Talks between the O’Malley family and Padres Chair John Moores "have entered the 'small details' stage," according to a source cited by Bill Center of the SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE. The source said, "There could be an announcement by Friday, possibly even sooner." Meanwhile, Liquid Investments Chair & CEO Ron Fowler "denied a report that he is 'fronting' the O’Malley group for the purchase of the team." Fowler said, "I have nothing to do with the negotiations between the O’Malleys and John Moores. If I have a role with the O’Malleys, it will be after the sale. We have talked, but there is nothing I have committed to." Fowler is "currently serving as the managing partner of the minority group that owns 49.32 percent of the Padres." He said, "It would be a conflict of interest if I were part of the O’Malley negotiations. I have a fiduciary responsibility to get the minority partners the best deal possible." He added, "I like the O'Malleys a lot. If they get the Padres, I would be interested in being part of their group. ... I don't know where anyone got the idea I'm their front man" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 6/28).
