SAN DIEGO -- When the Padres acquired right-hander Bryan Corey on Sunday, they achieved two things: They bolstered their bullpen and they brought in postseason experience.

Corey, whom the Padres received from the Red Sox in exchange for a player to be named later or cash, was on Boston's active roster last year when it won the World Series. Corey didn't pitch in the postseason, but he made nine appearances during the regular season, pitching 9 1/3 innings and compiling a 1.93 ERA. He earned both a postseason playoff share and a World Series championship ring, which he said was in the suitcase he brought to San Diego.

"To be a part of that -- to be there, experience it -- it was pretty special," said Corey. "The ring, no one can ever take away from you."

Corey received a call Friday night notifying him that he'd been traded, and he packed his bags and flew to San Diego on Saturday.

In his move to California, Corey returns to his hometown. He was born and raised in Thousand Oaks, Calif., a three-hour drive from San Diego, and he went to junior college in Los Angeles (Pierce Junior College). He currently makes his home in Mesa, Ariz.

"To be closer to home is really nice," Corey said. "I just want the opportunity to help a team win. I still believe I can get people out at the big league level on a consistent basis."

To do so, Corey primarily will use a fastball and a changeup. He said he's also working on a sinker, and manager Bud Black said Corey is continuing to fine-tune a slider. Corey said he uses his different pitches equally to stay effective.

In a Major League career that spans 10 years (1998-2008), Corey has made 52 appearances, pitched 59 1/3 innings and walked 24 batters while striking out 39. His career ERA is 4.40.

Corey has pitched for the Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Rangers and Red Sox, gaining experience in the National and American Leagues.

"He comes highly regarded from [manager Terry] "Tito" Francona," Black said. "He's got some professional experience. [He] works fast, got nice stuff, knows how to pitch. We think he'll help out bullpen."

Corey hopes to help the Padres turn around their recent spat of subpar play -- they've lost 18 of their last 23 games entering Sunday's finale against the Rockies. He'll provide support for a bullpen that has had trouble stranding inherited runners; Black said Corey will pitch against lefties and righties.

"I think there's guys here that know how to win and have won," Corey said. "I'm hoping I can just slide right in and help out and get on a good streak."