BASEBALL ROUNDUP News and notes

Mets hire Randolph: Longtime New York Yankees coach Willie Randolph was hired by the Mets, taking over as manager of a troubled team trying to compete with its cross-town rival for success, free agents and fans. Randolph takes over from Art Howe, fired at the end of the season. The six-time All-Star was to be introduced today t a news conference at Shea Stadium. Randolph was a standout second baseman who spent 13 seasons with the Yankees, serving as co-captain and winning Word Series titles as a player in 1977 and 1978, plus four more as a coach. He also played for Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Oakland and Milwaukee before finishing his career with the Mets in 1992.
Astros retain Garner: In a move that was expected for weeks, Phil Garner was retained by the Astros, two days after Tim Purpura replaced Gerry Hunsicker as general manager. Garner, 55, took over on an interim basis after Jimy Williams was fired during the All-Star break and guided the Astros within a victory of their first World Series berth. Garner was perhaps Houston's most significant addition after a mid-season swoon left them 44-44. Known as "Scrap Iron" during his playing days, Garner's infusing enthusiasm in a veteran club that was close-knit but rarely animated. Houston won 36 of its final 46 games to clinch the NL wild card, beat Atlanta to win a playoff series for the first time in club history and came a few outs from defeating St. Louis in the NLCS. Garner received a two-year contract with a team option for 2007.
Stottlemyre won't return: Mel Stottlemyre won't return as pitching coach of the Yankees, The New York Times reported Wednesday. Stottlemyre has been the pitching coach since manager Joe Torre was hired before the 1996 season and was one of his key aides along with bench coach Don Zimmer, who left after the 2003 season following a dispute with owner George Steinbrenner. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman wouldn't discuss the team's coaching staff Wednesday. The Times cited an unidentified person who spoke to one of Stottlemyre's colleagues. Neil Allen, the pitching coach at Triple-A Columbus, is viewed as the most likely successor to Stottlemyre, who wavered after the 2003 season before deciding to return.
Free agents: Carl Pavano became a free agent after meeting with Florida Marlins' management and telling the team he wanted to test the market. A 28-year-old right-hander who went a career-best 18-8 with a 3.00 ERA this season, Pavano is likely to be among the most coveted free agents, which could put him in the middle of a bidding war between the Red Sox and York Yankees. Pavano was among 11 players who became free agents Wednesday, raising the total to 190. Chicago White Sox second baseman Roberto Alomar and St. Louis outfielder John Mabry also filed. San Francisco exercised options on three players who could have become free agents: center fielder Marquis Grissom ($2.75 million), pitcher Brett Tomko ($2.5 million) and first baseman J.T. Snow ($2 million). The Giants declined a $3.25 million option on pitcher Jason Christiansen, electing to pay a $300,000 buyout, and agreed to an $800,000, one-year contract with shortstop Deivi Cruz, who can earn an additional $300,000 in performance bonuses. Cincinnati left-hander Gabe White filed after the Reds declined a $1,925,000 mutual option. He gets a $200,000 buyout. Up to 21 additional players are eligible to become free agents by the Nov. 11 deadline.
Rockies: Outfielder Preston Wilson, right-hander Aaron Cook and left-hander Denny Neagle were activated from the 60-day disabled list by the Colorado Rockies. Cook, 6-4 with a 4.28 ERA in 16 starts this year, had the first rib on his right side removed Sept. 10 to relieve pressure on a vein under his collarbone. Wilson had surgery on his left knee twice this season. He hit .248 in 58 games with six homers and 29 RBIs. Neagle missed the season and had left elbow surgery on July 30, 2003, and shoulder surgery last July 2.
N.L. Gold Glove awards: Greg Maddux won his 14th Gold Glove award and three members of the NL champion Cardinals were honored as the top-fielding players at their positions. Maddux had won 13 in a row, a record among NL pitchers, before Atlanta's Mike Hampton replaced him in 2003. Back with the Chicago Cubs this year, Maddux is closing in on Jim Kaat's record for pitchers of 16 Gold Gloves. Center fielder Jim Edmonds won his fifth straight Gold Glove and seventh overall, third baseman Scott Rolen won his fifth in a row and sixth overall, and catcher Mike Matheny got the award for the second straight year and third time overall. Los Angeles outfielder Steve Finley won his fifth Gold Glove, his first since 2000, and Dodgers shortstop Cesar Izturis was the only first-time winner, taking over from the Cardinals' Edgar Renteria. Atlanta outfielder Andruw Jones won for the seventh straight season, Colorado first baseman Todd Helton won his third award and Florida's Luis Castillo repeated at second base. Last year, Florida's Derrek Lee won at first and San Francisco's Jose Cruz Jr. won in the outfield. Edmonds, Finley, Matheny and Rolen each earned $50,000 bonuses, while Castillo and Helton earned $25,000 apiece.
Associated Press