Fernandez Decides Not to Demand a Trade : Baseball: Padres shortstop still requesting contract revisions, infield improvements.

The Padres, on the verge of losing third baseman Jack Howell to the Yakult Swallows of Japan, learned Friday afternoon they won’t have to search for a shortstop, too.

Padres shortstop Tony Fernandez, citing his respect for Joe McIlvaine, Padres general manager, decided Friday afternoon not to demand a trade, after all.

“The Padres have treated me well, particularly Joe McIlvaine, and I want to show him my appreciation,” Fernandez said. “I’m glad it’s over. I’m looking forward to coming back.”

Fernandez’s decision, which surprised his agent, will keep him under contract to the Padres for at least the next two seasons. He’s scheduled to earn $2.1 million in 1992, and the Padres have an option for $2.3 million in 1993.

“Tony still isn’t happy with his contract,” said John Davimos, Fernandez’s agent, “but he realizes that he didn’t sign that contract with San Diego, he signed it with Toronto.

“He thinks the management in San Diego has treated him a lot better than they did in Toronto, and really, didn’t want to treat the Padres unfairly.

“If possible, Tony would like to finish his career in San Diego.”

Fernandez was traded to the Padres last December in a four-player trade that sent Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter to Toronto in exchange for Fernandez and Fred McGriff. Because Fernandez was traded in the middle of a multi-year contract, he had the right to demand a trade.

Fernandez, who still hopes to have his contract restructured, said he received some oral assurances from McIlvaine that the infield will be improved at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium. The Padres are scheduled to plant new grass in the infield and outfield, similar to the texture at Dodger Stadium.

“I don’t want a year like I had last year,” said Fernandez, who committed 20 errors.

Meanwhile, the Padres still are involved in serious trade discussions with the Cincinnati Reds for center fielder Eric Davis. It’s possible a trade could be completed as early as next week.

The Padres, learning that Howell probably will sign with Japan next week, also are starting to prepare for his departure. They have expressed interest in third basemen Greg Jefferies of the New York Mets, Scott Cooper of the Boston Red Sox and Ken Caminiti of the Houston Astros, according to a Padres source.