"The Cardinals have acquired righthanded starting pitcher Jake Westbrook and cash considerations from the Cleveland Indians in a three-team trade that sends right fielder Ryan Ludwick to the San Diego Padres. The Cardinals receive minor-league lefthander Nick Greenwood from the Padres.

The Cardinals confirmed the moves via a press release.

Westbrook, 32, was 6-7 with a 4.65 ERA for the struggling Indians. Greenwood has been assigned to Class A Quad Cities. Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak cited Westbrook as someone the organization had eyed "for a good period of time."

The deal, which began to firm Friday night, apparently involved Westbrook modifying a $2 million trade bonus. He is still owed nearly $4 million as the pro-rated portion of his $11 million salary. The Indians will assume a portion of his leftover salary.

Within the last hour the Indians scratched Westbrook from his scheduled start against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Ludwick's involvement represents an abrupt twist for a club that has struggled offensively for much of the season.

The former All-Star and Silver Slugger right fielder is due $5.45 million this season and is third-time arbitration-eligible next winter. Speculation had mounted that the Cardinals would eventually deal Ludwick as they sought salary relief in preparation for negotiating a lengthy extension with first baseman Albert Pujols. Given the remaining dollars owed Ludwick this season and the $1.5 million in appearance incentives the club will save on injured starting pitcher Brad Penny, the Cardinals may actually realize a cash savings.

The Cardinals assigned West Coast scout Matt Slater to monitor the Padres' series against the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier this week; however, GM John Mozeliak denied a connection to a possible deal with either club. Ludwick, aware of speculation surrounding his future with the club, had wondered if he might be a part of a pending deal."