Spring Training / Padres : Regulars Will Start in Opener

MESA, Ariz. —  The Padres will begin 1985 exhibition play today the same way they ended the 1984 National League season--by playing the Chicago Cubs.

Manager Dick Williams said he will let each regular bat a couple of times before bringing on the substitutes. His primary concern of the exhibition season will be in filling the final four spots on his team’s roster.

Luis DeLeon and Greg Booker are top candidates for the final two pitching positions. But if Williams decides to keep a second left-hander to complement Craig Lefferts in the bullpen, Bob Patterson or Gene Walter may make the team.

The last two everyday positions are being contested by infielder Mario Ramirez and outfielders Al Bumbry, Jerry Davis and Ron Roenicke.

In addition, the Padres will closely follow the progress of outfielders Kevin McReynolds and Carmelo Martinez. McReynolds is coming off a broken left wrist, and Martinez has been bothered by a bone bruise in his left hand.

“We’re going to watch our extra guys and see how they go,” Williams said. “And we want to see how McReynolds and Martinez are. We won’t overwork them, but we want them to get as much hitting in as possible.”

LaMarr Hoyt will be the Padres’ starting pitcher today. He will be followed by Booker, Patterson, Lefferts and Ray Hayward.

Hoyt, who was acquired in the off-season from the Chicago White Sox, said he will be trying to learn National League hitters in exhibition play.

“I know I won’t be sharp, and I know they won’t be sharp hitting the ball,” he said. “If I get ahead, I might experiment. They might hit the ball 450 feet off of me while I am trying to find things out.”

Today’s game will be broadcast by KFMB (760) at noon.