"With the way the relief pitching is shaking out, it would be difficult for us to trade Linebrink," said Towers. "Someone would really have to overpay. If we keep Linebrink, Giles won't happen."
Apparently, neither will Japanese infielder Akinori Iwamura.
Although it hasn't been announced which American team made the high bid for negotiating rights to Iwamura, Towers said he doubts the Padres' bid is the highest. "You can tell just from the rumors about what other teams bid," said Towers.
If Marcus Giles and Iwamura are not in the second base mix, who is?
Nomar Garciaparra, Todd Walker and Ray Durham apparently have moved to the top of the Padres' list.
I heard on the radio last night that the Padres were going after former D-Back Craig Counsell to fill the hole at second base.