SAN DIEGO (AP) — Adding Ryan Ludwick and Miguel Tejada in the span of three days has convinced San Diego Padres players that management wants to win now.
The NL West-leading Padres acquired Ludwick from St. Louis on Saturday in a three-team deal. He can play either right or left field and will add pop to an outfield that hasn’t shown much in spacious Petco Park.
All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez says the deals put the Padres in position not only to reach the playoffs, but get beyond the first round.
San Diego opened the season with the second-lowest payroll in the majors, and many thought Gonzalez would be dealt if the team struggled. Instead, the Padres have taken on $3 million in payroll in the two deals.
