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Former Giants OF Alou returns as manager

SAN FRANCISCO -- Felipe Alou never envisioned it would happen this way, finishing his baseball career where it started nearly a half-century ago.

Alou was hired Wednesday to manage the National League champion Giants, returning to the team he played for in the 1950s and '60s. He calls himself a "soldier of this game."

"I'm going back home to where I started and, hopefully, I'm going to end it right there," Alou said.

The former Expos manager takes over for Dusty Baker and inherits a team that came within six outs of a World Series title.

The 67-year-old Alou, the bench coach for Detroit last season, agreed to a three-year contract and becomes the oldest manager in the major leagues. He was 691-717 in 10 seasons managing the Expos.

Baker did not have his contract renewed by the Giants and is talking with the Cubs about becoming their manager. Chicago continued talks with Baker's agent, batting around salary figures on a four-year deal.

Alou played for the Giants from 1958-63 as part of a 17-season career in which he hit .286 with 206 homers and 852 RBIs. He also spent 1970 and part of 1971 in the Bay area playing for the Athletics.

"When I received the first notice that I might be the guy, or the club was interested in me, I was really shocked," he said. "I was working with a team in the Dominican Republic and was far from major-league baseball."

MATSUI ON MARKET: Hideki Matsui officially became a free agent and said he's looking for the team that provides the best fit.

"It's important to find a team where you can be comfortable," Matsui said at an Osaka hotel. "I'll consider all the factors before deciding on the team that provides the best environment for me."

The Japanese slugger, 28, has drawn interest from several teams, notably the Yankees. Team president Randy Levine and general manager Brian Cashman are scheduled to travel to Japan today.

GOLD GLOVES: Seattle first baseman John Olerud, second baseman Bret Boone and outfielder Ichiro Suzuki won AL honors.

The world champion Angels won two, with catcher Bengie Molina breaking the 10-year streak of Texas' Ivan Rodriguez and Darin Erstad replacing the Mariners' Mike Cameron in the outfield.

Rangers shortstop Alex Rodriguez won his first, ending the nine-year streak of Cleveland's Omar Vizquel. Also selected were Oakland third baseman Eric Chavez, Minnesota outfielder Torii Hunter and Texas pitcher Kenny Rogers.

NL winners are to be announced today.

ALL-ROOKIE TEAM: Colorado right-hander Jason Jennings and Toronto third baseman Eric Hinske, the Rookies of the Year, won more honors when they were picked for the major-league rookie all-star team.

Yankees first baseman Nick Johnson, A's second baseman Mark Ellis, Tigers shortstop Ramon Santiago and Orioles catcher Geronimo Gil also were selected. The outfielders were Cincinnati's Austin Kearns, Montreal's Brad Wilkerson and Milwaukee's Alex Sanchez, a former Rays prospect.

Damian Moss of Atlanta was the left-handed pitcher.

CUBS-D'BACKS TRADE: Chicago beefed up its catching, acquiring Damian Miller from Arizona for two minor-leaguers. Miller, 33, was an NL All-Star, batting .249 with 11 homers and 42 RBIs in 101 games for the West champions. He had a .997 fielding percentage and threw out 36 percent of baserunners who tried to steal.

EXPOS SUIT: A federal judge turned down Bud Selig's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit filed by former limited partners of the team, who have accused the commissioner of racketeering in his attempt to eliminate the franchise.

A'S: Former Dixie Hollins standout Roy Smith was acquired from the Indians for cash. The right-hander spent most of the season at Triple-A Buffalo, going 5-4 with a 3.84 ERA in 70 appearances. ... Bob Geren was promoted to the major-league coaching staff after managing Triple-A Sacramento the past three seasons.

INDIANS: Designated hitter Ellis Burks had arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder, which bothered him during the second half of the season. He is expected to be ready for spring training.

RANGERS: Right-hander Hideki Irabu was released. He went 3-8 with a 5.74 ERA and 16 saves before blood clots ended his season July 15.

WHITE SOX: Outfielder Aaron Rowand was scheduled for surgery after being injured in an off-road dirt bike accident. He is expected to be ready for spring training.

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