SAN DIEGO ---- Jed Hoyer of the Boston Red Sox is considered one of the top names linked to the Padres' general manager opening, but he's keeping quiet.

Hoyer, Boston's assistant GM, said in an e-mail Thursday that he didn't want to talk about whether he has been interviewed by Padres CEO Jeff Moorad.

"As I have with every media member who has asked, I am going to decline comment," Hoyer said.

Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino also declined to comment via e-mail on Thursday night on whether the Padres have sought permission to interview Hoyer. GM Theo Epstein didn't respond to a request for comment.

An industry source believes that Hoyer is the Padres' top choice, though Moorad will continue conducting interviews through next week. Moorad has said he wants to have a GM in position by the end of the month.

In other news, Cha Seung Baek, who was expected to be the Padres' No. 3 starter but missed the entire season with elbow and forearm injuries, was released along with pitcher Shawn Hill and outfielder Cliff Floyd. All three players had been on the team's 60-day disabled list.

The Padres also added reliever Eulogio De La Cruz to the 40-man roster, which is now full. De La Cruz made several appearances for the Padres in April, but spent the bulk of the season at Triple-A Portland, where he had a 3.12 ERA.

The Padres must reinstate pitchers Mark Worrell ---- who had reconstructive elbow surgery in March ---- and Chris Young from the 60-day DL shortly after the World Series ends, meaning space on the 40-man roster must be cleared, perhaps as soon as next week.

Manager Bud Black also confirmed that the Padres' entire coaching staff will return in 2010. During the final week of the season, Black hinted that the staff would remain intact, but he hadn't spoken with all of the coaches.

In addition, the Padres announced that reliever Greg Burke underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. Burke, who went 3-3 with a 4.14 ERA in 48 games, is expected to be healthy by spring training.