PADRES UPDATE : NOTEBOOK : Top Draft Choice Hamilton Will Likely Enroll in College

Pitcher Joey Hamilton, the Padres’ No. 1 draft pick, registered for classes at Georgia Southern on Tuesday morning, and unless there’s a drastic change in negotiations, he’ll bypass the Padres and enroll in school Thursday morning.

The Padres, according to sources, raised their offer to $350,000 to Hamilton, but the Hamilton family still is seeking in excess of $500,000.

“I made my position, and it’s not going to change,” said Janet Hamilton, the mother of Hamilton. “It’s not like I’m asking for a million dollars, or anything. I’m not being unreasonable. I’m not being outrageous at all.

“But if they don’t change their stance, Joey’s going to school, and the Padres will have to live with that.”

Janet Hamilton said she has not had any conversations with Joe McIlvaine, Padre general manager, since last week. If nothing is resolved by tonight, she said, her son will be attending classes at 8 a.m. Thursday.

Once Hamilton enrolls in college, the Padres will lose all negotiating rights to him, but will be offered a supplemental pick in the 1992 June Free Agent Draft.

“If anybody has anything to say,” Hamilton said, “they better say it today. It’s time to say your peace. I’m leaving the house at 7 in the morning Thursday, and I’m not going to sit around waiting for Mr. McIlvaine to call me.

“The kids I teach don’t wait for anyone, not Mr. McIlvaine, not anyone. If he’s going to move, he better move now.

“Hopefully, things will change by Wednesday night. If they don’t, things will change, anyway, because Joey’s going back to school.”

Houston Astro Manager Art Howe has been offered a one-year contract with a buyout, according to sources, and an announcement is expected in the next few days. . . . Denny Sommers, the Padre advance scout who had a philosophical difference with the front-office, abruptly quit this weekend. He is hopeful of returning to the field as a coach. . . . Padre outfielder Bip Roberts, who had started the past three games and raised his batting average to .288, was unable to play Tuesday because of his sore left knee. “I can’t do anything,” Roberts said, “it’s just killing me.” . . . The Padres had their team photo taken Tuesday afternoon, and for the first time in years, there was 100% attendance.