I’m a little behind in my links, so some of these might be oldish. Hey, better late than never… Organization free of bad contracts and long-term financial obligations (San Diego Union-Tribune). Good stuff from Tom Krasovic: The Padres certainly are familiar with toxic player contracts...

Top of the ninth, two on, one out. Adrian Gonzalez steps to the plate. Braves manager Bobby Cox summons ex-Padre Royce Ring, who promptly hangs a breaking ball. Gonzalez swats it high and deep down the right-field line. He, catcher Brian McCann, and plate umpire Wally Bell all watch as it sails into...

The Padres have picked up manager Bud Black’s option for 2009 and reportedly would like to extend his contract even further. Quoth GM Kevin Towers: We thought he had a great year and he’s only going to get better and better. He’s a pro, he’s smart, he represents the organizat...

Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Randy Johnson, who six months ago underwent his second back surgery in less than a year, threw off the mound yesterday in Tucson and Manager Bob Melvin was more than a little impressed....

I picked up the Bill James Handbook 2008 (aff link), and as always, it’s got all kinds of good stuff inside. Among other things, it contains detailed information on managers and their tendencies. Seeing as how the Padres had a new one of those in ‘07 (Bud Black for those just coming out ...