ESPN reported that San Diego Padres first baseman Phil Nevin cited family reasons in deciding to stay in San Diego, as he denied a trade that would have sent him to Baltimore for pitcher Sidney Ponson.
Nevin, who would have split time with Rafael Palmeiro at first base and designated hitter, may now instead find himself on the Padres bench, as there is speculation that they will move Xavier Nady to first base permanently, leaving little playing time for Nevin.
The (Baltimore) Sun is still reporting that the Texas Rangers have interest, with a possible trade coming that would send Ponson to the Rangers for outfielder Richard Hidalgo (batting .225 on the season, but .385 over the last seven days) or a minor leaguer. The Sun says that the Orioles would likely have to absorb some of Ponson's contract in either situation.
The Orioles have been trying to fill two needs before this Sunday's trade deadline; a quality starting pitcher to fortify the rotation and a solid right-handed batter to platoon with Rafael Palmeiro at first base and DH.
While Hidalgo is right-handed, he is batting a disastrous .132 against left-handed pitching this season, with an OPS of .493. Rafael Palmeiro, who the Orioles want to keep from having to face lefties, is batting .213 with a .578 OPS against left-handed pitching.
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