, why?

[W_Marone]

This move by the Dads really surprised me, giving away thier second baseman of the future? Hmmmm....Todd Walker coming back?

[KCGHOST]

Looks like Shapiro pulled off a real coup here. Should solve the Tribe's 2B situation for years to come.

[wigglestrue]

Whoever made that deal for the Padres should be fired immediately.

[EvanAparra]

Originally Posted by wigglestrue

Whoever made that deal for the Padres should be fired immediately.

Actually, he was just given an extension.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

What happened to the Barfield-Green connection that was supposed to last the next 15 years?? Even Barfield said he was stunned by the move. Oh well.

[moebarguy]

Is Barfield like a bad clubhouse guy or something?

[AznInvasion]

Padres got Kouzmanoff though at least...he should be good for years to come.

[Knick9]

To the Padres:

Do you need a 2B? There's always HG!

I'm somewhat surprised by this trade. How do they deal with their holes on the team?

[TonyStarks]

Why the hell would the Pad's trade Barfield?

Someone help me understand this deal?

[EvanAparra]

I love that not one Padre fan has commented on this... they should do so, all 3 of em.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

Originally Posted by AznIvasion

Padres got Kouzmanoff though at least...he should be good for years to come.

What skills do Kouzmanoff possess?? Is he good enough for the Pads to trade Josh Barfield for?

[AznInvasion]

I'm not sure about being good for Barfield to get traded. I don't think so but Kouzmanoff can hit with power and high avg. I'm not sure about the defense or his speed though. I only know he's a good hitter at 3b. I probably woulda kept Barfield though cuz I'm a Barfield fan. I wish the Braves made a deal for Barfield.

[wilkerson_rulz-06]

Maybe this proves that the Padres will pursue a high-quality 2B in the offseason.

[AznInvasion]

Originally Posted by wilkerson_rulz-06

Maybe this proves that the Padres will pursue a high-quality 2B in the offseason.

Giles is definitely available....

[moebarguy]

Originally Posted by AznInvasion

Giles is definitely available....

I like Giles, but he's seems to have lost his power -- making him less valuable. Unless he finds it again, I don't see him being much of an upgrade over Barfield.

[Steven Bryant]

Sorry to come in late on this, but Kouzmanoff was the Indians minor league player of the year and has hit everywhere he's been. I believe he hit .389 at AA and .350+ at AAA last season. Plus he has power. The Padres explained the trade that they have been trying to get a 3b for awhile, and the felt that 2b is an easier position to fill than 3b. Plus the Padres got a pitcher with above average minor league stats in the deal.

This could work out to be a great trade for the Padres, the only thing is Barfield is a proven player now, while these guys aren't. However if Kouzmanoff lives up to his potential I don't think anyone will care that Barfield is gone.