Kevin Towers

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Kevin Towers is general manager of Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres. Born and raised in Medford, Oregon[1] [2] [3], Towers was an All-WAC pitcher at BYU and the Padres first round draft choice in 1982. He pitched seven seasons in San Diego’s farm system before a series of arm operations ended his career at the AAA level.

Continuing his career in baseball, Towers became a pitching coach for minor league Single-A Spokane Indians from 1989-90 and a Padres scout from 1989-91. After scouting for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1991-93, Towers rejoined the Padres as scouting director from 1993-95.

Since winning the G.M. role, Towers has led the Padres to four division championships and an appearance in the 1998 World Series.

Notable Transactions: Acquired Phil Nevin in exchange for utility infielder Andy Sheets

Traded SP Oliver Perez and OF Jason Bay to the Pittsburgh Pirates for OF Brian Giles. Traded 1B Derek Lee to the Florida Marlins for SP Kevin Brown. Acquired outfielder Mike Cameron from the New York Mets for first baseman-outfielder Xavier Nady.

Returned OF Shane Victorino to the Los Angeles Dodgers after taking him in the supplemental rule 5 draft. Failed to keep RP Joakim Soria on the roster; lost him to the supplemental rule 5 draft.

Acquired first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, outfielder Terrmel Sledge and pitcher Chris Young from the Texas Rangers for pitchers Adam Eaton and Akinori Otsuka and catcher Billy Killian.

Traded RP Andrew Brown to the Oakland Athletics for OF Milton Bradley (no longer with the team). Drafted SS/SP Matt Bush 1st Round 1st overall pick before SP Justin Verlander, SP Jerad Weaver, SP Jeff Niemann, SS Stephen Drew, SP Jeremy Sowers, 3B Blake DeWitt, RP Taylor Tankersley, SP Homer Bailey.