--Padres CEO Sandy Alderson reacted a day after RF Brian Giles was sued for $10 million by former girlfriend Cheri Olvera. Said Alderson: "The Padres have recently learned of a lawsuit filed against Brian Giles by his former girlfriend alleging, among other things, abusive behavior by Brian. While we will not comment on the specifics of the lawsuit, abusive behavior in any form, by any member of the Padres organization, against anyone, violates the basic values of the organization and is not condoned. The Padres, and its employee assistance program are committed to the elimination of all forms of abuse, including abuse against women. We will continue to monitor the lawsuit as it proceeds."
--Mayor Jerry Sanders said John Moores' prospective sale of the Padres won't affect the club's situation in San Diego or at Petco Park. The city has an agreement with the Padres through 2032, the year the city is scheduled to complete its share of the bond payments on the $474 million downtown ballpark. Cash-strapped San Diego pays $11.3 million a year on the bonds. Said Sanders: "The agreement between the City and the Padres is pretty well laid out. Whoever comes in will have to live up to the agreement -- and I have no doubt they will." --RHPs Clay Hensley (1-2, 5.31 ERA in 32 games) and Charlie Haeger (16.62 ERA in four appearances) were non-tendered by the Padres, who sent out contracts to 33 players.
--With SS Khalil Greene being traded to the Cardinals and second base prospect Matt Antonelli apparently needing more time at Class AAA Portland, general manager Kevin Towers said he is interested in talking to three veterans -- 41-year-old Omar Vizquel, 33-year-old David Eckstein and 38-year-old Mark Grudzielanek -- to fill the voids for at least a year.
--The Padres have finalized their minor league staffs for 2009. Class AAA Portland: manager Randy Ready, pitching coach Glenn Abbott, hitting coach Max Venable, trainer Wade Yamasaki. Class AA San Antonio: manager Terry Kennedy, pitching coach Steve Webber, hitting coach Orv Franchuk, trainer JoJo Tarantino. Class A Lake Elsinore: manager Carlos Lezcano, pitching coach Dave Rajsich, hitting coach Shane Spencer, trainer Will Sinon. Class A Fort Wayne: manager Doug Dascenzo, pitching coach Tom Bradley, pitching coach Tom Tornincasa, trainer Ernesto Vega Jr. Short-season Class A: manager Greg Riddoch, pitching coach Bronswell Patrick, hitting coach Eric Peyton, trainer Nathan Stewart. Rookie: manager Jose Flores, pitching coach Jimmy Jones, hitting coach Bob Skube.
BY THE NUMBERS: $80 million -- Price John Moores paid for the Padres in 1994. $385 million -- Estimated value of the Padres set by Forbes last spring before the economy crashed. $73 million -- Padres' payroll in 2008. $40 million -- Projected payroll for 2009 as Moores seeks a buyer.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Simply stated, I'd like to see it play out to John's satisfaction. I think his comments probably today reiterate his desire to stay involved. I just expect to be supportive of the process." -- Padres CEO Sandy Alderson on John Moores' confirmation that he is planning to sell at least part of his 90 percent ownership stake of the Padres.
