BASEBALL Maddux, Kent file for free agency

Among others filing on the second day were Robin Ventura, Rickey Henderson and John Olerud.
NEW YORK (AP) -- Jeff Kent filed for free agency Tuesday, two days after the San Francisco Giants lost to Anaheim in Game 7 of the World Series.
Atlanta's Greg Maddux, winner of four NL Cy Young Awards, was also among the 32 players who filed on the second day of the 15-day filing period. Among others filing were New York Yankees third baseman Robin Ventura, Boston outfielder Rickey Henderson and Seattle first baseman John Olerud.
Of the 180 players potentially eligible, 102 already have filed. While they can speak with all teams, they cannot discuss contract terms with new teams until Nov. 13. Until then, they may negotiate only with their former clubs.
Kent, a 34-year-old second baseman who was the NL MVP in 2000, hit .313 with 37 homers and 108 RBIs this season and made $6 million. He hit three homers and drove in seven runs in the World Series.
"We've always had good communications with the Giants. I assume at some point we'll talk," Kent's agent, Jeff Klein, said Tuesday.
Other decisions, too
First, the Giants must make decisions about their general manager and manager. General manager Brian Sabean's contract is up, along with manager Dusty Baker's.
"Hopefully, we'll be able to bring Jeff back if he has the interest in coming back," assistant general manager Ned Colletti said. "It's one of our main priorities, providing he has an interest in coming back. He's been one of our top players the last six seasons, and productive in the middle of the lineup. He's one of the reasons we've been successful."
Maddux, 36, was 16-6 with a 2.62 ERA this season, second behind Arizona's Randy Johnson (2.32). Maddux's agent, Scott Boras, said Sunday that he wouldn't begin contract talks for several weeks.
Also Tuesday, Colorado exercised a $3 million option on right-hander Todd Jones, who had been eligible for free agency. He was 1-4 with a 4.70 ERA and three saves this year, establishing career highs in innings (821/3) and games (79).
File after rejections
Three players filed for free agency Tuesday after teams declined their options: Philadelphia right-hander Terry Adams ($5.4 million), Seattle right-hander James Baldwin ($4 million) and Oakland catcher Greg Myers ($1.1 million). Baldwin gets a $500,000 buyout and Myers gets $100,000.
Baldwin went 7-10 last season with a 5.28 ERA, starting 23 times and making 30 appearances. He allowed 179 hits, struck out 88 batters and walked 49.
Left-hander Doug Creek, let go by Seattle at the end of the season, agreed to a $700,000, one-year contract with Toronto, which gets an $800,000 option for 2004. He was 3-2 with a 5.82 ERA in 52 relief appearances for Seattle and Tampa Bay this year.