Padres name Billy Gasparino director of scouting

The San Diego Padres today announced they have named Billy Gasparino director of scouting, promoting him from his position as national crosschecker. Executive Vice President/General Manager Josh Byrnes and Vice President/Assistant General Manager of Player Personnel Chad MacDonald made the announcement.

"Billy has proven to be a top-flight evaluator with a passion for scouting," said Byrnes. "We are thrilled that we were able to promote from within our organization and to reward Billy with a well-deserved promotion."

"I'm excited to have Billy as our scouting director," said MacDonald. "He has done tremendous work for us and brings passion, experience and a tireless work ethic to his new position."

Gasparino, 35, first joined the Padres as a national crosschecker in the fall of 2010 after serving in the same capacity with the Toronto Blue Jays since 2007. He originally joined the Blue Jays as an area scout covering Southern California from 2004-06. Prior to his time with Toronto, he interned with the Cleveland Indians in 2003.

An infielder during his playing career, Gasparino was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 17th round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft out of Oklahoma State University. He spent one season in their minor league system, playing for Single-A Portland.

Born in Tampa, Fla., he and his wife Jenna have a seven-year-old son named Will.