Josh Barfield was traded to Cleveland.

Analysis by Richard Wade
Last season, Josh Barfield was good for roughly 39 runs above replacement, ranking 19th among second basemen. Among second basemen qualifying for the batting title, Barfield was 14th (of 21) in wOBA.

For some context, Mark Grudzielanek finished 20th and 15th in those categories. Free agent Ray Durham finished second in both, way behind Chase Utley. Marcus Giles, a recent focus of trade rumors, finished 12th and 10th. Even castoff Mark Loretta was only a bit less productive than Barfield.

With Kevin Kouzmanoff, the Padres acquired a player who hit a park-adjusted .374/.435/.652 in the minors last year. That’s a major league equivalent of .314/.361/.526. Those numbers are not readily available in the free agent or trade markets. Kouzmanoff is only 25, so (like Barfield) his best years are likely still ahead of him, though Kouzmanoff’s prime is nearer.

As for Andrew Brown, the Padres appear to have a hard thrower with less than glowing numbers. Brown didn’t show great control, the ability to miss bats or the ability to keep the ball in the yard last season. He still has potential because of his stuff, but it’s easy to see why he was a throw-in.

Overall, it’s a good deal for both teams. Cleveland dealt from a position of strength to fill a weakness and the Padres gave up a replaceable young player for a potential impact bat at a position that has been a black hole. Plus they netted an arm in the deal.