Padres' trade with Orioles ends AJ Preller's quest to land All-Star outfielders

AJ Preller is determined as ever. Look no further than the recent trade bringing two (yes, two!) outfielders to San Diego in the waning hours of the trade deadline. After acquiring Freddy Fermin from the Kansas City Royals, the last and final need to be addressed by Preller was the left field spot. That left field conundrum that has plagued the Padres this year has been upgraded with the acquisition of both Ramón Laureano and Ryan O'Hearn from the Baltimore Orioles.

Laureano is a strong defender that brings consistency to the Friars, while O'Hearn is having an All-Star year after improving his batting mechanics and exhibiting more plate discipline. Laureano has a batting average of .290 with 46 RBIs. O'Hearn has similar numbers at a .283 average with 43 RBIs. Both players add a deeper dimension to the Padres' bottom half of their lineup.

Padres land two solid bats from Orioles in trade for Ramon Laureano, Ryan O'Hearn

Boston Bateman of Single-A Lake Elsinore is part of the deal, with a total of six prospects heading the Orioles' way. With these recent deals Padres manager Mike Shildt should feel like Picasso in front of a canvas in crafting a stacked lineup on Friday, assuming both Laureano and O'Hearn pass physicals. What Shildt must also assess, is what to do with Gavin Sheets, whether he lands in a DH spot or not.

Preller steps to the mic in a scheduled press conference at the conclusion of the deadline to talk about his moves and the status of the club moving forward. Don't think he will gloat at all. These moves have rocked the MLB circuit and Friday's game against St. Louis tomorrow should unveil a locked-in look from top to bottom.

Questions around the league and at the press conference will definitely revolve around depleting what was recently one of the best farm systems in baseball. For Preller and the Padres, the answer about whether moving multiple prospects, including their top prospect was worth it, will have to wait. Friars fans hope that answer will come in late October/early November. We know one thing, Preller has done what he said he'd do, now the rest will be settled on the diamond.