In a deadline shocker, the Pittsburgh Pirates traded for San Diego Padres outfielder Ryan Ludwick. Your definition of shocker may vary. Live a little! The Padres will receive a player to be named later, according to Jon Morosi.
In the past week, the Pirates started Xavier Paul, Alex Presley, and Matt Diaz in left field. While Presley has done well in limited action -- with a .402 OBP in 81 at-bats -- he was put on the disabled list last Monday with a thumb injury. The Pirates entered Sunday's action 3-1/2 games out of first place, which is close enough to want to improve, but far enough away to feel wary about making a huge short-term move. This trade strikes a pretty fair balance.
Ludwick is hitting .238/.301/.373 for the Padres this year, which looks bad until you shine the numbers through the Petco Park prism, and then ... they still don't look that good (92 OPS+). But he's doing okay against left-handed pitching, and the Pirates didn't exactly mortgage the future for him. Of course, Jameson Taillon was a first rounder last year, so if he were in any deal, he'd have to be a player to be named later. Hint hint!