Payton Signs With the Padres

Outfielder Jay Payton agreed to a $5.5-million, two-year contract Tuesday with the San Diego Padres, who continue to build toward the April opening of their $458-million ballpark.

Payton joined the Padres on the same day they decided not to trade for Pittsburgh Pirate catcher Jason Kendall, feeling they would be hamstrung by the big salaries that kick in toward the end of his contract.

After adding All-Star catcher Ramon Hernandez, left-hander David Wells and infielder Jeff Cirillo, San Diego General Manager Kevin Towers felt that Payton was the final player needed to make the Padres competitive after five consecutive losing seasons.

Payton batted .302 last season for the Colorado Rockies. He hit 28 home runs.

*

After owner Arte Moreno put his money behind the Angels, so did their fans. After Monday’s $70-million signing of star outfielder Vladimir Guerrero, the team sold almost 1,400 season tickets, a remarkable total for two business days.

The Angels sold 260 full-season tickets and 1,100 partial-season tickets Monday and Tuesday, spokesman Tim Mead said.

The Angels drew a record 3 million fans last year. Said Moreno: “There’s no reason we can’t draw 3 million every year.”

*

Rafael Palmeiro passed a physical and signed his $4.5-million, one-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles. The deal includes a $4.5-million team option for 2005.... Atlanta Brave General Manager John Schuerholz received a contract extension through 2005. The deal includes a 2006 option that Schuerholz holds.... Catcher Gregg Zaun agreed to a minor league contract with the Montreal Expos.

*

Times staff writer Bill Shaikin contributed to this report.