Boomber bounced to San Diego

David Wells 2 year run as Boston Red Sox pitcher over. The Sox have delt him to the San Diego Padres, which is the team that they originally got him from...

(AP) David Wells was traded Thursday from the Boston Red Sox to the Padres, who believe the free-spirited lefty will provide the lift they need as they contend for a postseason berth.

The defending NL West champion Padres, trying to make consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in their history, were off Thursday. They lead the wild-card race by one game over Philadelphia and trail the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers by three games.

The Red Sox are to receive one of San Diego's top prospects, believed to be minor league catcher George Kottaras, or cash. Boston GM Theo Epstein previously worked under Towers in the Padres' front office and expected Wells to retire after this season.