Ryan Ludwick is Looking Good To Dusty Baker

Ryan Ludwick is another one of those players that took awhile to reach his potential. He was drafted in the second round by Oakland in 1999.

The 33-year old struggled through the Texas and Cleveland organizations until he had an epiphany in St. Louis, reaching power numbers that eluded him. After hitting 14 home runs in his first three seasons, Ludwick blasted 14 for St. Louis in 2006.  He followed with his best season in 2007 with a .299 average, 37 home runs and 113 RBI.

His numbers dipped the next two seasons.  The Cardinals shipped him to San Diego, the large ballpark didn't suit Ludwick  and they sent him late last season to Pittsburgh, but Dusty Baker said the park was only part of it.

Rick Hummel, a long time writer for the St. Louis Post Dispatch, was in Baker's office this morning.  He asked Baker directly if Petco Park was the reason or what Baker thought would cause such a drop off.

"Sometimes it just happens," Baker said.  "Everybody wants to know why, sometimes its mental, sometimes its physical. Sometimes its the situations you get into or lack of them.  The park may have something to do with it. The park would mess with anybody, especially if you're used to doing some trotting.  Then Pittsburgh wasn't playing him as much as they thought."

The Reds are hoping the fresh start will be the tonic that turns the outfielder back around.  Ludwick and Chris Heisey will compete for playing time.  After two days of workouts, Ludwick, has impressed Baker.

"He's looking good, real good," Baker said.  "He came in to camp in great shape.  He works hard. I was surprised St. Louis let him go in the first place."