Dbacks G.M Kevin Towers on the Padres Radar?
Feb 12, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks executive vice president & general manager, Kevin Towers looks on during camp at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Diamondbacks are the worst team in the National League record rise despite having a better month of May, and as a result changes are to be expected with the organization, and that includes the front office. Rumors are starting to fly around that General Manager Kevin Towers could be headed back to San Diego. Today the Padres fired former Dbacks G.M Josh Byrnes and named Senior VP of Baseball Operations Omar Minaya, and Assistant G.M’s A.J Hinch, and Fred Uhlman Jr acting G.M’s on an interim basis.
Towers might just be the guy to take over in what would be his second stint as G.M of the Padres. He lead the team to four N.L West division championships, and an appearance in the 1998 World Series. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale tweeted about Towers possibly going to San Diego:
Now that the #Padres have fired GM Josh Byrnes, they are internally discussing the possibility of bringing back #Dbacks GM Kevin Towers
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 22, 2014
Towers still is under contract through 2016 with the #Dbacks, but now that Tony LaRussa is in charge, the #Padres have Towers on radar.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 22, 2014
Rumors about Towers job security have been flying around since Tony La Russa became President of Baseball Operations. If Towers leaves for San Diego, or gets fired by La Russa, there are many potential candidates including one from within the organization. Dbacks scouting director Ray Montgomery has done a great job with the draft, and the minor league system, and would be a great option. Options outside the organization would most likely be guys that have some connection to La Russa, including current Reds and former Cardinals G.M Walt Jocketty. There have been reports that the Padres are thinking about bringing Towers in not as the G.M but as a special advisor to whoever the G.M is.
Rumors have also been flying around that La Russa himself could potentially either manage the club, or become the G.M himself, and be the baseball version of Pat Riley. Personally, I dont think that is going to happen.