XX Sports: Kevin Towers Interview (MP3)
- It's difficult to trade someone that you signed and developed in your organization. He'll be missed.
- Over a year ago they tried to sign Khalil to a multi-year deal but he refused. The Padres knew they wouldn't be able to keep him once he became a free agent. "We decided now is the time when we could move him and get the most for him"
- There was no thought of trading Khalil after the 2007 season.
- Towers is excited about Mark Worrell beefing up the bullpen.
- Towers says it's not a secret that they needed to reduce their payroll from $50 million and get closer to $40 million. The way the Padres looked at it, if they moved Khalil they would have a better chance to keep Peavy.
- The Padres have identified 3 or 4 shortstops that may come in a trade. "I just don't think we can count on Luis [Rodiguez] playing a full six months"
- Darren Smith said Khalil was telling people that he thought he needed a change of scenery towards the end of the season.
- Towers thinks that Khalil wanted to move closer to his homes on the East coast.
- Two clubs were after Khalil and they were very close to sending him to another club, but the Cardinals offered a package that was much better.
- The Padres are now in a position where they can keep Peavy to start the season.
- The grievance against Khalil didn't factor at all into the decision to trade him.
- Worrell has put up tremendous numbers in the minor leagues.