Padres Pad McKeon’s Contract : General Manager Is Presented With 3-Year Extension

Jack McKeon, whose job security seemed to be tenuous this winter, will be the Padre general manager for at least three more summers.

McKeon’s contract was due to expire at the end of this season, but he confirmed Friday that he and the Padres had reached agreement on a three-year extension Thursday night.

Owner Joan Kroc was involved with the negotiations, the same Joan Kroc who was upset at McKeon and team president Ballard Smith this winter for keeping her in the dark about Dick Williams’ job situation.

“I’m delighted I can continue here,” said McKeon, whose contract terms were not fully disclosed. “Let’s put it this way, we’d been talking a long time. This is what I wanted to happen. I felt all along I wanted to stay. I wasn’t pushy about it, nor was I worried. I could’ve gotten another job in baseball, but I wanted to stay. And I wanted three years.”

Manager Steve Boros, one of McKeon’s best friends, said: “I’m glad. If he left, I’d have probably gone with him. This means I’ll be with the Padre organization the next three years, not necessarily as manager, but involved somewhere. We have a house in San Diego. We love it.

“You know, this sends a message throughout the organization and to the fans of San Diego and to the baseball world that the Padres--who have (had) a solid organization as long as Jack’s been there--will continue to be.”

As usual, McKeon sat in his office Friday, smoking cigars and blowing smoke about trades.

“I talked to some clubs today,” he said. “We didn’t get anywhere, but we talked. I think we have a good ballclub. I’m not seeking changes just for change sake. Besides, nobody’s doing anything . . . I mean, if nobody wants to dance with you, how can you make a deal?”