"What Henry does could be very important to what we're doing," said Towers, who sees Blanco being a mentor to Nick Hundley as well as the Padres' backup at a position that was a major problem for the team in 2008.

And Blanco seemed excited about spending a second consecutive season helping a promising young catcher learn the ropes. Last year, Blanco helped National League Rookie of the Year Geovany Soto with the Cubs.

"I saw this as an opportunity to play and come and help Hundley," Blanco said via telephone from Venezuela. "I help young guys as much as I can. I'm going to be there for him. I'd like to see him become one of the best."

So would the Padres, which is why they were looking for a veteran to serve as Hundley's backup in 2009. The name most often mentioned was former Padre and year-round San Diego County resident Brad Ausmus, who signed a $1 million contract with the Dodgers the same day the Padres announced the signing of Blanco.

Towers' interest in Blanco soared after the general manager got a favorable report from former Padre -- and Blanco teammate in both Atlanta and Chicago -- Greg Maddux.

"When you get a strong endorsement from a guy like Maddux, it opens your eyes," Towers said. "It's important for Nick to have someone like Henry to help him learn hitters and pitchers. Henry is a clubhouse leader and a good, veteran catcher who likes the idea of also being a mentor. We look for him to play more than he has recently as well as help Nick's progress."

Blanco last year caught 45 games for the Cubs and made 28 starts. He could start more than 40 games for the Padres.

Blanco hit .292 last year with three homers and 12 RBIs in 120 at-bats. He also threw out 10 of the 22 base stealers who tested his arm, and his career throw-out rate of 41 percent ranks third among all veteran catchers.

By comparison, four Padres catchers not named Hundley hit .184 last season with four homers in 381 at-bats. They also threw out only 15 percent of 148 rivals who ran almost at will.

"Henry and Nick should complement each other," Towers said. "I think we're much better off at catcher from a year ago.