He ripped it up this spring but he's going down. I know he went from 3rd to OF but he seems a better candidate than some of the other guys they plan on trotting out there.

They don't want to rush him up? I think another month or two at least will do him good. If he continues to rake and the OF expectingly struggles go ahead and bring him up. I read some rumors last month that they were considering him at 3B and moving Kouz to a corner OF spot long term, any truth to this?

It's probably good for Headley's long term development to let him get more comfortable in the OF at the AAA level. Defense may have factored into the decision with Edmonds out. Giles, Hairston and Headley would be a brutal defensive OF. That being said, I'm not sold on Headley as a prospect. He's shown excellent plate discipline but I don't know if his power will be good enough for a corner IF or OF slot. 20 HRs in the Texas League doesn't equal 20 in Petco.

It's telling that the Padres decided to shift Headley around rather than Kouzmanoff, who isn't exactly Brooks Robinson with the leather.

I think what it boils down to is that the organization is giving Kouzmanoff a chance to be the guy. I doubt he wants to switch positions and shifting him out now might mean some internal conflict which no team really needs. If Brandon Inge is mad about being moved off third for MIguel Cabrera imagine how Kouzmanoff feels. If he has a bad season in the field or at the dish they can move Headley there with a lot less conflict and as you pointed out, Headley can grab some more experience in the OF. To me this is exactly how you play a situation like this although I believe Headley will eventually be at 3B for the Padres.

Yep - the Padres absolutely love Kouzmanoff's bat and overall makeup. They're batting him 3rd, and it wouldn't surprise me if he hit .315 with 25 HRs.