Midnight snack: Thanksgiving

Padres
Seems former 1B/OF John Kruk remains thankful the Padres traded him to the Phillies. ...

Former OF Eric Owens is starting a managerial career. He was tabbed by the Angels to take over as Single-A Rancho Cucamonga manager. ...

CEO Sandy Alderson said on his weekly visit with XX Sports Radio that free-agent closer Trevor Hoffman's camp has not responded to overtures to re-establish communication. ...

Utility player David Newhan is on the market after refusing a minor league assignment by the Astros. He broke into the majors with the Padres.

Chargers
Minneapolis Star Tribune columnist Mark Craig lists the Chargers as the NFL's biggest underachiever. ...

C Corey Withrow, released during the exhibition season after reaching an injury settlement with the team, has signed with the St. Louis Rams and practiced Wednesday. The Rams lost starting C Nick Leckey (broken foot) for the season, but Withrow will be a backup.

San Diego State
Here's the Associated Press account of A.D. Jeff Schemmel's meeting with the press in his hospital room. ...

The Aztecs are long gone from the Western Athletic Conference, but they left some records behind. Boise State running back Ian Johnson needs two rushing touchdowns to break Marshall Faulk's conference record of 57, scored from 1991-93.

Soccer
San Pasqual High School product Jovan Kirovski won't have to wait until 2009 to debut with his new team, the L.A. Galaxy. He's on the travel roster for a December trip to New Zealand for an exhibition game against the Oceania All-Stars. ...

Former Sockers player Mike Stojanovic was selected to the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is June 6. ...

USD product Ciaran O'Brien was exempt from the MLS expansion draft on Wednesday. That's because he's a Generation adidas player for the Colorado Rapids -- basically, a developmental reserve spot that doesn't count against the roster. Colorado left Poway High School graduate Greg Dalby there for the taking, but the incoming Seattle Sounders did not bite. ...

Odd story on Goal.com. U.S. women's national team midfielder Aly Wagner, who had a spin with the old San Diego Spirit pro team, talks about how beneficial the sport is for girls, yet the author writes it as an advice piece to soccer mom Michelle Obama. Not one of Wagner's quotes mentions the first family, however. Hmm. ...

The Queen's Birthday Honours are a big deal in the land of tea and crumpets. Citizens are recognized for their accomplishments or public service. Former Spirit player Julie Fleeting was one of them last summer, named to receive an MBE (Order of the British Empire, Civil Member). She picked up her award in person Friday from none other than Prince Charles.