Padres Showcasing Headley?

The Padres called up Double A third baseman Chase Headley today, and he’ll start against the Cubs.  There are many reasons for the cup of coffee: he’s raking, Kevin Kouzmanoff is hurting, and Bud Black doesn’t like Russell Branyan.

I think there may be one additional reason Headley is getting a look: he’s being showcased for a trade.  That’s pure speculation on my part, but as far as I can tell Headley is the Padres’ best expendable trading chip.  He’s a solid third baseman and he’s in the midst of a power breakout this year.  Of course, the Padres could keep both players and move Kouzmanoff to left field one day.

If the Padres are to get involved for a big-name slugger like Jermaine Dye or Adam Dunn, Headley’s name will come up.  The White Sox and Reds don’t actually need a third baseman, but players can be moved around.