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Kouzmanoff hopes to lead Padres by former team again

Jun 15, 2008 - 1:31 PM San Diego (31-39) at Cleveland (32-37) 1:05 pm EDT

CLEVELAND (Ticker) -- Kevin Kouzmanoff will hope to hurt the team that drafted him again when the San Diego Padres meet the Cleveland Indians on Sunday in the rubber match of the three-game series.

Kouzmanoff's grand slam capped a five-run 10th inning Saturday night as the Padres rallied to defeat the Indians, 8-3.

The Padres' third baseman was drafted by the Indians in the sixth round in 2003. Kouzmanoff made his major league debut on September 2, 2006 with Cleveland, becoming the first player in MLB history to hit the first pitch he saw for a grand slam.

But with former top prospect Andy Marte blocking his path to being an everyday third baseman, Cleveland traded Kouzmanoff for second baseman Josh Barfield prior to the 2007 season. Despite the trade, Kouzmanoff said he didn't feel any redemption by hitting the grand slam Saturday.

"I wasn't out there trying to get payback," Kouzmanoff said. "(Cleveland) drafted me and gave me a shot. I have no negative feelings and I don't hold any grudges for them making a business decision."

Indians ace C.C. Sabathia (4-8, 4.34 ERA) will hope to stop Kouzmanoff from having any more heroics on Sunday. The reigning American League Cy Young snapped a three-game losing streak with a five-hit shutout in Tuesday's 1-0 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

The Padres will counter with four-time Cy Young winner Greg Maddux (3-4, 3.33), who is looking for his first win since May 10. He allowed just one run and six hits over six innings during Tuesday's 7-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.