I had a chance to sit down yesterday with Kevin Towers, the general manager of the San Diego Padres, here at Raley Field in Sacramento. Towers is unquestionably one of the more candid people throughout baseball, and we discussed many current and former Beavers, the Padres' plans for their rotation and closer Trevor Hoffman, and potential movement involving Beavers players.

In the latest edition of Beavers Top 5, outfielder Chip Ambres is put to the test to name his five dream-vacation destinations. Ambres chose a common theme of locales featuring palm trees and sandy beaches.

A new feature on portlandbeavers.com, Beavers Top 5 gives Portland players the opportunity to list their favorites in a variety of categories. Today's question goes to Dirk Hayhurst, who elaborates on the Top 5 people he would most like to meet.

The Beavers transaction wire was buzzing last week, and a host of Portland players were rewarded with major league promotions as the Padres try to get things going in the right direction after a slow start.