Moorad says he didn't want to stand in the way of Hoyer's career

XX Sports Radio: Jeff Moorad interview with Darren Smith (MP3)

• The press conference announcing Josh Byrnes as the new Padres GM led to a day of mixed emotions for Jeff Moorad.  It's tough saying goodbye to Jed Hoyer.
• Everybody involved is in a more comfortable spot from a relationship standpoint.  "It's really a bit of a feel good story."  Moorad told Hoyer that it was his decision if he wanted to stay or go.  Moorad is excited for Jed to go to Chicago but at the same time he's excited for Byrnes to step into the GM job.
  
• Moorad let Hoyer go even though he was under contract with the Padres because he wants to let Hoyer map his own career forward.  "There is a bit of a human side to this equation."  The Chicago job made the most sense for Hoyer and his career.  He leaves the Padres organization in a better spot than when he got here.  If Byrnes wasn't already working with the Padres he absolutely would not have let Chicago talk to Hoyer.  
• Moorad and Byrnes relationship is based on trust, history and winning.  They won the NLCS together.  "We're here to win and I believe that Josh knows how to do that."
• Josh Byrnes came to Arizona from a rich pedigree in Boston.  He was a unanimous choice for the Arizona job over former Padres GM Kevin Towers.  As a candidate Byrnes was the best prepared to be a GM.
• Theo Epstein called and asked Moorad if there was any chance he could hire Hoyer.  Moorad answered on the spot saying it was Hoyer's choice and allowed the two to talk.
• Moorad won't comment on Jed Hoyer asking for a contract extension before deciding to leave for Chicago.  If Jed wants to talk about it, "that's fine".
  
• Moorad told Hoyer privately that he could be General Manager of the Padres for as long as he liked but he didn't want to stand in the way of his career.  Byrnes was not hired 10 months ago to replace Hoyer. Moorad and Hoyer were trying to help Byrnes get a GM job elsewhere.
  

  "Josh Byrnes is an absolute person of character and integrity and the last thing he would ever do is take Jed Hoyer's job.  It doesn't even go through his mind, I assure you." 

• Bud Black will not be replaced by A.J. Hinch.  Moorad guesses Hinch has completed his manager stint for his career.
• Josh Byrnes will make the decision about Heath Bell, it's his budget.
• There is no update on the Padres' media partners.  "It is my hope that 1090 will be our partner for a long time."