PADRE UPDATE : NOTEBOOK / BOB NIGHTENGALE : Myers Finally Arrives in Camp, Week Later Than Other Pitchers

Reliever Randy Myers arrived Sunday and checked into the Padres’ training camp, one week later than the rest of the pitchers and catchers, but three days before fines can be levied.

He said he would work out today, although he probably won’t throw batting practice until the end of the week. It could be another 10 days before he pitches in a game.

Asked why he showed up later than teammates, Myers joked that he had directions to Winter Haven, Fla., instead of Winterhaven, Calif. (one mile outside Yuma).

“We’re going to have to see how far along he is,” Manager Greg Riddoch said. “Obviously, he’s gotten a late start.”

The Padres decided Sunday to convert infielder Dave Staton into an outfielder, Riddoch said, and he likely will begin the season in left field at triple-A Las Vegas. Staton, the best power-hitter in the Padre farm system, is a first baseman by trade and was unsuccessful in an experiment at third base. Yet, with Fred McGriff at first base, Staton believes his best chance to make the team would be as an outfielder.

“He was very receptive to it,” Riddoch said. “This could be great for him. The thing we didn’t want is to trade him and have him hit 30 homers for somebody else.”

Mark Knudson, acquired Thursday by the Padres as a non-roster pitcher, on his opportunity to be in the big-league camp: “I was skiing in Denver on Wednesday, wondering if I should start looking for another line of work. On Thursday, I got a call from the Padres, and here I am.

“I guess I should have gone skiing earlier.”

McGriff and outfielder Darrin Jackson staged a home-run derby contest Sunday afternoon. Jackson, who hit 21 homers last season, challenged McGriff that the first baseman couldn’t hit twice as many home runs in a round of batting practice. It turned out to be the wrong day for a challenge, with McGriff putting on the best hitting exhibition since the start of spring training. The outcome: McGriff 8, Jackson 2. “Man, I’m embarrassed to even step into the batting cage after that,” said Tony Gwynn. . . . The Padres signed infielder Craig Shipley and pitcher Rafael Valdez to one-year contracts, leaving 10 unsigned players.