Wouldn't that tick you off a little bit and perhaps gum up future trading opportunities? Just curious. Nah. It's something that happens pretty often. The Brewers did it a couple years ago with Pat Borders, too. There is an "old boys network" among GM's, I'm sure, too. Like you know Sandy Alderson is going to try and help out Beane if he can without hurting the Padres. But (like you said) it's a favor to players, also. Rather than stand in the way of Closser's opportunity to get back to MLB, they traded him to a team where he has a chance.