Character Counts in Dodgers’ 12-3 Win

Sources of motivation have rarely been as abundant for the Dodgers as they were Friday night against the San Diego Padres.

There was a blockbuster trade that removed three of the team’s most popular players from the clubhouse before the opener of a three-game series against another National League West contender, and the Dodgers’ lingering resentment about an old quote on their supposed lack of character.

As if that wasn’t enough, center fielder Milton Bradley made sure the Dodgers were charged up. He made a dazzling catch in the bottom of the third inning to rob Phil Nevin of a two-run home run and hit two homers in a 12-3 blowout victory before 42,552 at Petco Park.

“Milton Bradley took us on his shoulders today,” catcher David Ross said. “We came in the clubhouse and found out we lost three of our best friends, and then he makes an incredible catch and pops a home run. That kind of took our mind off of it and reminded us of the task at hand.”

General Manager Paul DePodesta traded catcher Paul Lo Duca, reliever Guillermo Mota and right fielder Juan Encarnacion to Florida for pitcher Brad Penny, first baseman Hee Seop Choi and double-A pitching prospect Bill Murphy.

“It was a blow to us, right before the game, to find out that three of the guys you play with every single game are gone,” said leadoff batter Dave Roberts, who had three of the Dodgers’ 15 hits. “The first few innings, we kind of came out ... you don’t want to say flat, but it was little bit of a blow. It was a credit to us to just bear down and understand the big picture.”

The picture included a blown-up quote -- placed prominently in the clubhouse -- from Padre General Manager Kevin Towers, who in spring training said that the Dodgers “just don’t seem to play well as a team. They’ve always had a lot of talent, but for some reason, when you play them, they don’t seem to play well together. It seemed like it was more character than anything.”

On an emotional day for the Dodgers, they said they showed their character.

“I don’t rub things in other people’s faces, but I have a very good memory, and I do read a little bit,” Manager Jim Tracy said. “I just think there was something said that I didn’t particularly care for.”

The NL West leaders hugged, wept ... and then overwhelmed the second-place Padres.

They broke open the game and chased nemesis Adam Eaton in a seven-run fourth highlighted by Bradley’s 12th homer, a two-run shot that gave the Dodgers a lead they wouldn’t relinquish in cruising to their seventh victory in 10 games against San Diego.

Bradley added his 13th homer in the eighth and had four runs batted in for the Dodgers (60-42), who opened a 3 1/2-game lead over San Diego (57-46), improved to 3-2 on their trip and matched their best record in being 18 games over .500.

Jeff Weaver (8-10) was impressive in eight innings -- giving up four hits and one run -- as his teammates provided support early for a change. Moreover, the Dodgers finally overcame Eaton (6-9), who was 6-1 with a 1.96 earned-run average against them before Friday.

“Adam Eaton has been tough on us the last few years,” said Shawn Green, who had two hits, including a run-scoring triple. “He’s a great pitcher, but we jumped out with that big inning.”