With the trading deadline less than a week away and division races in full swing, there is much to be discussed in the world of baseball. Here are just a few stories that have peaked the interest of baseball fans everywhere. Nevin vetoes trade to Baltimore: San Diego Padres' first baseman Phil Nevin recently used his veto powers to block a trade that would have sent him to Baltimore for pitcher Sidney Ponson. While it is a right he earned when he and the team agreed to the contract, it seems a little mind-boggling from his point of view. If he did decide to accept the trade, he would have been able to play his best defensive position, designated hitter, as well as play in a ballpark that will allow him to hit the home runs that Petco Park doesn't. Granted, he will stay in a city that he loves and be able to be close to his family in their new home in the San Diego area. However, he will be sent to the bench because the organization has grown dissatisfied with his play and attitude, which is evident since this is the second time they have tried to trade him. So, in the end, I hope the personal gain of staying is worth it to Phil Nevin because he is about to start his professional decline The Wild, Wild West: Yes, the National League West is wild, if you prefer water guns over pistols. The leader of this division is the San Diego Padres with a record of 50-50. The Padres have lost eight games in a row and still hold a three game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks. To add to the misery, other contending teams can't raid the division of the few good players it has because every team, but the Rockies are within seven games. A simple three game winning streak could catapult a team into the division lead. To stop the madness, I have an idea that I believe Commissioner Bud Selig should strongly consider. Since he seems to be taking his good time in the case of Kenny Rogers, I see no reason why my idea shouldn't see his desk too. Make the statement that no team is eligible from the west and just take the top two teams from the central and the east. Wouldn't you rather see the Nationals or the Astros make a run rather than see San Diego be lead to the slaughter? Maddux adds to Hall of Fame career: Cubs' pitcher Greg Maddux struck out his 3,000th batter last night with a sinker to Giants' shortstop Omar Vizquel. With this, Maddux became only the ninth pitcher with both 300 wins and 3,000 strikeouts. With yet another milestone added to his resume, this last one is a testament to the pitcher Maddux has been his entire career. Maddux has never been a power pitcher that was expected to strike out 10, while hitting 97 on the gun. His pitching philosophy is that he wants you to hit the ball in the spot he pitched it. Now, I know that sounds very elementary, but there is substance behind it all. He knows where the defense is playing and realizes that if he hits his spots, the batter will hit the ball right to one of his fielders. For 19 years, this has been his plan and he has perfected it on the road to Cooperstown.