Ryan Ludwick – Padre Killer

At the start of each series, we at Chicken Friars will zero in on an opposing player known to be a “Padre Killer.” No matter the day, time or place, this player is known to be a one-man wrecking crew when it comes to playing against the San Diego Padres.

In this column, I will analyze that player’s statistics against the Friars and try to offer some insight on how not to let that player beat our beloved team. 

Mat Latos returned to Petco Park on July 5, but this time, he returned as a member of the Cincinnati Reds.

The former Padre was stellar in his start against his ex team, tossing seven innings of four hit ball with eight strikeouts. However, Latos was outdone by Padres starting pitcher Edinson Volquez, who was one of four players obtained for Latos last December.

Volquez also pitched seven strong innings, giving up five hits on one earned run with 10 strikeouts.  The Padres ended up winning the game in walk-off fashion.

This time it is the Reds’ turn to host a four-game set against the Padres. But part two of Latos VS. Volquez will have to wait till next year because Latos’ turn in the rotation is not scheduled to come up in this four game series.

Latos will not get his revenge this time but another former Padre will. Reds outfielder Ryan Ludwick played for the Padres in 2010 and parts of 2011 before getting traded at the deadline.

Ludwick’s low productivity led to fans booing him and ultimately his ousting in San Diego. The former Friar’s outfielder will get to redeem himself in the sense that he is a Padre Killer.

Ludwick’s numbers at Petco Park were dismal. He batted .219 with 11 home runs and 46 RBI in 93 games played. The outfielder seems to have found new life playing in hitter friendly Great American Ballpark where he has posted a .245 average with 19 home runs and 46 RBI.

If I were the Padres, I would not back down from Ludwick. I would throw him everything and anything, even brush him back off the plate a few times. I wouldn’t be scared of him. The Reds have other guys in their lineup to worry about, and Ludwick should be the least of the Padres’ concern.

Statistics Courtesy of: Baseball Reference