Padres' coaching staff returns intact

Randy Ready, who remains a candidate to become manager of the Houston Astros, was one of six coaches agreeing to contracts to return to the San Diego Padres' staff. Padres manager Bud Black said Thursday that if Ready doesn't get the Astros job, he'll be back with the Padres. "I hope he gets it," Black said. "If he doesn't, he's back on our major league staff." Ready was named Padres hitting coach on July 31 to replace the fired Jim Lefebvre. Ready had been managing Triple-A Portland at the time. Black's staff returns intact. Also agreeing to one-year contract extensions were bench coach Ted Simmons, pitching coach Darren Balsley, first base coach Rick Renteria, third base coach Glenn Hoffman and bullpen coach Darrel Akerfelds. In August, Black received a contract extension through 2010, with a club option for 2011.