Around the Mission: 10/2 Padres Links

Giles still hoping for better ending - SignOnSanDiego.com
"Hopefully, maybe, we'll see," Giles said. "It's not important for me to go out and have one last at-bat, just in case it is the last time I play in San Diego. I'd just like to get a couple at bats. It probably won't happen, but we'll see."

Padres' housecleaning may include Towers - SignOnSanDiego.com
"When we signed on, we said 2009 was a season of assessment," Moorad said recently. "The assessment continues. We have some strength there (baseball operations). There is likely some room for change."

GM Towers faces uncertain future | padres.com: News
"There's no guarantee that we're going to be contending [in 2010], but what I've seen the last two or three months is we have young players who have shown that they belong here and that they are comfortable up here," Towers said this week.

Padres won’t confirm job status of GM Kevin Towers
"I have spent the last 25 years in some form or fashion with this organization," Towers said to XX-1090. "I’d like to stay here. Jeff has not given me any indication of his decision."

insidethepadres: Towers update
I highly doubt that Moorad wants a puppet for a GM. I'd be stunned if Moorad envisions himself as a de facto GM. Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch, who is close to Moorad, said in June that Moorad is a big-picture guy who "has a long-term vision" and "knows what he doesn't know."

PADRES: Towers left to wonder about '10
Moorad said in an email to MLB.com regarding Towers' comments. "At this point, Kevin is our general manager and is under contract through the 2010 season."

Friar John's Blog: K.T. takes to the skies
"Those guys are amazing athletes," Towers said of Walborn and his fellow pilots. "I'm trying not to pass out as we're at 5, 6 G's, and they're up there without G suits, talking and everything. I felt like I had worked out for about three hours. I was completely exhausted."

Padres 2009: A season in review
The Padres 40th season has brought about plenty of frustration and disappointment but ends with real hope for a better 2010.

Vic Salazar: Youth give Padres potential pot of gold
First of all, center field needs to be upgraded. Tony Gwynn, Jr. may be the son of a legend, but he is not the type of up-the-middle player that can power and run a team to a title. Second base remains an enigma. Yes, David Eckstein has been signed for another year. He provides great leadership and is a mentor to Cabrera, but he doesn’t provide enough offense to help the team get over the hump.

Restless Latos learning from dugout | padres.com: News
"To me [not pitching] is like fasting, going a day without eating. No matter who you are ... it's hard to do," Latos said this week. "It's eating away at me. But at the same time, I understand."

Padres Finishing On A High Note
Chris likes what he sees from the Padres as they continue to slay the contenders in the NL West, while Craig also notices how L.A. is coasting across the finish line