PADRES UPDATE : NOTEBOOK : Mets, Padres in Preliminary Talks on Trade That Includes Fernandez

The Padres and New York Mets engaged in preliminary trade talks during the weekend, according to a highly placed source, about a deal that would send Padre shortstop Tony Fernandez to the Mets.

John Barr, assistant general manager, confirmed Monday that the Padres and Mets had introductory trade discussions during the weekend but would not divulge the players involved.

“They’re looking to help their club offensively,” Barr said. “We sat down with (Met General Manager) Al Harazin, and know he’s trying to improve the ballclub, especially offensively.

“I’m not going to say his name didn’t come up, but we’re not looking to trade Tony Fernandez, either.”

The Mets’ interest in Fernandez is understandable. They’re in dire need of offense, having been shut out in three consecutive games. They entered Monday’s play with a league-low .234 batting average. Dick Schofield, their starting shortstop who is eligible for free agency at the end of the season, is batting only .206.

If the Mets were able to make the trade, the source said, they would move Howard Johnson back to third base and Pat Howell to left field.

It’s unknown what the Mets would have to give up to acquire Fernandez, but it would likely be young pitching. The Padres have told the Mets they are interested in catcher Todd Hundley, but the Mets are unwilling to let him go.

Fernandez, 30, entered Monday’s game batting .278 with 26 RBIs, but is in a slump. Batting .185 the last two months, he entered Monday in a one-for-25 slide.

Fernandez, who earns $2.1 million this season and $2.3 million next season, is eligible for free agency after the 1993 season.

Barr said he and General Manager Joe McIlvaine will be working the phones the rest of the week before Friday’s waiver deadline. Barr said he doubts any trades would be made. Barr will return to San Diego on Sunday, while McIlvaine is expected back on Aug. 6.

“We’ll be keeping busy,” Barr said.

The Cincinnati Reds, who have been worried about the health of third baseman Chris Sabo, also had recent talks with the Mets. The Reds were offered third baseman/first baseman Dave Magadan.

The Reds, however, have fared quite well with Darnell Coles and informed the Mets they no longer are interested in Magadan.

Coles entered Monday’s game with a .346 batting average, going nine for 10 with five runs scored in his last two games. He was batting .611 (11 for 19) with two homers and seven RBIs in his last five starts.

Sabo, who has been bothered by back spasms, saw a chiropractor in San Diego on Monday. He hopes to play today.

“I think it’s going to be a concern the rest of the season,” Reds Manager Lou Piniella said.

Padre starter Greg Harris, who has been on the disabled list since June 19 with a broken right index finger, was given clearance Monday to remove the splint on his finger.

Harris underwent X-rays in the morning and pitched off the mound later in the day. It was the first time since breaking the finger that he was able to throw curveballs.

“They told me to go about 70%,” said Harris, who has three screws in his finger, “but there’s no pain. Nothing’s holding me back, it’s just a guideline.

“I’ll get X-rayed again in a week, and if everything’s OK, we’ll see what I’ve got. I’d like to throw to live hitters one time and then go to rehab.

“The rest is up to them. A lot of it will depend on where the ballclub is, and if they’re in the race.”

The Padres probably would not recall Harris to the big-league club until after Sept. 1, when rosters can be expanded to 40 players.

Padre catcher Dann Bilardello, whose career is in jeopardy because of a herniated disc in his neck, hopes that a month’s rest will allow him to play again. He has been on the disabled list since July 10.

“If it feels good,” Bilardello said, “I’d like to talk to (McIlvaine) and see if I can go on a rehab assignment. I’d really like to play again this season.”

The Padres did a little spring cleaning while away on their 10-game trip, with a couple of players deciding to change neighborhoods. Reliever Rich Rodriguez has inherited Ed Whitson’s former locker, and Jose Melendez moved next to his buddy, Randy Myers, and across from Benito Santiago and Tony Fernandez.

There may be no reliever in baseball pitching finer than Rob Dibble of the Reds. In five games since the All-Star break, he has pitched 7 2/3 shutout innings with 16 strikeouts.