Padres Nearly Set for the ‘90s : Baseball: They work out at home in preparation for final exhibition games. Rob Nelson says he’ll stay with organization at least through season, even in minors.

SAN DIEGO —  It was a little later than expected--about a week because of the delay caused by the spring training lockout--but the Padres returned to San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium Friday ready to begin their first regular season of the ‘90s, their fourth decade in the major leagues.

It was 21 years ago Sunday--April 8, 1969--that the Padres opened their first season with a 2-1 victory over Houston in San Diego Stadium. Ricky Bones, a top prospect cut earlier this spring by the Padres, couldn’t possibly remember it. He was one day old.

On Friday, in front of virtually no one, the Padres took batting practice and played a six-inning intrasquad game that featured more jocularity than hits, runs and hanging-star plays. The Padres will play exhibition games against Seattle tonight at 7:05 and Sunday afternoon at 1:05.

Joe Carter, taking his first swings in the stadium since a December trade from Cleveland, lined a home run off the facade behind the left-field wall off Mike Dunne in the first inning. Carter, who did not have the best of springs--one hit in his past 11 at-bats--was jokingly given the silent treatment from teammates.

“The man waits for an intrasquad game to go deep,” Gwynn ragged.

“Hey, I made contact,” Carter said.

It was that kind of day. Relaxed.

Manager Jack McKeon might have given the Padres the day off, but he wanted to give pitcher Andy Benes another start before the season opener Monday at Dodger Stadium. Benes, who allowed just two hits in six innings, said he’s ready.

In off-the-field developments, first baseman Rob Nelson said he signed a waiver Friday agreeing not to become a free agent, at least until the end of the 1990 season, even if he is sent to the minors before then.

Nelson, who cleared major league waivers Friday morning, could have chosen free agency if he was sent to the minors because it would have been his second outright option. He needed to decide by Friday, not May 1, when rosters must be reduced from 27 to 24 players. Nelson, who played in 42 games last season, is expected to be on the 27-man roster.

McKeon said he likely would not make roster decisions until after Sunday’s final exhibition game against Seattle for the simple reasons he doesn’t have to and wants to wait in case of injuries. McKeon also said Nelson, outfielder Shawn Abner and pitchers Steve Peters, Rafael Valdez and Dan Murphy are fighting for the final three spots.

Padre Notes

There are still more than 10,000 seats available for Tuesday night’s home opener against the Dodgers at 7:05. Tickets for all Padre home games are available at Gate C at the stadium or through TeleSeat.