BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJORS : Padres’ McGriff Is a Hot Item

At least three clubs are still involved in trade talks for San Diego’s Fred McGriff, Padre General Manager Randy Smith said Saturday night.

The latest entry in the bidding for McGriff, the defending National League home run champion, is believed to be the Cincinnati Reds. McGriff was said to be heading to the Atlanta Braves in reports Thursday, and the Baltimore Orioles are believed to be interested as well.

“We’ve never slowed things up or sped things up,” Smith said. “Basically, it’s been one consistent pace to do what’s best for the organization. I can’t predict when it will happen. One phone call can change it all.”

The Padres are offering the first baseman as part of their move to cut the club payroll. McGriff, making $4.25 million this year, is also under contract for $4.5 million for 1994.

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The Florida Marlins traded reliever Cris Carpenter, one of their most productive pitchers this season, to the Texas Rangers for two young pitchers.

Texas sent Robb Nen, 23, and Kurt Miller, 21, to the Marlins.

Carpenter, 28, was 0-1 with a 2.89 earned-run average in 29 games of middle relief.