Padres CEO Sandy Alderson said he expects the team to improve on this year's 82-80 record, but it likely will happen without catcher Ramon Hernandez, who can become a free agent next month. "Realistically, I think Hernandez may be looking for more than we're prepared to pay," Alderson said yesterday. Negotiations between Hernandez and the Padres fell apart in March with the sides far apart in the size and length of the contract. In addition, Hernandez, 29, has sought a four-year contract. That's at least one year more than the Padres wish to give him. A sharp rise in payroll also won't be part of the expected improvement. "I don't see the payroll going up substantially," Alderson said.