In the midst of the winter meetings, the New York Yankees pulled off a small and inspired trade with the San Diego Padres. Needing rotation help, San Diego was really interested in pitcher Bryan Mitchell, who was at the fringes of the Yankees’ pitching staff and out of options to be sent back to the minors. So the Yankees and Padres arranged what was effectively a purchase of Mitchell: San Diego agreed to take Chase Headley and his $13.5 million salary along with Mitchell, and the two sides dressed it up with San Diego moving journeyman outfielder Jabari Blash to New York.
Olney: Dodgers, Braves both profit from creative, debt-defying deal
