Kevin

Jarvis

Jarvis isn’t going to bring J.D. Drew in return, and the fact that he’s guaranteed $4.75 million after this year could scare away the Cardinals. Maybe a larger deal could be worked out, but the Padres would probably prefer to explore the Brian Giles possibility first.

Jarvis will only be an option if injuries strike during spring training. He’ll probably report to Triple-A Memphis initially.

Mike Bynum will start for Jarvis against the Giants on Thursday. Manager Bruce Bochy said he’s ''fairly confident’’ Jarvis will respond to treatment and start on Sept. 23, but if not, the team may shut him down for the season.

Pitching coach Greg Booker said the stiffness is unrelated to Jarvis’ elbow injury that required surgery in July. Nevertheless, it isn’t a good sign. If Jarvis struggles this month, Francisco Cordova could overtake him to become the Padres’ fifth starter.

An MRI yesterday determined that Jarvis won’t require any surgery, but between discomfort and ineffectiveness, the Padres have no reason to let him pitch.

Colorado wants to keep a place open for Aaron Cook, who is working on some mechanics at Triple-A Colorado Springs. Jarvis will have to look elsewhere.

Colorado would place the former Rockie in their Triple-A rotation to build arm strength before joining the major league rotation. Scott Elarton and Jeff Fassero are candidates to get booted.

Jarvis is out with with soreness in his surgically repaired elbow.

Padres GM Kevin Towers projects Francisco Cordova and Charles Nagy as front-runners for the No. 5 starting job, with Mike Bynum on the fringe. Towers said Jarvis would begin the season in the bullpen, if his arm is ''pain-free.’'

It’s looking like Jarvis won’t be ready to begin the year in the rotation. Francisco Cordova is the likely fifth starter, but Mike Bynum is also in the running.