SAN DIEGO - Kevin Towers not only expects to offer catcher Michael Barrett arbitration today, he's hoping the veteran will accept.

The Padres' general manager said Friday that the 31-year-old free agent backstop is the team's Plan A when it comes to splitting time with Josh Bard, who is coming off wrist surgery.

If Barrett declines arbitration the club would likely go after free agents Paul Lo Duca or Damian Miller. Barrett hit .244 with nine homers and 41 RBIs last season but only .226 with 12 RBIs after he was acquired by the Padres in June.

Towers thought Barrett was a good option for a one-year deal that could cost $4 million-plus because the organization's top two prospects, Colt Morton and Nick Hundley, need more seasoning in the minors.

"There's a good chance Michael Barrett will be back," Towers said. "He enjoyed his time here. He's a pretty good offensive catcher. But if he doesn't accept, we'll go to Plan B."

Barrett has drawn the interest of several teams. But his Type A free agent rating might scare off some interested teams that would have to part with a first-round draft choice for his services. The Padres also would get a sandwich pick at the end of the first round.

The team will also offer arbitration to Mike Cameron and Doug Brocail with the expectation that both will decline. Earlier this week Cameron's agent said the outfielder was likely to decline the offer - a move Towers deemed wasn't "posturing." Brocail, meanwhile, already signed a $2.5 million, one-year deal with Houston, meaning the Padres will receive a sandwich pick for losing the Type B free agent.

Towers also said the club was likely not going to offer Milton Bradley arbitration because his health is up in the air.

With Bradley and Cameron possibly gone, the Padres will have two outfield slots to fill. Earlier this week, the Padres entertained free agent outfielder Geoff Jenkins. No offer has been made, though Towers said there's mutual interest.

Towers also said the club spoke with the representation for Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome as late as Thursday. The Padres are expected to make a play for the outfielder, who has drawn a lot of interest in Japan and the major leagues and wants no more than a three-year contract.

"He's definitely on our radar screen," said Towers, who first saw Fukudome when he was attempting to sign pitcher Hideki Irabu prior to 1997. "To me he's a guy we should have discussions about. …

"The Asian market maybe as good or better than (the free agent market) here."

Towers also said he's had almost daily discussions with Jake Peavy's agent, Barry Axelrod, on a proposed contract extension.

"We continue to make progress," Towers said. "As of right now, we haven't regressed. We continue to move forward."

The Padres announced former All-Star catcher Terry Kennedy has been named the hitting coach for Class A Lake Elsinore and Bronswell Patrick will be the pitching coach at Rookie League Peoria (Ariz.).

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