Santiago’s Agent Wants Amicable Negotiations

When Joe McIlvaine, Padre general manager, settles behind his desk today after moving to San Diego Sunday, he’ll find a phone message awaiting from Scott Boras.

It will be the beginning of contract negotiations between the Padres and their players before the start of spring training, and one of McIlvaine’s top priorities will be signing Padre catcher Benito Santiago, whom Boras represents.

Boras wants to assure McIlvaine that the negotiations on his behalf between Santiago and the Padres will be amicable, professional and confidential. Sure, he won’t hide the fact that he’s seeking a four-year contract, but if the Padres insist on going to arbitration, Boras vows there will be no bitterness toward the team.

“I want to emphasize the point that we are not threatening anyone,” said Boras, who also represents Bip Roberts and Andy Benes of the Padres. “I don’t want to come across to a young ownership like a vigilante. The relationship with Benito Santiago and the Padres have been excellent the last two years, and my personal dealings with Joe Mcllvaine in the past have been very good.

“It’s just that we fully expect that a serious commitment be made to Benito for the long-range future of the Padres. It’s really only a business decision. The issue is not money, it’s the expectancy, and what is in the best interest of the player. He wants a type of commitment similar to Will Clark.

“I don’t mean a two- or three-year deal, but a four-year deal.”

Boras will not divulge exactly what Santiago will be seeking, but Clark was provided a four-year, $15 million contract by the Giants, paying him a $2 million bonus with yearly salaries of $1.75 million, $3.25 million, $3.75 million and $4.25 million.

If the Padres do not offer Santiago a four-year contract, Boras said Santiago then will delay further negotiations until after the 1992 season when he becomes eligible for free agency.

Sanitago, a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, currently is the seventh-highest paid player on the Padres. He earned $1.25 million last year.