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Towers Speaks About Possible Moves

By Mike Axisa [July 16, 2009 at 6:10pm CST]

Padres GM Kevin Towers spoke with Darren Smith of 1090 XX Sports Radio earlier today, touching on a variety of Padre related topics. You can download and listen to the interview by clicking here, but here's a roundup of the rumors...

Towers said he expects to get calls from contending teams about his "experienced players," mentioning David Eckstein, Brian Giles, Henry Blanco, Kevin Correia, Chad Gaudin, Cla Meredith and Mike Adams by name.
He also said it's doubtful that the team would take on salary in a deadline deal, but they might be able to during the offseason.
Depending on how he comes back from injury, there may be interest in Giles. Towers said it's doubtful anything happens before the deadline, but a waiver trade could be made in August. Giles, of course, has a full no-trade clause.
When asked why he wouldn't trade Adrian Gonzalez or Heath Bell before the deadline to bring back as much talent as possible, Towers said "it's not to say we won't." He then mentions that they first need to determine what young players they're committed to keeping here and what they need to bring in from outside the organization, but if someone approaches them about one of those guys "they need to listen."

Comments

MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN!!

Posted by: Tha_SD-Brain | July 16, 2009 at 06:17 PM

Cubs bring back Hank White!!!!

Posted by: CubCrazy | July 16, 2009 at 06:20 PM

Adrian Gonzalez to Boston for Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden and Lars Anderson.

Posted by: Scott Candage | July 16, 2009 at 06:20 PM

Another thread doomed to 40+ posts of unrealistic AGon/Bell trade proposals. Yesssssss, just what i was hoping to see tonight.

Posted by: gfulla | July 16, 2009 at 06:23 PM

Well I'm hoping this trade proposals appeases both fan bases.

Atlanta gets Agon and Eckstein

Pads get, Escobar, Cody Johnson, Medlen, Rohrbough and Freeman.

How's that sound folks?

Posted by: bravesfan3110 | July 16, 2009 at 06:27 PM

Posted by: baseballfan2345 | July 16, 2009 at 06:29 PM

Please ban this guy!!!

Posted by: SuzysMan | July 16, 2009 at 06:39 PM

Well I'm hoping this trade proposals appeases both fan bases.

Atlanta gets Agon and Eckstein

Pads get, Escobar, Cody Johnson, Medlen, Rohrbough and Freeman.

How's that sound folks?

Posted by: bravesfan3110 | July 16, 2009 at 06:27 PM

I doubt that would be enough for KT. I think Escobar and Freeman are a very nice start. Cole is filler, and would be a good spare part in any deal. I think Johnson gets overvalued by Atlanta fans due to his power. He doesn't have any other good tools, and his defense would be exposed in Petco very badly. I think Medlan probably has more value to the Braves than other teams. There's not much projection in him, and listing him at 5'8" is pretty generous. I doubt many teams think he'd hold up as a full time starter. Pull Johnson and Medlan, and replace them with Schafer and Reyes and you'd probably tempt them.

Posted by: 86 Mets | July 16, 2009 at 06:44 PM

86mets, only reason I didn't put Shafer in there is because he is hurt right now. I'd swap out Medlen for Reyes. I just think Atlanta has the tools to get this done and they need POWER big time. Seems like a good fit.

Posted by: bravesfan3110 | July 16, 2009 at 06:47 PM

As a Padres fan, let me help you out with this one. They don't need Escobar since they Rule 5'd Evereth Cabera. He is the SS of the foreseeable future. They don't need Lars Anderson because they have Kyle Blanks waiting in the wings. OK, proceed with your "wishes".

Posted by: Friar_Chris | July 16, 2009 at 06:49 PM

Posted by: bravesfan3110 | July 16, 2009 at 06:47 PM

They do need power, but A. Gonzalez is one of the premier hitters in the majors and has one of the most team friendly contracts in baseball. The Pads may think about trading him, but they would need a GREAT package in return. You'd be looking at a package bigger than the Tex deal or the Bedard deal.

