Source: Padres are firing Towers, the longest-tenured GM in big leagues

October 7th, 2009 A's squash speculation about Forst and San DiegoSAN DIEGO — The Oakland Athletics squashed speculation that assistant general manager David Forst is in the mix to become the next general manager of the San Diego Padres The A's said in a statement e-mailed exclusively to The Associated Press on Wednesday that Forst has not interviewed for the job, nor has anyone asked for permission to interview him. "At this time, he has no interest in pursuing a position outside of Oakland and has no plans to leave the A's organization," the statement concluded.

October 3rd, 2009 Towers: no real reason given why Padres fired himSAN DIEGO — Kevin Towers, a gunslinger if ever there was one, marveled at how he always managed to stay one step ahead of the posse. He never got fired from a job while growing up in Medford, Ore., he said; never got cut from a team, released as a professional ballplayer or fired from any of the baseball jobs he held before becoming the San Diego Padres' general manager in November 1995.

October 3rd, 2009 Towers: Never really told why Padres fired himSAN DIEGO — Kevin Towers says he really wasn't told why he was fired as general manager of the San Diego Padres, although he figures it's because CEO Jeff Moorad wanted his own guy in the job. "He never really told me exactly the reason why, but I've been around long enough to know why," Towers, who held the job for 14 seasons, said Saturday.

October 3rd, 2009 LeBlanc shuts down Giants in 2-0 Pads winSAN DIEGO — Left-hander Wade LeBlanc held San Francisco to two hits in seven innings and struck out a career-high eight to lead the San Diego Padres to a 2-0 win over the Giants on Saturday night. The Padres improved to 37-24 since July 28, the fourth-best record in the major leagues during that span.

October 2nd, 2009 Source: Padres GM Towers has been firedSAN DIEGO — Kevin Towers, the longest-tenured general manager in the major leagues, has been fired by the San Diego Padres, a person familiar with the situation said Friday night. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the club hadn't made an announcement.

October 2nd, 2009 Zito knocked out of game by Gonzo's line driveSAN DIEGO — Barry Zito's season ended when he was hit by a line drive in the sixth inning Friday night, leaving him with a bruised left forearm. "It didn't feel good," Zito said after his San Francisco Giants beat the San Diego Padres 7-2, although he didn't figure in the decision.

August 20th, 2009 Pro leagues, NCAA appeal Delaware betting planDOVER, Del. — Attorneys for professional sports leagues and the NCAA say a motion to dismiss an appeal involving sports betting in Delaware has no merit.

August 13th, 2009 Padres RHP Carrillo called up for first startMILWAUKEE — The San Diego Padres have called up right-hander Cesar Carrillo to make his first major league start against the Milwaukee Brewers. Carrillo started Thursday.

August 5th, 2009 Padres release Mark Prior after slow rehabSAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres have released right-hander Mark Prior, whose once-promising career has been interrupted by two shoulder surgeries since April 2007. Prior had signed a minor league contract with the Padres in January.

July 26th, 2009 Gonzalez extends consecutive games streakWASHINGTON — Adrian Gonzalez came off the bench to extend the longest active consecutive games streak in the majors, establishing a new San Diego Padres record by playing in his 306th straight game. Gonzalez entered the game as a defensive replacement for first baseman Oscar Salazar in the bottom of the seventh inning.

July 18th, 2009 Padres recall Macias, option WebbSAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres have recalled outfielder Drew Macias from Triple-A Portland for the fourth time this season. To make room on the roster, reliever Ryan Webb was optioned to the Beavers on Friday.

July 10th, 2009 Giants 9, Padres 3 E_E.Cabrera (4), Renteria (8), Schierholtz (2). DP_San Diego 1, San Francisco 1.

July 8th, 2009 Padres designate RHP Silva for assignmentPHOENIX — The San Diego Padres have designated right-hander Walter Silva for assignment and called up infielder Craig Stansberry from Triple-A Portland. Silva was 0-2 with an 8.76 ERA in six starts for the Padres this season.

June 21st, 2009 103-year-old Navarro throws out first pitchSAN DIEGO — Emilio Navarro still has some accuracy, if not the range. Navarro, who at 103 is believed to be the oldest living professional baseball player, threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Oakland Athletics-San Diego Padres game on Saturday night.

June 11th, 2009 Source: Dallas Stars fire coach Dave TippettARLINGTON, Texas — A person familar with the decision says the Dallas Stars have fired coach Dave Tippett. The person spoke Wednesday night to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the team was not releasing the news.