When GM Kevin Towers was sked if Bud Black will return as manager of the Padres in 2009, he said, "We will address our entire coaching staff's situation at the completion of the 2008 season. I don't feel that it is the appropriate time with games still to be played to discuss coaches' contracts or players' contracts.? In March, Sandy Alderson and Towers picked up Black's option for 2009. Several players said they expect that Black will return for 2009. But the front office's refusal to make it official might signal that it deems improvement is needed from both Black and his coaches.