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Yesterday, the Padres completed a trade that solved none of their problems and tossed away a minor league pitcher with considerable upside. In this trade, San Diego dealt OF-R Bubba Trammell and LHP Mark Phillips to the Yankees for OF-R Rondell White.

San Diego presumably began discussion about acquiring an outfielder after Phil Nevin went down for the season. Unfortunately, this swap doesn't even provide them with an upgrade of one of their starters. Both Trammell and White are 31 years old, though White debuted in 1993 and Trammell didn't enter the majors until 1997. Unfortunately, White has a history of serious injury problems and frequent trips to the disabled list while Trammell's injury history is fairly empty.

Trammell possesses both more power and better plate discipline than White. At one time, White had some speed skills Trammell has not displayed, but White's injury troubles halted his running game years ago.

The only advantage the Padres receive in making this deal is that while they pay White $5M this year rather than paying Trammell $2.5M, they don't have to worry about Trammell's $5M salary next season.