Teufel, Padres Agree to Two-Year Contract

Tim Teufel, who has been without an everyday job for the past six years, signed a two-year contract Wednesday with the Padres in hopes of being their starting third baseman this season.

Teufel, 33, is guaranteed to receive $1.45 million, according to a source in the Major League Players Assn. He immediately will receive a $125,000 signing bonus, and a base salary of $625,000 in 1992 and $700,000 in 1993. He also has incentives that will pay him $25,000 if he plays in 120 games or reaches 350 plate appearances, and $25,000 for 130 games or 400 plate appearances.

Teufel, who turned down a two-year contract from the San Francisco Giants that would have paid him slightly more than the Padres, said he chose the Padres because he was assured of more playing time. Even though the Padres didn’t guarantee him a starting job, he realizes that he could easily wind up being their starting third baseman on opening day.

“They were real enthusiastic about having me back, and that was important to me,” said Teufel, who plans to move to San Diego. “There’s openings to play, and I’ll have a chance to contribute. That played a big, big role in my decision.”

“Tim knows he would have been nothing more than a utility player with the Giants,” his agent, Tony Attanasio, said. “Down here, he’s a regular. It will extend his career.”

Although Joe McIlvaine, Padre general manager, said the retention of Teufel will not end his search for a third baseman, it might provide the Padres the luxury of focusing their efforts elsewhere. They still are looking for an outfielder and second baseman, and have talked to about 10 clubs the past three days.

“I think we can compete anyway because of our pitching staff,” McIlvaine said, “but basically what we need to make us a good ballclub is one more hitter. That’s our quest now until the opening of the season.”

Teufel, who started 48 games at second base and 40 games at third base for the Padres, batted .228 with 11 homers and 42 RBIs. He was traded May 31 to the Padres from the New York Mets for shortstop Garry Templeton.