BOSTON - There's a burning question going around baseball circles: If Eddie Murray gets the Baltimore manager's job, will he talk to the media?
Murray appears to be the favorite, with bench coach Sam Perlozzo the only other serious candidate, to take over the Orioles, who are planning a big splash in the free-agent market (think Vladimir Guerrero or Miguel Tejada) after finishing fourth for six straight seasons.
The Orioles are talking about relinking to their glorious past, and the decision to keep the coaching staff intact after letting manager Mike Hargrove go makes it clear they are looking for a familiar name. (Cal Ripken said he isn't interested.)
Murray didn't talk much, if at all, to the media during his playing days, but was practically loquacious during a post-interview media session.
"My biggest thing is, I want to get out there and be out there with the ballclub. That's just something I think the manager should do," he said. "But I know what my job is and what you deal with as a manager."
Here's an update on some other teams working to fill key positions:
WHITE SOX: If they are serious about wanting to go in another direction from stoic and philosophical manager Jerry Manuel, they should give serious consideration to animated and energetic Ozzie Guillen, the former Chicago star (and ex-Ray) who is the third-base coach for the Marlins.
Other early possibilities are Hargrove, Cito Gaston, Buddy Bell and Wally Backman. Tony La Russa said he's not interested in leaving St. Louis.
REDS: They plan to hire a GM before a manager and are down to eight candidates, There is talk the new boss only will make around $350,000 (barely above the major-league minimum player salary) and has to keep most of the front-office staff because they are under contract.
Finalists are Montreal GM Omar Minaya and assistants Al Avila (Detroit), Ned Colletti (San Francisco), Wayne Krivsky (Minnesota), Dan O'Brien (Texas), Mike Port (Boston), Tim Purpura (Houston) and Dave Wilder (Brewers). Florida's Dan Jennings and Atlanta's Frank Wren are not on the list. METS: New York reporters are floating names of proven GMs such as Pat Gillick, San Francisco's Brian Sabean and Houston's Gerry Hunsicker, but it seems likely interim GM Jim Duquette will get the job. Some potential candidates are wary of the increased power owner Fred Wilpon's son, Jeff, has.
MARINERS: Last year they had to replace manager Lou Piniella. Now it's a search for a new GM after Gillick chose not to come back at what has to be considered a critical time for the future of the franchise.
Minaya wants to be considered, and some Seattle media are trying to get Billy Beane's name in the mix, but Jim Beattie, who is currently co-GM in Baltimore with Mike Flanagan, might be a more likely possibility.
Gillick, who agreed to a three-year deal as a consultant, wasn't clear on exactly why he stepped down but said: "It's not a retirement."
RAYS RUMBLINGS: Could the search for a right-handed power-hitting outfielder lead to a familiar name?
Oakland free-agent-to-be Jose Guillen, who this season finally lived up to his potential, said he'd be interested in coming back. "I'd love to come play for Lou," Guillen said.
Also, Yankees reserve Ruben Sierra has been asking people about playing in Tampa Bay next season, going as far as asking one current Ray about places to live.
Don't expect to see a return by Roberto Hernandez, who laughed when asked about the possibility. Hernandez, who is building a home in the area, hopes to either get a job as a closer or return to the Braves as a setup man. ... The White Sox are trying to re-sign two players the Rays might have interest in: outfielder Carl Everett and reliever Tom Gordon. ... After five years as a California-based special assistant to Chuck LaMar, Eddie Bane left to become scouting director of the Angels.
MISCELLANY: After writing an article speculating the Mariners could try to reacquire Ken Griffey, Seattle Times reporter Bob Finnigan got an interesting phone call the next morning - from a very upbeat Griffey. ... There already are rumors about Curt Schilling being traded back to the Phillies. ... Houston closer Billy Wagner expects to be traded because of his 2004 salary of $8-million.
- Information from other news organizations was used in the report.