Posted by: 86 Mets | July 16, 2009 at 06:53 PM

Friar Chris, Escobar could always be moved to third for you folks. Is it really that bad of a trade offer?

Posted by: bravesfan3110 | July 16, 2009 at 06:53 PM

Log jam at third as well with Kouzmanoff and Headley waiting on the wings.

Posted by: Friar_Chris | July 16, 2009 at 06:55 PM

If we get Escobar he would be unhappy if we'd wanted to move him to 3rd. Besides, 3rd base is usually a position in which the guy handling it has power. We got Kouz and Headley there, no need for another player jammed at that position. Only way I'd trade Adrian is if Boston pulls the trigger sending a package of Bucholz, Bowden, Bard, Masterson and one or two more good prospects.

Posted by: Franco | July 16, 2009 at 06:58 PM

Well I'm hoping this trade proposals appeases both fan bases.

Atlanta gets Agon and Eckstein

Pads get, Escobar, Cody Johnson, Medlen, Rohrbough and Freeman.

and what does the braves do with Kotchman????? if the braves were to make a play for agon heyward or hanson would be a must or no deal. common now.

Posted by: derman1984 | July 16, 2009 at 07:04 PM

As a Giants fan I'd have to say that Adrian Gon is one of a short list of players I would be ok giving up a lot for.

If I were the Giants brass I would go to the Padres and offer any two of the Giants top four prospects besides Bumgarner (Posey, Alderson, Villalona), Henry Sosa, Nick Noonan, and Emmanuel Burriss/Bowker/Ishikawa. Or some combination of prospects and two of the top four not named Bumgarner.

Posted by: JT | July 16, 2009 at 07:15 PM

"Pads get, Escobar, Cody Johnson, Medlen, Rohrbough and Freeman."

LOL... Ridiculous. That wouldn't even work for just Adrian.

Posted by: bkoke | July 16, 2009 at 07:37 PM

Escobar has attitude issues and is going to start making a lot of money soon. If the Padres would want him they could move Cabrera to second and put Escobar at SS.

Cody Johnson has some pop but, his .260 .332 .511 career minor league line is not very impressive. He's not on any top prospect list and he's not even a top 10 Braves prospect.

Medlen and Rohrbough have good stuff but, they are not top prospects.

Freeman could become a top prospect but, he's 19 years old and the Padres have Kyle Blanks.

I love how Braves fans always think they can get premium players without giving up any of their top 5 prospects.

Posted by: bkoke | July 16, 2009 at 07:46 PM

Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden and Lars Anderson for adrian
seriously theo would never give away the top 3 prospects
in the system the most realistic trade would be something like bowden,buchholz,kalish,navaro(all top 11) but anderson would be off limits if buchholz is involved no way he trades both
oh and braves fans stop making idiotic trade proposals if you want gonzo you know who you have to give up

Posted by: zeppelin3593 | July 16, 2009 at 07:46 PM

To Jt, I have seen a little of Sosa and honestly think he is being undervalued by some.

If I were the Giants brass I would go to the Padres and offer any two of the Giants top four prospects besides If I were the Giants brass I would go to the Padres and offer any two of the Giants top four prospects besides Bumgarner (Posey, Alderson, Villalona), Henry Sosa, Nick Noonan, and Emmanuel Burriss/Bowker/Ishikawa. Or some combination of prospects and two of the top four not named Bumgarner.Posey, Alderson, Villalona), Henry Sosa, Nick Noonan, and Emmanuel Burriss/Bowker/Ishikawa. Or some combination of prospects and two of the top four not named Bumgarner.

I would like the deal for Pads if we get Posey (absolutely has to be included), Alderson, Sosa (Villalona is well overrated hasn't done anything of note btw), Noonan, and Ishakawa. I would love that deal for Adrian.

