ESPN has the story on the first real trade to kick-start the non-waiver trade deadline. The Padres send Linebrink for three minor league pitchers: Will Inman and left-handers Steve Garrison and Joe Thatcher. Apparently southpaws aren’t as valuable as they once were.

I think the Padres robbed the Brewers in this move, but Linebrink is a free agent this year so the Brewers are probably in it for the draft picks and his veteran approach as he comes from a consistently winning team. This is new territory for most of the Brewers.

One must note that Linebrink is on the decline. His K’s are down. Milwaukee get a setup man to go with Derrick Turnbow.

Congrats to the Padres and the Brewers on completing the first significant trade as we approach the trade deadline