Padres Say Good-Bye To Outfielder Jim Edmonds

San Diego, CA (AHN) -- The Padres took a chance with aging veteran Jim Edmonds, hoping to add much needed talent to their drowning season. Unfortunately, Edmonds didn't deliver, and the Padres decided to let him go.

Jim Edmonds has had a wonderful career, going back to 1993. He came into this season with a batting average of .286, along with an on-base plus slugging percentage of .910.

His fielding was even more impressive than his bat. Edmonds is an eight-time Gold Glove winner, and has been to the All-Star game four times. He was most noted for an extra inning homer that won Game 6 of the National League Championship in 2004. In game 7, he delivered a wonderful defensive play that helped clinch the National League title.

He also had a role to play in St. Louis securing their World Series title in 2006, giving them four RBIs throughout the series.

Unfortunately, Edmonds' talent seems to have bottomed out. He has struggled enormously at the plate this year, batting only .178, and only driving in a single home run in 26 games. His shortcomings are not being compensated for by his team: the Padres have lost 17 out of their last 21 games, and are currently the worst team in baseball, already 11 games out of first.

While Edmonds has been released, the Padres are still forced to pay him $6 million, as a result of the contract they signed with the Cardinals.

"He's not playing to how we have seen Jimmy play in the past," Padres Manager Bud Black said.

While he reported to training camp this year fit as a whistle, Edmonds strained his right calf on March 6, and was on the disabled list for several weeks. It may have had a factor in his recent slump.

Taking his place is outfielder Jody Gerut, who has been recalled from Triple-A. He had a stellar opening, hitting .308, with five home runs and 18 RBIs.