Posted by: Pads/Angels fan | July 16, 2009 at 07:51 PM

Posted by: Franco | July 16, 2009 at 06:58 PM

and this is why you are not a GM you want 4 top pitching prospects for him plus two more your extremely unrealistic consider yourself lucky if you get offered buchholz before the he becomes a blue jay but see above for a reaistic trade for gonzo

Posted by: zeppelin3593 | July 16, 2009 at 07:51 PM

just throwing this out there but adrian does have the lowest amount of xbh compared to HR's 24 and doubles 10 he is also hitting 250 so lets not demand albert pujols packages of prospects for him ok

Posted by: zeppelin3593 | July 16, 2009 at 07:55 PM

just throwing this out there but adrian does have the lowest amount of xbh compared to HR's 24 and doubles 10 he is also hitting 250 so lets not demand albert pujols packages of prospects for him ok

Posted by: zeppelin3593 | July 16, 2009 at 07:55 PM

Dont worry everyone. He didnt just say that his batting average is the reason he shouldn't command a whole lot in a trade

Cause that would just be stupid.

Posted by: Green Grove | July 16, 2009 at 08:02 PM

just throwing this out there but adrian does have the lowest amount of xbh compared to HR's 24 and doubles 10 he is also hitting 250 so lets not demand albert pujols packages of prospects for him ok

Posted by: zeppelin3593 | July 16, 2009 at 07:55 PM

Well, in AGs defense... he is surrounded by complete crap and every opposing teams scouting report probably says something like "Do not let #23 beat us... walk him with the bases loaded if you have to..."

His splits at Petco aren't doing him any favors either.

Bottom line, he's 27, cheap, great defender... and can mash. He should net a very nice return.

Posted by: carini26 | July 16, 2009 at 08:09 PM

I wish Towers would throw Gonzalez's name out there a la Halladay so that at least there would be a bidding war.

But he seems much more likely to wait out the rest of the season and look for trades in the off season.

I personally favor mid season trades because teams are more desperate to get an elusive championship and will throw a lot of pieces at you.

Posted by: Green Grove | July 16, 2009 at 08:18 PM

Howbout Heath Bell to the Twins for Ben Revere + a low-upside/command-control SP that the Twins seem to grow on trees?

Twins have been looking for relief help and they have a surplus of speedy OF types (Span, Gomez, Revere, Hicks). Padres could really use a CF who can cover serious ground and bat leadoff.

Adrian Gonzalez to the Giants makes the most sense from both teams' perspectives, but Sabean seems loathe to give up the type of talent the Pads will want. If Gonzalez stays a Padre and the Giants fail to add a bat, both organizations lose.

Posted by: AkulaMkii | July 16, 2009 at 08:19 PM

I agree that the Giants make the most sense.

But I dont see them giving up Posey all that easily. And without at least one of Posey or Bumgarner there simply is no deal.

Posted by: Green Grove | July 16, 2009 at 08:29 PM

Posey's agressive promotion to Triple A combined with Bengie Molina's expiring contract means that they're pretty committed to Buster at C for 2010 and beyond.

I think Sabean knows he would have to include Bumgarner for Gonzalez and that is what will ultimately be the roadblock for this deal as he seems unwilling to give the kid up. I think a package of Bumgarner, Villalona and Sosa would be acceptable to the Padres, but Sabean doesn't seem interested enough in adding a bat to be willing to pull the trigger there.

Posted by: AkulaMkii | July 16, 2009 at 08:45 PM

The Giants clearly need a middle of the order type bat to go along with their pitching if they want to contend with the Dodgers or Phillies in the National league.

I honestly dont feel like they'd want to give up Posey or Bumgarner though.

Even the Giants fans on here are trying to say packages based around Alderson and Villalona will suffice.

Which is ridiculous.

I see this ending in the Giants not being the contenders they could be and the Padres not getting better for the future. A lose-lose.

Posted by: Green Grove | July 16, 2009 at 08:51 PM

"I see this ending in the Giants not being the contenders they could be and the Padres not getting better for the future. A lose-lose."

Agreed.

