Padres, Stillwell Continue to Talk

The Padres spent most of the day negotiating with free agent infielder Kurt Stillwell, but the only agreement reached Tuesday night was that talks will continue Thursday.

So much for big news.

“These have been complicated negotiations,” said Joe McIlvaine, Padre general manager.

Said agent Scott Boras: “I really don’t know what to think.”

Stillwell reduced his contract demands Tuesday, according to sources, when Boras informed the Padres that Stillwell is willing to sign a three-year contract that will pay him $2 million in 1992 and 1993, and allow him arbitration rights in 1994. The Padres, a source said, might be willing to meet the demands of the first two years of the contract--raising their initial offer of $1.75 million a year--but want the third year to be an option year for $2.25 million rather than provide arbitration rights.

“It’s been one of those negotiations where one minute, the window’s open,” McIlvaine said, “and the next minute, the window’s closed.”

Said Boras: “All we’re asking is for him the Padres to give him the true market value in two years. I don’t know how we could be more equitable, or more fair. Joe doesn’t feel there’s a market for Kurt Stillwell. Well, we have four teams that are interested. They just have to make a move, and Kurt’s gone.

“Frankly, we’re willing to take less money for one year rather than take a bad three-year contract.”

The Padres, however, are fearful that Stillwell could double his salary if he’s allowed arbitration rights. Yet, since contracts aren’t guaranteed in arbitration, the Padres would also have the right to release him in the 1995 spring training if they’re uncomfortable with the arbitration results.

Stillwell, who would start at second for the Padres, also has an eye on the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs are waiting for spring training to determine the severity of shortstop Shawon Dunston’s back injury, and also might be looking for a second baseman.

All-Star second baseman Ryne Sandberg reportedly has asked the Cubs to be traded to the Dodgers, Angels or Padres if they’re unwilling to sign him to a long-term contract before opening day. Sandberg is scheduled to make $2.1 million this season, and is eligible for free agency at the end of the season. He’s expected to be seeking a five-year, $25-million contract.

“We’re keeping our options open,” Boras said.