Chase Headley's days with the Padres are likely numbered

The Padres have been insistent that they do not have to make a trade. Yet they also know that Chase Headley's value is at its peak. If they were to trade him, now would be the time when they'd get the most value in return. The Padres are very pleased with prospect Jedd Gyorko and see him as Headley's heir apparent.

There are now six teams in trade discussions with Padres regarding Chase Headley who in all likelihood will be dealt by deadline

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) July 17, 2012

ESPN Trade Rumors

With so many suitors -- a number that could grow beyond six before July 31 -- the Padres are sitting pretty. ESPN.com's Jayson Stark adds fuel to that fire, too, tweeting that it's unlikely the Brewers move Aramis Ramirez, further thinning the third base market.

Headley would benefit from a trade:

"I don't play this game for recognition, but in San Diego you don't get any,'' Headley said. "None.

"And you hit in a big ballpark and see other players playing in other ballparks and you know you're comparable or maybe even better.

But would the Padres?

The questions remain. Is it wise to trade the team's best player for an unproven talent at the Major League level? When does the rebuilding stop? I was hoping that the Padres would have brought up Gyorko as a utility infielder to at least get an idea of how he'll play at the next level before they decide on Chase's future, but with the trade deadline looming there may not be time.