(Phil apparently belives the nasty rumor that Baltimoreans eat Labradors)
From the Associated Press :
San Diego Padres first baseman Phil Nevin on Monday rejected a trade that would have sent him to the Baltimore Orioles for pitcher Sidney Ponson.
The proposed deal was contingent upon Nevin’s approval. He has the right to block a trade to eight teams, including the Orioles.
“Phil has elected to stay with the Padres and will be treated as a full member of the team,” Padres general manager Kevin Towers said. “However, with the team competing for the National League West title, playing time is going to be determined by both his performance and the performances of other players that will ultimately give us the best chance to win.”
Nevin, 34, is batting .263 with nine home runs, 11 doubles and 47 RBI in 71 games. Nevin did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.
“He just decided that obviously, family factors, personal factors, took precedent over baseball factors,” said his agent, Barry Axelrod. “He wants to remain a part of San Diego and the ballclub. He’s always wanted to be in San Diego. They gave him the right to keep that right, and that’s what he decided to do.”
Towers’ remarks can be translated thusly : Fuck You, Phil. Xavier Nady is the new starting first baseman.