GM glad to make interviews in person  —  Rangers general manager Jon Daniels expressed relief Monday that he will be able to interview all five candidates for the managerial opening in person.  —  There had been some uncertainty whether he would be able to meet with Trey Hillman …

O's Find Soriano Is Seeking A Rich Free Agent Payday  —  The Baltimore Orioles, according to a team source, began preliminary discussions with Washington Nationals left fielder Alfonso Soriano , and were floored by the free agent's initial contract outline.  —  According to the source …

Red Sox Pick Up Wakefield's Option  —  The Red Sox went through so many injuries in 2006, it would be hard to pick one as the difference-maker in a season that crashed and burned.  —  But given the lack of pitching depth in the season's second half, not having the normally reliable Tim Wakefield throwing …

Sheff deal in place, but...  Cashman holding off on pulling trigger to up outfielder's trade value  —  The Yankees' auction of Gary Sheffield has progressed to the point that general manager Brian Cashman has a potential deal in place if he wishes to pull the trigger, an official …

Buehrle might be on the market  —  White Sox pick up southpaw's option, but is he staying?  —  CHICAGO — Mark Buehrle received a Halloween treat from the White Sox on Monday, when the club picked up his $9.5 million option for the 2007 season.  —  But the left-hander's immediate future …

Mailbag: Mets' biggest need for 2007?  —  Beat reporter Marty Noble answers Mets fans' questions  —  What are the Mets' greatest needs for 2007 and beyond?  —  Generally, starting pitching and left-handed hitting.  More specifically, a left fielder, a second baseman and an established pitcher likely to make 30-33 starts.

Cuban Defectors Find New Homes  —  Need evidence that Major League Baseball's revenue sharing is working and that the sport is healthy financially?  —  Agent Jaime Torres said that three of his most recent Cuban defector clients have reached agreement with major league organizations …

Soriano targeted; Pat's pact edible?  —  LIKE EVERYONE else in the Phillies family, president David Montgomery gnashes his teeth when he thinks of the St. Louis Cardinals hoisting the Commissioner's Trophy.  —  Maybe signing Alfonso Soriano, who filed for free agency yesterday …

Mailbag: Bucs shopping for free agents?  —  Beat reporter Ed Eagle answers Pirates fans' questions  —  Which of the Pirates are playing winter ball?  Do the Pirates have any influence on who is required to play?  —  According to Pirates baseball operations assistant and all-around good guy Bryan Minniti …

Monday Morning Ten Pack 10/30/06  —  1B Chip Cannon, Phoenix Desert Dogs (Arizona Fall League, Blue Jays)  —  An eighth-round pick in 2004 out of The Citadel, Cannon put himself on the map last year by smacking 32 home runs across three levels, finishing up at Double-A. He stayed at that level …

Power plays  —  Tigers need to make big splash in free-agent market  —  Losing the World Series was the best thing that could have happened to the Tigers.  —  OK, that's not true.  In fact, it's hard to think of a franchise whose self-identity would have been transformed more by a championship.

The Week In Quotes  —  October 23-30 … —Cardinals outfielder Preston Wilson … —Cardinals infielder Aaron Miles, on Eckstein.  (Denver Post)  —  HE'S REFRAINING FROM BLURTING OUT, "WE GOT BEAT BY THAT MIDGET?!" … —Tigers manager Jim Leyland … —Leyland, clearly incensed.

Mailbag: The skipper search continues  —  Beat reporter Bill Ladson answers fans' burning questions … What are the odds of Alfonso Soriano staying with the Nationals, given that they lost the opportunity to trade him for some decent pitching?  — Kent B., Dumfries, Va.