The San Diego Padres missed a chance to extend Mark Davis' contract last April. They have now begun paying for the blunder.

Davis and 17 other players filed for free agency on Tuesday, increasing to 36 the number of players taking that action since the filing period began Monday.Anxious to retain Davis' services, the Padres on Tuesday increased their offer to the relief ace.

But a lot of other teams are sure to be interested in Davis, who led the major leagues with 44 saves. He struck out 92 batters in 92 2-3 innings and was 4-3 with a 1.85 earned-run average.

Davis' save total was the second-highest in National League history. Bruce Sutter set the NL record of 45 in 1984 with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Lane declined to discuss the latest amount offered to Davis. Reportedly, San Diego has offered a three-year pact worth at least $7 million.

The Padres could have saved themselves from a bidding war for Davis with a little more foresight.

Padres president Dick Freeman was approached during spring training by Davis' representatives, who sought a two-year contract extension for Davis worth $2.8 million.

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San Diego countered with a $2.2 million offer, which Davis rejected. He made $600,000 in 1989.

Other players filing for free agency Tuesday were Mets first baseman Keith Hernandez and three pitchers from the Red Sox - Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd, Dennis Lamp and Greg Harris.

Shortstop Tony Phillips of the World Series champion A's filed, as did left-hander Craig Lefferts and outfielder Pat Sheridan of the Giants.

Also filing were Keith Moreland and Mark Thurmond of the Orioles, Gary Pettis of the Tigers, Ed Romero of the Brewers, John Tudor and Dave Anderson of the Dodgers, Bryn Smith of the Expos, Steve Lake of the Phillies and Jim Gott and Neal Heaton of the Pirates.

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