SAN DIEGO (AP) — Padres third baseman Chase Headley says talk of a contract extension has become a distraction.
The slugger says he spoke with team executive chairman Ron Fowler on Friday and explained his position that he didn’t want to negotiate during the season.
Says Headley: “I’m trying to pour water on the fire as much as I can.”
Fowler, head of the ownership group that took over the Padres in August, said on Wednesday that he’s given general manager Josh Byrnes permission to begin negotiations with Headley on a long-term contract that would make him the highest-paid player in club history.
Headley had one of the best seasons in team history in 2012, hitting 31 homers and driving in an NL-high 115 runs while winning Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards. He’s making $8,575,000 this year.
