NASHVILLE, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Two days after signing free agent pitcher Chris Carpenter, the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday acquired righthander Brfett Tomko from the San Diego Padres in exchange for righthander Luther Hackman and a player to be named.
With Andy Benes retired, Chuck Finley exploring free agency and Jamey Wright not offered salary arbitration, St. Louis was in need of pitchers to follow Matt Morris and Woody Williams in its rotation. The 29-year-old Tomko fits the bill.
Acquired from Seattle in December 2001, Tomko posted a 10-10 record with a 4.49 ERA for the Padres last season. In his final eight starts of the campaign, the 6-4, 215-pound Tomko went 5-2, including four straight victories from Aug. 15-Sept. 4.
In 164 career games with Cincinnati, Seattle and San Diego, Tomko owns a 49-42 record with two saves and a 4.46 ERA. He enjoyed his best season with the Reds in 1998, going 13-12 in 34 starts.
The 28-year-old Hackman, who began his major league career with Colorado in 1999, started six games for the Padres in 2002. Overall, he made 37 relief appearances, going 5-4 with a 4.11 ERA.
In 84 career games, Hackman is 7-8 with one save and a 5.05 ERA.
