PADRES UPDATE : NOTEBOOK / BOB NIGHTENGALE : GM Wants 1-Year Deal for Riddoch

Padre General Manager Joe McIlvaine said he is insistent on signing Manager Greg Riddoch to a one-year contract instead of offering a multi-year deal.

Although Riddoch, who was one of the lowest-paid managers in baseball last season at $160,000, is seeking a two-year deal, McIlvaine is strongly opposed to offering more than one year.

“Walter Alston worked under a one-year contract for 24 years,” McIlvaine said, “and it didn’t affect his team. Sometimes a one year-contract is more conducive to going a little harder.”

Riddoch would like a two-year contract, he said, simply to reinforce his authority with the players. He does not want his players to think he’s a lame-duck manager.

“It’s like going to school,” McIlvaine said, “you have to pass the subject, not the teacher. Whether you like the manager, or don’t like the manager, it shouldn’t matter. The object of the player is to win on the field, not to impress the manager.”

McIlvaine and Riddoch did not meet Friday but have a scheduled meeting today at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium in which an agreement is expected to be reached.

Sources within the Padre ownership group say Riddoch likely will be provided a one-year contract for about $225,000.

Padre right fielder Tony Gwynn said that although he can’t seem to convince anyone he won’t pinch-hit Sunday in an attempt to win the batting title--if it comes to that--he doesn’t plan on even dressing for the game.

“I guarantee you, I am not playing,” Gwynn said. “Everyone wants me to go for it because the focus now is on individual things. But the batting title doesn’t really mean anything, except they give you a nice, long silver bat.”

Padre catcher Benito Santiago decided Friday afternoon that he wanted to play at least one more game and started Friday night. Although he already surpassed his goal of playing in 150 games, Santiago was attempting to reach 90 RBIs. “It’s been a great season, I just wanted to make it a little bit better.” Santiago went two for three and drove in his 87th run. . . . Reds pitcher Tom Browning hit his first career homer in the third inning off Jose Melendez. It was the second home run by a Reds pitcher this season, and both have occurred against the Padres. Reds starter Scott Scudder homered off Dennis Rasmussen on June 26 in Cincinnati. . . . The Padres had a shares meeting before Friday’s game to discuss how they’ll split their money for finishing third in the division. The players who have been with the team all season are expected to receive about $4,000 each. . . . Padre Manager Greg Riddoch met with the team before the game to congratulate them on their season. “I couldn’t be prouder. They never quit.” . . . The Padres Ricky Bones (4-6) is scheduled to face Jack Armstrong (7-13) today at 7:05 p.m.