CBS Sportsline’s Scott Miller reports that the Pirates are discussing sending Xavier Nady and Nate McLouth to the Padres for third baseman Chase Headley. Nady came up through the Padres’ system before being sent to the Mets for Mike Cameron in November of ’05.
If the Bucs and Neal Huntington actually have this opportunity, I think they should take it. By Kevin Goldstein’s count, Headley is the third-best third base prospect in the game (behind Evan Longoria and Andy LaRoche). The 23 year-old hit very well at Double A and should be big-league ready sometime in ’08.
Jake at Bucco Blog leans against such a trade, partially because the Pirates want to try Neil Walker at third base. Walker ranks fifth on Goldstein’s list. I say bring in the possible star-caliber talent and sort out the positions later. If the Pirates trade Jason Bay they’ll have an opening in left field anyway.
Nady is definitely someone the Bucs should be shopping. With four years of service time, his salary will be rising rapidly. He’s a solid if not spectacular player and should generate interest. McLouth had an intriguing last two months of ’07, and he deserves a full-time shot at center in 2008. But I’d rather have Headley than Nady and McLouth if I’m the Pirates.
