Padres, Hawkins Negotiate Late to Avoid Arbitration

The Padres were still negotiating with pitcher Andy Hawkins late Thursday night, hoping to avert an arbitration hearing scheduled for today.

“We’ve met tonight (Thursday), and we’re supposed to keep talking tonight,” said Jack McKeon, Padre general manager. “No, we’re not that far apart. I’m optimistic, but I just don’t know.”

Hawkins, who is represented in salary talks by Jerry Kapstein, went 10-8 with a 4.34 ERA in 1986. He has asked for a $535,000 salary in 1987, and the Padres have countered with a $450,000 offer. If negotiations fall through, Hawkins’ arbitration hearing will be held this morning at Los Angeles.