BUCS ADD OUTFIELDER RYAN LUDWICK
The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired outfielder Ryan Ludwick from the San Diego Padres for cash.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates needed to add a really big bat to truly compete for the pennant. Instead, they get Ludwick to go with Derrek Lee earlier. Both should help, but there may not be room for both to play every day. Look for Ludwick to take over in right field for Garrett Jones, who is more of a first baseman anyway. Lee and Jones may share time at first, though Lyle Overbay is also in the picture. Jones may also move to left field until Jose Tabata returns. That all said, this strengthens the Pirates for the stretch drive and it didn't cost them much, either.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
The Padres are not contenders this year, but at least they're doing solid housekeeping duties at the deadline. Ludwick was San Diego's every day left-fielder this season, but they have candidates to replace him: Kyle Blanks, Aaron Cunningham, Blake Tekotte, et al. So, they'll accept either a marginal prospect or cash in return for Ludwick from the Bucs.
Fantasy impact