There are so few sellers right now and even fewer sellers offering elite bats at on affordable salaries. Adrian Gonzalez is at maximum value right now (he's not going to hit any better next year) and money is a bigger factor now than ever (given the recession) and he's under control for 3 post-season runs. The Padres really need to try to deal him now when his value is at its peak and they can bring back enough talent to start a real rebuild.

Posted by: AkulaMkii | July 16, 2009 at 09:06 PM

"(he's not going to hit any better next year)"

Come on. The guy is 27 years old with zero protection. If he gets traded to a decent team and/or out of Petco Park the best is yet to come.

Posted by: bkoke | July 16, 2009 at 09:14 PM

I agree that it's time to trade him. Not because i particularly want to. But just because with Jake Peavy injured, there is nobody that would demand enough prospects to start a true rebuild.

If we traded Gonzalez and Heath Bell and maybe a Cla Meredith. We could definetly net a few prospects that could be future stars.

If we stand pat, we wont be good now, or in the future.

Posted by: Green Grove | July 16, 2009 at 09:18 PM

"Pads get, Escobar, Cody Johnson, Medlen, Rohrbough and Freeman."

LOL... Ridiculous. That wouldn't even work for just Adrian
Yeah you better remember that package includes F...ing Eckstein!!!! You're going to have to double that s..t!

Posted by: Franco | July 16, 2009 at 06:58 PM

Yes this will work. Boston will give you a whole new pitching staff for A-Gon. Yes that would be fair. Oh and two more good prospects? Well of course. What else? 2b, Cf?
I have the trade Bowden,Bard,Bucholtz,Pedroia+cash, Ellsbury+cash, Masterson,anything else?
If you got one of Bucholtz or Bowden you got a good return. Gonzales had a crazy start and is a good player, but he's not Pujols and even then no one would give up six elite guys for Pujols. It's just too much. As far as the log jam at 3b, both these guys kind of suck right now. So yeah not great. What about that crazy logjam at 2b with E-Gon, Antonelli and ECKSTEIN!!!???

Posted by: joemorgan=#1 | July 16, 2009 at 09:45 PM

Ha! Any GM stupid enough to acquire Brian Giles better have a good supply of steroids ready for him, and a foolproof way to for him to pass a urine test.

Posted by: doctor tongue | July 16, 2009 at 09:49 PM

Bard, Masterson, Reddick, Pimentel, Navarro?

Posted by: Green Grove | July 16, 2009 at 10:06 PM

lets see...

"Towers said he expects to get calls from contending teams about his "experienced players," mentioning David Eckstein, Brian Giles, Henry Blanco, Kevin Correia, Chad Gaudin, Cla Meredith and Mike Adams by name."

Yet you all get into a cat fight over the players he basically sets aside as staying put?

Look, he said "need to listen" not "I am looking for fair". If you dont blow him away with a package, you dont get entertained. That means, if you come up with a package you think is fair, add another top-prospect and possibly more to it then it MIGHT be enough to get into the "offer you cant refuse" range where he would have to bite. Otherwise, save your time, effort and frustration - please.

Posted by: SuzysMan | July 16, 2009 at 10:09 PM

When did a 4.39 ERA pitcher in the National league convert to a #1-#2 in the AL?

Posted by: bkoke | July 16, 2009 at 10:51 PM

oops wrong thread.

Posted by: bkoke | July 16, 2009 at 10:52 PM

"Even the Giants fans on here are trying to say packages based around Alderson and Villalona will suffice."

Most reasonable Giants fans don't believe this much as most reasonable Padres fans don't believe this:

"Only way I'd trade Adrian is if Boston pulls the trigger sending a package of Bucholz, Bowden, Bard, Masterson and one or two more good prospects."

I think that Gonzalez will stay with the Padres, however I don't think the Giants would hesitate to part with Posey for a player of AG's caliber. The Giants would have no problem re-signing Molina and dealing Posey. Posey wouldn't be up until late 2010 or early 2011 anyway.

