PADRES UPDATE : NOTEBOOK : Good Health (and Performance) Will Pay Off for Sheffield

While the Padres are looking like geniuses with their acquisition of third baseman Gary Sheffield, who continued his heroics Tuesday, they soon could be paying the price if Sheffield continues on this torrid pace.

Sheffield, who hit a two-run homer in the first inning Tuesday and leads the team with 11 RBIs, has perhaps the most interesting contract on the entire team.

Sheffield will be paid a base salary of $450,000 this season and could receive an extra $250,000 simply by staying healthy, according to sources familiar with the contract.

Sheffield has incentives in his contract that will pay him $25,000 for 60 games played and another $25,000 thereafter for every 10 games played up to 150 games. He also can receive $50,000 for being voted to the All-Star team, $25,000 for winning the Comeback Player of the Year award and $100,000 for winning the National League MVP award.

“It’s a long season,” Sheffield said, “but right now, I’m having the time of my life. I’ve never had this much fun playing baseball.”

Padre starter Dave Eiland, who left his first start with a strained back, pitched on the side before Tuesday’s game and pronounced himself pain-free.

“We’ll see how he feels (today),” said Mike Roarke, Padre pitching coach. “If there’s no stiffness, he’ll make his scheduled start on Thursday.”

Milwaukee Brewer starter Ricky Bones, who was traded away from the Padres in a package for Sheffield, received poor reports from scouts who watched his American League debut. Bones gave up three hits, three walks and two earned runs Friday against the Angels in only three innings. “He’s a thrower, not a pitcher,” said one American League scout. “We only had him throwing 88-89 mph. He was throwing harder this spring.” . . . The Brewers suddenly find themselves with entirely new left side of the infield with the trade of Sheffield and injury to Billy Spiers. It may also be the cheapest. Third baseman Kevin Seitzer is making $109,000 and Scott Fletcher is earning $200,000. . . . Giant starter Trevor Wilson, who is on the disabled list after having a cyst removed from his rib cage, will make his 1992 debut Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds.