Padres sign Marine to Minor League deal
Cooper Brannan, a right-handed pitcher, worked out for scout Brendan Hause, who recommended his signing by the Padres. The news conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
Brannan, a corporal in the U.S. Marines, has served two tours of duty in Iraq. He injured his left hand during his second deployment and was sent to San Diego Navy Medical Center for treatment and rehabilitation.
Along with the Carlsbad-based Hause, others scheduled to attend the news conference include Padres CEO Sandy Alderson, executive vice president and general manager Kevin Towers and vice president for scouting and player development Grady Fuson.
Representing the Marine Corps are Brig. Gen. Angela Salinas and Col. Matt Redfern, Brannan's commanding officer. Marine Corps troops who served with Brannan in Iraq are also expected to be on hand.
The Padres have long had a strong relationship with the military in the area, holding special days for the troops. In 2003, broadcaster Jerry Coleman and relief ace Trevor Hoffman paid tribute to the servicemen and women who served in Iraq with the dedication of the 22nd Little Padres Park at Camp Pendleton.
In honor of his father's military service, Hoffman and wife Tracy have provided dugout seats to families of deployed military.
Alderson, who became the club's CEO on April 19, 2005, served four years as a Marine infantry officer with a tour of duty in Vietnam.
Lyle Spencer is a reporter for MLB.com.