Padres introduce Matt Kemp: 'This is a pretty big day for me'

A.J. Preller took a brief recess from overhauling the San Diego Padres on Friday to introduce outfielder Matt Kemp, whom he acquired in a five-player trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday.

"This is a pretty big day for me," Kemp told MLB.com during an introductory press conference. "I'm excited about this new opportunity to help this organization get back to where it wants to be."

Preller has aggressively reconstructed his team's roster since taking over as general manager roughly four months ago. The newly hired executive also brokered deals for Derek Norris, Wil Myers and Justin Upton in the last 48 hours, but emphasized that Kemp was among the team's primary trade targets since the first day of the season.

Though Kemp's arrival in San Diego was nearly derailed after his physical revealed arthritis in his hips, the 30-year-old downplayed his condition Friday.

"My hips are good, man," said Kemp, who has spent 113 days on the disabled list since the beginning of 2013. "Strong hips."

Kemp boasts more experience in center field than either Upton or Myers, but the two-time Gold Glove award winner's defense came under scrutiny last season. He's expected to take over in right field in 2015.