The Texas Rangers plan to trade pitcher Chan Ho Park to the San Diego Padres for slugger Phil Nevin, a deal that awaited approval from the commissioner's office.

"If the league OKs it, then it's a done deal," Padres manager Bruce Bochy said last night before his team played the Cincinnati Reds in San Diego. "Obviously, we've talked to Texas. There's nothing official yet. Nev's aware of it. Chan Ho's aware of it."

Rangers spokesman Gregg Elkin also said the trade was pending approval from the commissioner's office. Park was scratched just before his scheduled start in Toronto last night and left the ballpark.

Approval was needed because the deal involves the Rangers sending cash to San Diego to help offset the money remaining on the $65 million, five-year contract Park signed with Texas before the 2002 season.

Less than an hour after Bochy spoke, Nevin told reporters he expected to be a member of the Rangers by today.

"I'm going to go in and say goodbye to my teammates and start packing and get my stuff ready to go to Toronto," Nevin said. "I'm excited. I honestly am. It's an opportunity to play, it's a great organization, there's some great people there that I do know from a long time ago. I'm just excited to get over there."

Nevin, who mostly played first base for the Padres the past two years, was hitting .256 with nine homers and 47 RBIs. He probably will get a chance to be the regular designated hitter for Texas.

Park is 8-5 with a 5.66 ERA in 20 starts this season.

Marlins

Florida right-hander A.J. Burnett heads into today's start against Washington wondering whether it will be his last for the Marlins.

After more than a month of trade speculation, a deal involving Burnett appeared less likely as tomorrow's major league deadline approached. But the Marlins haven't ruled out a trade, and Burnett might be the best pitcher on the market.

Boston, Baltimore and the Chicago White Sox have all been mentioned as possible suitors.

Burnett, who becomes a free agent after this season, complained that Marlins front-office executives haven't talked with him about his status.

"The only thing I wouldn't mind seeing is maybe somebody around here telling me, 'Hey, you're all right. Don't worry about anything. Just go out there and pitch,'" Burnett said yesterday.

"I shouldn't have to ask what's going on. They walk through here. I see them every day. They say hello. I guess that means, 'You're here one more day.'"

Manager Jack McKeon said he has discussed the situation with Burnett.

"I don't think it bothers him too much," McKeon said. "I think all the players realize it's a business."

Burnett (7-6, 3.48 ERA) won his past two starts at Arizona and at San Francisco despite the distraction of the trade talk.

Cubs

Chicago pitcher Kerry Wood, on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation, threw in the bullpen before the game yesterday. He's expected to pitch a simulated game today or tomorrow, then be assigned to the minors for rehabilitation.

Shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, also on the DL, was at Wrigley Field for a pregame workout and batting practice.