Smith and Raines’ Agent Talk, Remain Far Apart

YUMA, Ariz. — Ballard Smith, Padre president, spent 30 minutes on the telephone Monday with Tim Raines’ agent, Tom Reich, but the two sides were no closer to a settlement when the conversation ended.

Smith had been expected to make a new offer Monday but did not.

According to Smith, Raines--a free-agent outfielder--is still seeking a contract in the neighborhood of $2 million a year. The Padres believe that Raines is worth about 1.2 or $1.3 million a year.

Smith said he is willing to raise his two-year, $2.2-million offer--made in January--and plans to call Reich again today.

Reich did not return phone messages Monday.