Ari Gold on Line 1

Our favorite general manager is at it again.
Padres GM Kevin Towers, who answers to the colorful nickname "KT," is once again displaying poor judgment -- and discussing it publicly. As you might recall, KT is no stranger to strange behavior.
This time, KT is making a fuss because Padres pitching coach Darren Balsley had the gall to hire an agent to represent him in negotiations with the team. Wow, the nerve of Balsley.
As if it's out of line for a major-league pitching coach to want representation to protect his interests?
Towers' reaction to Balsley retaining an agent says a lot about Towers' lack of business savvy.
Get real, KT. You're not hiring a high school water polo coach here.
The more we hear from KT, the more shocking it is that this guy has been a GM for 10 years. Hasn't the guy learned anything about the way the business works?
It really is odd that he'd make such a stink about a pitching coach hiring an agent. Maybe KT has been watching too much "Entourage" and is terrified that Geoff Metzger, Balsley's agent, will be another Ari Gold.
(We'll skip the obligatory "let's hug it out" reference here.)
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this story is the fact that Balsley -- who grew up in San Diego -- mentions the high cost of living in San Diego as part of the reason why he makes his offseason home in Tennessee.
The pitching coach of the Padres can't afford to live in San Diego ... we're not sure if that says more about housing prices in San Diego, or if it says more about just how truly cheap the Padres are.