Adams, Ludwick...traded

The Padres sent Mike Adams to Texas for a couple of minor-league starting pitchers, 20-year-old left-hander Robbie Erlin and 21-year-old right-hander Joe Wieland, both of whom were at Double-A Frisco.
Erlin was considered a B prospect and Wieland a C-plus prospect before the season. Some people in baseball says of the deal that “the Padres just added two major league quality pitchers to the mix.”

Both prospects have seen their stock rise in the eyes of some evaluators. This may or may not mean anything, but it’s worth noting that people who are paid to pay attention to such things like what they see.

As for Adams, it’s really tough to see him go. The Padres got him for almost nothing and helped turn him into one of baseball’s elite relievers. But I can see why the Padres traded him, as dominant as Mike Adams has been over the past few years, I can't really see how critical it is to protect an eighth-inning lead when the team is over 14 games back. It is clear that the Padres have given up on the season and thing of the future.

In the day’s other trade, San Diego sent outfielder Ryan Ludwick to the Pirates for a player to be named later or cash considerations. This, I think, was a good move. Trading Ludwick clears a spot for some of the young players to get at-bats.

It also clears salary. Between the two players, the Padres save a little more than $3 million, which could prove useful over the next couple of weeks as they try to sign all of their draft picks by the August 15 deadline.

The Padres didn’t give up much to get Ludwick from St. Louis at this time last year, he didn’t do much while he was here (659 PA, .228/.301/.358, 87 OPS+) and he didn’t fetch much on his way out of town.

Ludwick’s departure, whatever or whomever else it might bring, paves the way for any number of young outfielders to get a shot at left field. Kyle Blanks, Aaron Cunningham, James Darnell, and Blake Tekotte all appear to be worthy candidates. Cunningham is expected to replace Ludwick on the roster, with 24-year-old right-hander Robert Hamren being recalled from Double-A San Antonio to take Adams’ spot.