SAN FRANCISCO Giants won't bring Baker back for 2003

The three-time NL manager of the year won't be out of work for long.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Dusty Baker felt unwanted. The San Francisco Giants didn't think their manager wanted to return.
Now, each can try to find a better fit.
Less than two weeks after losing the World Series and just hours before his contract expired, the Giants said Baker would not be back -- the culmination of an acrimonious relationship between the manager and owner Peter Magowan.
"I never thought it was going to come to this," general manager Brian Sabean said Wednesday.
Baker became the first manager to leave a team right after reaching the Series since Dick Williams retired following Oakland's 1973 championship.
Chances are, Baker won't be out of work for long.
Cubs are interested
The Chicago Cubs are likely to express interest in the three-time NL Manager of the Year. They are among 10 teams that will have new managers next season.
"At this point, the door's been swung open, and we'll be listening to interested organizations," said Baker's agent, Jeff Moorad. "We have not had any discussions with any organization thus far.
"I know there's been a lot of speculation about Chicago. As much as we would like the process to be a quick and expeditious one, I also want Dusty to take his time and choose his next organization carefully."
The Seattle Mariners, who also have an opening, said they are not interested in hiring Baker to replace Lou Piniella.
The Giants said Baker told them he would not be available to comment until next week.
Baker's differences with Magowan simmered all season, mainly about who deserved the most credit for the franchise's recent success.
Baker was credited by many observers for his ability to handle a difficult clubhouse that included feuding stars Barry Bonds and Jeff Kent.
"Dusty's a good friend of mine, a good friend of the family," Bonds said Thursday in Tokyo, where he's preparing for an All-Star series. "I wish him all the best."