Robert

Fick

Fick is expected to sit out again today before playing Friday.

''If it’s not feeling good enough, I’ll just have to wait,’' said Fick.

Fick will probably receive another one-year deal in the $1 million-$1.5 million range after he becomes a free agent. Although he had a horrible second half in 2003, he’s still a decent option as a platoon first baseman or corner outfielder.

The Padres won 6-5. When Miguel Olivo joined David Ross on the roster, GM Kevin Towers indicated that Fick would mostly be used as a pinch-hitter. However, this was Fick’s second start behind the plate in the last four games. He might continue to get starts versus righties, with Olivo playing against lefties.

Miguel Olivo got the start behind the plate, but the Padres wanted to keep Fick’s hot bat in the lineup with Ryan Klesko out. He won’t be a long-term option for the Padres in that spot in the lineup.

With Joe Randa sitting, Fick took over at third and Damian Jackson moved to short after Wilson Valdez was removed for a pinch-hitter.

He was hurt during Monday night’s game. Brandon Harper will replace Fick as Brian Schneider’s backup for at least the next two weeks.

If the Nationals feel that Fick will miss more than a day or two, they may put him on the DL, as they no longer have Matthew LeCroy to serve as a backup catcher. Brandon Harper and Alberto Castillo would be the candidates for callups.

That’s two ejections in 13 games this season for Fick. He had a single in four at-bats before being tossed.

Fick will be giving regular catcher Brian Schneider, who caught all 12 innings on Friday and then caught Saturday’s game, a rest.