Angels asked Padres to package Peavy and Gonzalez

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The Angels asked the Padres about pitcher Jake Peavy and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez during the recently completed winter meetings in Las Vegas, according to Padres General Manager Kevin Towers.

In an interview with XX Sports Radio in San Diego, Towers confirmed that he had talked with the Angels about Peavy.

‘They also asked about Adrian Gonzalez in the same package,’ Towers said.

Towers joked that he might as well be included in that trade as well because he would need a new job were he to trade Gonzalez, San Diego’s best and most affordable position player.

That the Angels would ask about Gonzalez is no joke, though. It’s more evidence that the Angels are hoping to sign Mark Teixeira, but also planning for life without him. Gonzalez could play first base next season--if the Angels miss out on Teixeira and the Padres would trade Gonzalez.

The Angels expressed interest in left fielder Raul Ibanez -- that would have left Kendry Morales at first. But Ibanez on Friday took a three-year, $30-million deal from the Phillies rather than wait to see what happens with Teixeira.

In exchange for Peavy, Towers said earlier this week, the Padres want three or four players who are ready for the major leagues. If the Padres really could get what they probably would want for Peavy and Gonzalez -- given the asking price for Peavy and the relative affordability of Gonzalez -- they might be able to fill an entire lineup.

-- Bill Shaikin