PADRES UPDATE : NOTEBOOK : Stadium Changes Get Mixed Reviews

New season, new grass, new dirt . . . a field of dreams?

In some ways, yes. In others, no way.

Stadium personnel changed the grass at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium from Santa Ana to Tiffgreen, the same stuff used at Dodger Stadium, and installed a new red clay infield during the off-season.

Padre players are happy with that.

But the stadium people also installed 500 new field-level seats extending from the dugouts down each foul line, which eliminates some foul territory, cuts about eight feet off of the Padre dugout (because the photographers’ station was moved down) and obstructs the Padres’ view of deep right field from their dugout.

Which leaves the players very unhappy.

First, the field itself.

“At least the ball is not snaking,” shortstop Tony Fernandez said.

The grass was changed because Padre players said a roller would twist and turn on the old grass. The dirt--red clay from Carroll Canyon, a few miles up Interstate 15--was changed because Fernandez wanted a darker dirt that would provide more of a contrast with the baseball.

As for the new stands. . . .

“They stink,” pitcher Larry Andersen said. “We didn’t have room on the bench to start with. Now, it’s like Candlestick Park.

“And now, there’s more territory for the hitters. We lost 20 feet of foul territory.”

Some players already have taken to calling the new stands, some of which are very close to the dugout, the “petting zoo.” The first few rows of stands are also very close to home plate.

“Someone is going to get killed,” one Padre said.

Loudest boos during pregame introductions: For Darryl Strawberry, at 7:08 p.m.

Second-loudest boos: Tom Lasorda, 7:07 p.m.

Loudest Padre pregame ovation: Tony Gwynn.

Most anticipated Padre pregame introduction: Benito Santiago (a mixed reaction from the crowd, mostly cheers).

First reliever to appear at home: Rich Rodriguez, in the first inning.

Andersen, on the disabled list, is scheduled to throw a simulated game tonight. . . . Catcher Benito Santiago, who sustained a strained right index finger Tuesday against Cincinnati, started. . . . Jose Melendez’s streak of 19 consecutive scoreless innings--17 this spring, two this season--ended when Mike Scioscia hit a homer in the eighth. . . . Cleveland signed third baseman Craig Worthington--remember him?--to a minor-league contract. . . . Tonight’s game time has been changed to 7:35 p.m. to accommodate ESPN. . . . New Toys Dept.: Andersen was checking out a new pair of bullpen binoculars before the game. “My third pair,” he said. “I left two in the bullpen last year. I guess they were picked up by the grounds crew or stadium workers.” A few lockers down, reliever Rodriguez was showing off his new slingshot. Slingshot? “Long-range, short-range, it’s awesome,” Rodriguez said. In fact, before the thing could launch any water balloons, Rodriguez was on television last night with it. A local channel, broadcasting opening-day festivities from the stadium, cornered Rodriguez on his way to the clubhouse and asked him what was in the bag he was carrying. “I couldn’t say it was socks,” Rodriguez said.

Expansion Dept.: The Florida Marlins and Colorado Rockies logos have joined those of the rest of the National League on the outfield wall. . . . Jerry Coleman introduced Padre all stars before the game--current and former players. They all came in from the dugout--except for Rollie Fingers, who came in from the bullpen to throw the first pitch. When they introduced the current players who have been All-Stars, pitcher Randy Myers failed to take the field.