AROUND THE HORN Baseball news and notes

White Sox: As expected, the Chicago White Sox exercised their $4 million option for next season on 21-game winner Esteban Loaiza. If the option had been declined, he would have received a $150,000 buyout.
Yankees: Next year could be Joe Torre's last as manager of the Yankees. After a draining season in which the Yankees fell two wins short of the World Series title, Torre said he isn't seeking an extension. He also let owner George Steinbrenner know earlier in the week that he was unhappy with some of the events during a season in which the owner repeatedly applied public pressure. Bench coach Don Zimmer quit, saying he would never work for Steinbrenner again, and hitting coach Rick Down was fired. Zimmer had been with Torre for all eight seasons, and Torre had hoped to persuade him to stay. Torre hopes pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre comes back, and said third-base coach Willie Randolph and first-base coach Lee Mazzilli are welcome to return.
Also, New York to exercise 2004 options for right-hander Antonio Osuna and left-hander Gabe White.
Royals: The contract of manager Tony Pena was extended two years through 2006. General manager Allard Baird's contract also was extended through 2006. Pena, in his first full season as Royals manager, led the team to an 83-79 record -- the club's first winning year since the strike-shortened 1994 season. Kansas City rebounded from its first 100-loss season in 2002 to contend until the season's final week.
Tigers: Pitcher Cliff Bartosh was claimed off waivers from the Padres on Friday. The 24-year-old left-hander went 2-5 with 4.29 ERA and 10 saves last season in 64 games with Triple-A Portland.
Cardinals: St. Louis declined to exercise its $7 million option on Sterling Hitchcock, and the 32-year-old left-hander filed for free agency. Hitchcock gets a $1 million buyout.
Red Sox: Boston received permission to talk to Anaheim Angels pitching coach Bud Black and Los Angeles Dodgers third base coach Glenn Hoffman about succeeding Grady Little as manager.
Pitcher defects: One of Cuba's top pitchers defected in an undisclosed country so he can begin playing professionally in the United States, a Cuban exile leader said. Maels Rodriguez and another player, second baseman Yobal Duenas, were reported missing by Cuban authorities today.
-- Associated Press