I think a deal like this is more than reasonable:

Giants:
Adrian Gonzalez

Padres:
Posey, Alderson, Villalona (pick two)
Henry Sosa
Nick Noonan
Burriss/Bowker/Ishikawa

Thoughts?

Posted by: JT | July 16, 2009 at 11:00 PM

Giants:
Adrian Gonzalez

Padres:
Buster Posey
Tim Alderson
Henry Sosa
Nick Noonan
Clayton Tanner

As a Padre fan i would pull the trigger on an offer like this.

Posted by: Green Grove | July 16, 2009 at 11:23 PM

JT:
"Giants:
Adrian Gonzalez

Padres:
Posey, Alderson, Villalona (pick two)
Henry Sosa
Nick Noonan
Burriss/Bowker/Ishikawa"

This is probably the most realistic offer I've seen a Giants fan post. I like Sosa quite a bit, and adding Posey, Alderson and Sosa to the fold would go a long way to kick-starting a rebuild.

Posted by: AkulaMkii | July 17, 2009 at 03:05 AM

I agree in full.

A trade like this would be helpful for both teams. We could even kick in a Cla Meredith for help down the stretch.

Giants- become instant contenders.

Padres- become a team with at least some hope for the future

Posted by: Green Grove | July 17, 2009 at 03:13 AM

"Giants:
Adrian Gonzalez

Padres:
Posey, Alderson, Villalona (pick two)
Henry Sosa
Nick Noonan
Burriss/Bowker/Ishikawa"

I'll take Posey, Alderson and the rest for Adrian. If I'm dealing with the Red Sox a package like Bucholz, Hagadone, Bard and Reddick

Posted by: EAF04 | July 17, 2009 at 12:06 PM

What is the market for Heath Bell? He's pitched great and is making nothing for the next couple years. Could Towers get a top prospect in return?

Posted by: EAF04 | July 17, 2009 at 12:07 PM

i dought the braves would send any top prospects at all to san diego. escobar is emerging as a high average hitting shorstop with exceptional defense. but on the downside he has attitude issues and makes many errors. if Adgon was to go to the braves, kotchman, kelly johnson, and maybe jordan schafer would go to the pads. escobar is not going to be traded.

Posted by: WCC | July 17, 2009 at 01:58 PM

"if Adgon was to go to the braves, kotchman, kelly johnson, and maybe jordan schafer would go to the pads"

Good one.

Posted by: Green Grove | July 17, 2009 at 02:53 PM

"Giants:
Adrian Gonzalez

Padres:
Posey, Alderson, Villalona (pick two)
Henry Sosa
Nick Noonan
Burriss/Bowker/Ishikawa"

JT I like where you are going here. The two players the Giants should pursue most are first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and second baseman Dan Uggla. Gonzalez especially is a perfect match with the Giants. Not only is he young and inexpensive, but he also plays great defense and is the cleanup hitter that the Giants lineup desperately needs. Plus, he has proven he can hit in a weak lineup and a pitchers' park. If the Giants acquired Gonzalez and Uggla, they could form this lineup:

1. Aaron Rowand, CF
2. Nate Schierholtz, RF
3. Pablo Sandoval, 3B
4. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
5. Dan Uggla, 2B
6. Buster Posey, C
7. John Bowker, LF
8. Edgar Renteria, SS
9. pitcher

This is a formidable lineup that could really complement the Giants' strong pitching staff and boost the team to the top of the contention.

I would never deal Posey or Bumgarner, but for Adrian Gonzalez would the Padres take Tim Alderson, Angel Villalona, Henry Sosa, Nick Noonan, and Travis Ishikawa? The Giants could also offer Kevin Pucetas, Jesus Guzman, Matt Downs, Ryan Rohlinger, or Brandon Crawford. This way the Padres get a great return and a mix of top prospects and major-league ready talent. Thoughts?

Posted by: GiantsFan315 | July 20, 2009 at 09:20 PM

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