The Padres today have released Davey Lopes, Rob Picciolo, Damian Jackson and Manny Alexander. Advance scout Jeff Garnder is gone as well. Kevin Towers bids the coaches adieu:
"We would like to express our sincere thanks to Davey, Rob and Jeff for the time they have invested in the organization and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors," Padres general manager Kevin Towers said in a press release. "However at this time we feel it necessary to head in a different direction entering the 2006 season."
Towers continued:
"It's weird to think that we would even want to head in a different direction. I mean, it's true. We did in fact hit the top. I mean, people probably think it's weird that, you know... Here we are. On top of the world. First place and all. I still have champagne in my ear. Of course, this time of year I would have much preferred the Gunderloch Riesling Jean Baptiste out of Germany, but let's face it. You can't always choose your wines..."
"Anyways. First. Place. That's great. But I like the philosophy of shooting for the moon. That's right, we're going for all the hearts and the queen of spades. It sounds crazy, but that's us. We're the San Diego Padres and we're seriously crazy."
Towers then somehow ended the press release by crossing his arms in an X and then smacking his thighs with opposite hands while yelling, "OH YEAH! X GON' GIVE IT TO YOU!"
"Anyways. First. Place. That's great. But I like the philosophy of shooting for the moon. That's right, we're going for all the hearts and the queen of spades. It sounds crazy, but that's us. We're the San Diego Padres and we're seriously crazy."