More Rumors...

A name the Red Sox certainly are going to explore fully as a trade possibility is Padres pitcher Jake Peavy, who was told last year by his general manager Kevin Towers that he would not be traded while he was GM. Towers is not going anywhere but the Padres need a right-handed bat badly and Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein, a former underling of Towers, is one of many GMs who is a big fan of Peavy's stuff and makeup. The Red Sox have a formidable right-handed bat in Manny Ramirez, who would have to make the Padres sit up and take notice but, Manny Ramirez' trade veto is an issue that would have to be explored as well.

Free agents Barry Zito, Jeff Suppan and Mark Mulder and trade possibilities Dontrelle Willis and Jake Peavy are among the sexiest names who could end up at Shea next season.

Padres General Manager Kevin Towers said yesterday the club forwarded a bid for the negotiating rights to Japanese third baseman Akinori Iwamura, viewing the versatile 27-year-old as a candidate for second base, an outfield spot or a super-utility job.

The Padres will find out next week...

The Padres decided yesterday that they will explore the chances of signing right fielder J.D. Drew