Padres Sign Myers for 1 Year

Deciding to feel out one another before making a long-term commitment, the Padres signed reliever Randy Myers to a one-year contract Wednesday, incurring the risk of losing him after the season to free agency.

The Padres explored the possibility of a multi-year contract before signing Myers for about $2.4 million, but each side decided they would rather wait and see what develops during the season.

“We said to (Myers) and to his agent that we certainly would be agreeable to talk about an extension during the season,” said Joe McIlvaine, Padre general manager. “They feel more comfortable with one year right now, and we do as well. Sometimes when you bring a new guy in, and hand everything to him at once, it’s better to wait.”

But couldn’t the risk be great, considering Myers is eligible for free agency at the end of the season?

“You run the risk of him breaking his arm and never pitching again, either,” McIlvaine said.

Said Myers: “Joe’s policy is to sign pitchers to no longer than three years. I was looking for a four- or five-year deal if I sign. I like to go out there and have a big year and then worry about this at the end of the year. The free agency will take care of itself.”

The signing of Myers, who filed for $2.7 million in arbitration while the Padres countered at $2.05 million, leaves the Padres with five arbitration cases.

Meanwhile, there were no negotiations Wednesday between the Padres and free agent infielder Kurt Stillwell. Scott Boras, Stillwell’s agent, met with an unidentified team Wednesday, and hopes to receive a multi-year offer today.

If the Padres do not sign Stillwell, McIlvaine said, the second-base opening would be filled by either Craig Shipley, Paul Faries or Mark Gardner.