[Joey Slugs]

Tuesday, November 1
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Los Angeles		Does Theo love L.A.? Nov 1 - It's unknown whether free-agent GM Theo Epstein has an interest in the Dodgers' GM vacancy or if the Dodgers will pursue Epstein, according to the Los Angeles Times. While owner Frank McCourt is a Boston native who originally tried to buy the Red Sox before the Dodgers, the team has yet to comment on Epstein. Meanwhile, there's speculation that Epstein, 31, will take a year off before searching for another job. The Dodgers have received permission to speak to Pat Gillick, who is also a leading candidate for the Phillies' job. Other probable candidates include former Dodgers ace Orel Hershiser, former Astros GM Gerry Hunsicker, Dodgers assistant GM Kim Ng, former Rangers and Indians GM John Hart, Nationals GM Jim Bowden and White Sox special advisor Dennis Gilbert.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Boston		From Epstein to Towers? Nov 1 - According to the Boston Globe, one possible successor to Theo Epstein as Red Sox GM could be the Padres' Kevin Towers. In 1995, when Red Sox president Larry Lucchino was running the Padres, he promoted Towers from scouting director to GM, a job he's held ever since. Although Towers has a year left on his contract in San Diego, Towers was recently given permission to interview for the Arizona job, which went to former Red Sox assistant Josh Byrnes. In addition, ESPN's Peter Gammons said Gerry Hunsicker is likely to be a strong candidate.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Philadelphia		Is it Gillick in Philly? Nov 1 - According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies are unlikely to interview Theo Epstein, who resigned as the Red Sox GM on Monday. Apparently, Phillies president David Montgomery has narrowed his search to two candidates -- Pat Gillick and Gerry Hunsicker. Gillick is reportedly considered the front-runner. Sources said Montgomery wants to hire someone outside the organization and wants to have his new hire in place before next week's GM meetings. Gillick, who won two titles in Toronto, is also likely to interview in L.A. Other candidates who've been interviewed for the Phillies' job are Indians assistant GM Chris Antonetti and Phillies assistants Ruben Amaro Jr. and Mike Arbuckle.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Tampa Bay		Rays' cut-down day Nov 1 - The St. Petersburg Times reported that the Devil Rays appear to be closing in on Gerry Hunsicker as their next GM. Hunsicker, the former Astros GM, is also a candidate for the Phillies' job. They've also apparently cut their managerial candidates to a short list that's expected to include Angels bench coach Joe Maddon, current bench coach John McLaren and former Rangers and Mets manager Bobby Valentine.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Bengie Molina Angels	Mets	Mets eye Molina Nov 1 - The Mets have already shown interest in free-agent-to-be Bengie Molina as a successor to Mike Piazza, according to the New York Post. Alan Nero, Molina's agent, said he has spoken to Mets GM Omar Minaya. Molina, whose spent his entire career with the Angels, is coming off his best season and is expected to be one of the best-available catchers in free agency. He hit .295 with 15 home runs and 69 RBI and threw out 31 percent of all runners who attempted to steal against him.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Rafael Furcal Braves	Cubs Mets	Big Apple beckons? Nov 1 - Furcal's agent told the New York Daily News that free agent shortstop would be interested in playing second base for the Mets alongside shortstop Jose Reyes. Kaz Matsui still has one year and $8 million left on his contract, but the Mets are still pursuing second base options. And Furcal has experience playing second base during winter ball. In addition, Furcal's brother and extended family live in the Bronx. Furcal and his agent meet with the Braves on Wednesday, but he may be too pricey to keep. The Cubs are also expected to bid for Furcal.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Hideki Matsui Yankees		The clock is ticking Nov 1 - Negotiations between the Yankees and Arn Tellem, Matsui's agent, are expected to heat up next week during the GM meetings in Palm Springs, according to the New York Post. If the Yankees can't reach a deal with Matsui before midnight on Nov. 15, he will become a free agent, and the Yankees will be unable to negotiate with him until May. "The GM meetings will be when we get into it," Tellem said. "Obviously, Hideki would like to work something out with the Yankees." Matsui, 31, is coming off a three-year deal worth $21 million. During the three years, Matsui didn't miss a game and hit .297 with 70 home runs and 330 RBI.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Trevor Hoffman Padres		No closer to deal Nov 1 - According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Hoffman and the San Diego Padres are far apart in their initial talks regarding a new contract. While the Padres offered a two-year, $10M deal, the veteran closer is expected to counter with a three-year deal worth around $25M. The Padres can negotiate with Hoffman until Nov. 11, when he becomes a free agent. Hoffman, 38, is second on the all-time list of save leaders.
WHO	INTERESTED	THE SKINNY
Colorado		Making their pitch Nov 1 - According to the Denver Post, Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd will aggressively pursue pitching help with around $9 million to spend. Among the pitchers are their short list are Pedro Astacio, Shawn Estes, Jason Johnson, Rick Helling and Elmer Dessens.