PEORIA, Ariz. -- The Padres dealt right-handed reliever and San Diego County native Nick Vincent to Seattle on Wednesday in exchange for a player to be named.
Vincent, 29, had spent his entire career with the Padres after being selected in the 18th round of the 2008 Draft. In four big league seasons, he has posted a 2.63 ERA and a 1.062 WHIP.
"It's part of the game," Vincent said. "I knew in time, this was going to happen sooner or later in your career. It's hard to find guys that have played for one team their whole life. I think it's going to be fun. It's a change. They want me, so that's good."
A source confirmed that current Padres outfielder Jabari Blash will not be the player to be named in the deal. As a Rule 5 pick, Blash would have to clear waivers and be offered back to his original club -- the Mariners -- if he doesn't remain on the big league roster for the entire season.
Vincent is out of Minor League options, giving the Padres little flexibility with him in their bullpen race. Earlier this week, the club made a trade to acquire Dan Straily from Houston and informed Matt Thornton he would make the team.
Those moves further crowded the battle for bullpen spots, and they may have left Vincent on the outside looking in. In Seattle, Vincent will fill the Mariners' open spot at the back of the 'pen.
Vincent said he felt "a lot of emotions" at the news he'd been dealt, and that's understandable, given that he's spent his entire baseball life playing for teams in Southern California. Vincent was born in Poway, played high school baseball in Ramona and attended Long Beach State.
"Growing up in San Diego and playing for San Diego has been a lifelong dream, so it's tough to leave," Vincent said. "But it's a part of the game."
Vincent had allowed five earned runs in 8 1/3 innings for the Padres this spring. After news of the deal broke, he packed his things and headed to Mariners camp -- about 500 yards away at Peoria Sports Complex.
"It's a really long walk," Vincent laughed.