Cameron hopes for contract extension

By: DAN HAYES - Staff Writer | Friday, March 16, 2007 11:06 PM PDT ∞

PEORIA, Ariz. ---- Padres center fielder Mike Cameron is experiencing a reversal of roles.

In early 2006, Cameron was wondering how he was back on the baseball field after his 2005 season ended with an injury that led to multiple facial fractures.

Now, with only 2007 left on his contract, the future free agent is wondering where he might play in 2008. Cameron has already informed the Padres he would like to sign a multiyear deal to remain in San Diego, but no deal has been signed.

"I can't really force them to do anything," Cameron said. "Would I like to stay? Definitely. But it's out of my control."

The three-time Gold Glove winner had similar feelings about his future after suffering a career-threatening injury on Aug. 12, 2005, when he and Carlos Beltran collided in the outfield at Petco Park. The collision left Cameron will multiple facial fractures.

Even though it took Cameron "a long time" ---- including an April stint on the disabled list ---- to recover, he rebounded with a career-high .268 average, 65 extra-base hits, 83 RBIs, 88 runs scored and 25 stolen bases. He also brought home his third Gold Glove.

"People talk about it, but I don't really think they know what I went through on a personal level," Cameron said. "(It was) just traumatic. When you get your face smashed in all kinds of ways you're not really concerned about baseball. ... When your body goes through a traumatic experience, it takes time. I was just fortunate to get through it, let alone to get on the baseball field again. That was a blessing that I was able to get back on the field."

The 34-year-old would like to get back on the field in 2008 with the Padres.

But Cameron said his agent hasn't spoken with team officials for more than three weeks. General manager Kevin Towers said talks haven't progressed.

"I know what their position is and they know ours," Towers said.

Count the members of the Padres' pitching staff among those who would like to see Cameron's services retained. Perhaps it has something to do with him running down long fly balls in the team's spacious Petco Park digs.

"I don't think there's a pitcher out there that he hasn't saved their bacon," reliever Scott Linebrink said. "It definitely helps to have someone who has the confidence and is going to run through walls for you."

Maddux to start

Pitcher Greg Maddux (lower abdominal strain) will stay in Peoria today and make his scheduled start in a 1 p.m. minor-league game against the Texas Rangers' Triple-A squad. Manager Bud Black said the option to start Maddux in a controlled environment ---- where the team determines when the inning ends ----- was the basis for the decision.

"This way we can monitor the situation," Black said. "We're hoping he could go four or five innings but we don't have to come up with eight innings of pitchers if he can't."

Tim Stauffer will start and give way to Mike Thompson in the major-league game against the Chicago Cubs in Mesa.

Middle of lineup set?

Black wouldn't commit to anything, but gave an indication who might be the team's third, fourth and fifth hitters when the team opens the season. Against lefties, Black said the combo could include Cameron, Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Bard. Against right-handers, it might be Gonzalez, Bard and Cameron.

"I think against righties it could look like that," Black said. "Versus left-handers it sets up right, left, right."

Et cetera

Colorado LHP Jeff Francis was suspended for five games and manager Clint Hurdle for one game after Francis intentionally threw behind Padres 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff in Sunday's game. Said Padres manager Bud Black: "It just shows that Bob Watson isn't going to put up with that kind of thing." ... 2B Marcus Giles (strained quadricep) was back in the lineup and went 1-for-3. ... RHP Clay Hensley (flu) returned to the rotation and pitched three shutout innings in a 4-3 loss to Texas at Surprise Stadium. Hensley allowed six baserunners, but got out of multiple jams. "I definitely wasn't at full strength," he said. "I could feel (rust) just a little." ... OF Jack Cust was outrighted to Triple-A Portland, reducing the amount of players on the Padres' 40-man roster to 38. Cust was hitting .316 in 19 at-bats this spring. He has 10 days to be claimed by another team. If Cust is not picked up, he can accept the assignment to Portland or become a free agent.

Contact staff writer Dan Hayes at dhayes@nctimes.com.