PADRES UPDATE : NOTEBOOK : Padres Get Another Look at Old Teammate Mitchell

The Seattle Mariners were taken aback Monday when outfielder Kevin Mitchell not only played in the morning B game, but also volunteered to play in the afternoon A game against the Padres.

“I think he just wanted to show off,” Padre Manager Greg Riddoch said. “I told him, ‘You don’t need to prove anything to me, I know how you can hit.’ If he hits 45 to 50 homers, I’d say, ‘That’s him.’ ”

The Padres warmly greeted Mitchell upon seeing him for the first time since he was traded to the Mariners, and he embraced Riddoch before and after the game.

Mitchell, who went one for three with a three-run double in the Mariners’ 7-4 victory over the Padres, has created a minor stir in camp with his weight. Although he’s listed in the Mariners’ media guide this year as weighing 210 pounds, observers say he weighs at least 235 pounds.

On the training-room weight chart, there is no weight listed, only the symbol $5. That’s how much he is being fined each day for being overweight.

“If he’s swinging the bat, I don’t worry about it,” Mariner Manager Bill Plummer said. “And he can swing the bat.”

Mitchell says he’s looking forward to playing in the American League, particularly with the cozy ballparks of the Kingdome, Fenway, Tiger Stadium, and the Metrodome.

Of course, by leaving the National League, it also means he won’t be able to terrorize the Padres any longer.

“I loved hitting in San Diego,” Mitchell said. “It must be because what (General Manager Joe) McIlvaine did to it. He made it look like Shea Stadium with those blue walls. . . .

“But they tell me I’m going to hit some bombs in some of those (American League) parks. I’m anxious to see if they’re right.”

Certainly, Mitchell’s absence could leave a void in the Giants’ attack. Consider this: The Giants have seven veteran outfielders in camp this spring who combined for 25 homers in 2,185 at-bats last season. Mitchell hit 27 homers in 317 at-bats.

“Despite everything that’s been said and written about, he’s a very dear person,” Giant third baseman Matt Williams said. “If you get to know him, you find that out. If he’s your friend, he’ll do anything for you. That’s very unique these days.

“It’s unique to have a player that intimidates opposing players just by going on the field. You see it on their faces. I’m willing to go out on a limb and say, ‘He’s going to have the best year of life.’ ”

Sal Bando, Milwaukee Brewer general manager, confirmed his team’s interest Monday in Ricky Bones, but said that they still are analyzing the Padres’ minor-league system. The Brewers would have to receive Bones and at least one of the Padres’ top minor-league prospects before trading third baseman Gary Sheffield. They are expected to resume negotiations again this week. McIlvaine vows the Padres will consummate at least one trade before the end of spring training, and remains hopeful that Sheffield can be acquired. . . . Andy Benes on the clubhouse complaints caused by his contract: “I don’t sit back and wonder how everybody feels about me. I know not everybody’s in my corner, but I think the majority of people are.” . . . Padre catcher Benito Santiago, who has been hampered by a sore right shoulder, missed Monday’s game after hitting a ball off his left big toe in batting practice. Tom Lampkin replaced him in the lineup, and threw out two runners and made a nice play blocking home plate. . . . Padre starter Mike York was the losing pitcher, allowing five hits and one run in four innings. “I think overall I had a fair outing, but I don’t have my fastball yet. They’re going to Federal Express it to me from Chicago. Hopefully, it’ll be here by the end of the spring.” York is expected to make at least one more start before the Padres make a decision whether he’ll start the season in triple-A Las Vegas. . . . Padre center fielder Will Taylor was the offensive star in their 7-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants in the B game. He made a diving catch in the bottom of the sixth off Mark Leonard, then led off the seventh inning with an inside-the-park home run. . . . The Padres were limited to one hit in the first four innings of the A game, and no-hit in the first four innings of the B game, a 7-4 victory.