Padres players: It was a brinks job

Multiple Padres players told the San Diego Union-Tribune that they were upset with the deal that sent Scott Linebrink to the first-place Brewers for three prospects. However, San Diego has been as aggressive as anyone so far in its dealmaking. Word is the prospects they received are quite good, and if they're to make a deal for the offensive help they really need, they might have a better chance to do it if they have prospects to offer. After a series of weak drafts, the Padres' system is fairly barren, so Linebrink, who's 3-3 with a 3.72 ERA including his scoreless inning for Milwaukee, was their best hope to begin to replenish their system.

Earlier, the Padres talked to the White Sox about trading Linebrink to Chicago for Jermaine Dye. But the White Sox are more interested in young players for Dye.

Around the Majors

• The Red Sox were hoping in talks with the White Sox for Dye that Chicago would take Wily Mo Pena back. But Pena's stock is plummeting like he's part of the Dow Jones.

• The D-Rays recently alleviated Livan Hernandez's worries by telling him he's staying.

• The Mets' interest in Jose Contreras (6.22 ERA) waned after watching his most recent abysmal performance. His velocity is falling like Pena's stock.

• The starting pitching market is so weak that, believe it or not, Kyle Lohse is considered a hot item.

• Towering gall: Toronto's Josh Towers, who's been one of the worst pitchers over the last year and a half (7-17 with a 7 ERA since the start of last year), had this to say recently: "I don't think that we consistently shown up as a coaching staff and a team every day.''

• The D-Rays could use a reliever like Dan Wheeler, whom they got for utilityman Ty Wigginton. Actually, they could use several like him since they may have the worst bullpen ever. As a bonus, Wheeler has connections to Tampa Bay:
1) Tampa pitching coach Jim Hickey was pitching coach in Houston
2) Tampa executive Gerry Hunsicker was GM in Houston
3) Wheeler's father-in-law is D-Rays announcer DeWayne Staats

• According to the New York Post, the Rangers might consider trading catcher Gerald Laird and a reliever to the Cubs for centerfield prospect Felix Pie. Makes sense, especially if the Rangers go against our GM's advice and take Salty.