GM MEETINGS NOTEBOOK
PALM SPRINGS – A year ago at the GM meetings, 30 clubs were deadlocked on whether instant replay should be further explored.
Last month, though, a few controversial (and incorrect) calls during the playoffs shed an unflattering light on umpires.
Although instant replay is not specifically on today’s agenda, the subject could be discussed when GMs meet to discuss rules and umpiring.
“I think we’d like to keep it out of the game as much as possible,” said Mike Flanagan, Baltimore’s executive VP. “We may not be able to.”
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Yankee GM Brian Cashman said he thinks Mariano Rivera deserves to win the AL Cy Young Award, which will be announced today. Rivera is unlikely to win it, though.
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Interestingly, the Orioles have yet to set up a meeting with the agent of free agent B.J. Ryan here but have talked with him. The Yankees also covet the lefty reliever.
In contrast, the Mets already have visited free-agent closer Billy Wagner.
Houston GM Tim Purpura doesn’t believe Wagner would have any problems pitching for the Mets in New York.
“Billy is as tough as nails, and where he pitches isn’t going to matter,” Purpura said of Wagner, an Astro from 1995-2003.
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Nationals GM Jim Bowden and former Orioles boss Jim Beattie will interview with the Red Sox to replace departed GM Theo Epstein.
A Red Sox spokesman said the two would likely be interviewed by controlling owner John Henry and team president Larry Lucchino. The time and place of the interviews hasn’t been determined.
In addition, the Red Sox have received permission to interview two officials of unidentified teams. Boston will announce the names when the interviews have been scheduled. -With AP
Pete Rose Jr. busted / Page 9