Hate 'em or love 'em, these gritty Phillies are something else (cont.)

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The Indians, Astros and Nationals also have openings. Mattingly had a phone interview with Indians GM Mark Shapiro, and there is expected to be more discussion. (The Cleveland Plain Dealer identified Mattingly as one of at least five candidates currently being considered there.) The Nationals have called the Dodgers and asked for permission to speak with Mattingly. An outside opportunity could solidify his future in L.A., though it doesn't especially sound like it needs solidifying.

Mattingly said he believes Torre when he says he intends to make 2010 his last season managing the Dodgers. "He's not as leverage-the-media guy," Mattingly said. "But nobody knows the future."

Mattingly understands the future isn't guaranteed to anyone. But his looks pretty secure in Dodger blue.

Mo's postseason numbers even crazier than you think

Trivia time: What do Jay Payton and Sandy Alomar Jr. have in common?

Answer: They are the only two players ever to hit a postseason home run off Mariano Rivera, in 125 1/3 innings no less. In the last 65 1/3 innings, spanning 43 appearances, he has allowed exactly zero home runs.

Payton hit a three-run home run in the 2000 World Series against Rivera. The Yankees led 6-0 entering the ninth inning. Rivera relieved Jeff Nelson and wound up giving up the bomb to Payton before closing out a 6-5 victory.

Alomar's home run came in Game 4 of the '97 ALDS, a game-tying shot in the eighth. The Indians won the game with a home run in the ninth off Ramiro Mendoza, taking the series.

Thanks to baseballreference.com, here are some more postseason numbers for Rivera: 8-1 record, 0.72 ERA, 36 saves, five blown saves, 103 Ks, 18 walks, .176 opponent batting average, .213 on-base percentage, .231 slugging, .444 OPS. In his first 40 playoff games, in 62 innings, he had 18 saves and a 0.73 ERA.

In his last 42, in 63 1/3 innings, he has 18 saves and a 0.71 ERA.

Crazy.

Notes

• According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Bobby Valentine and Manny Acta are considered finalists for the Indians managing job, while Travis Fryman, Torey Lovullo and Mattingly are also said to be in the mix. Valentine might be somewhat pricey for the Indians, as he made $4 million to manager the Chiba Lotte Marines.

• Interim Nationals manager Jim Riggleman is the favorite to receive the permanent gig. If they're conducting a search, it's the quietest search ever.

• Ex-Diamondbacks third base coach Chip Hale interviewed to be the third base coach of the Mets. Acta could figure into that job if he doesn't get a managerial job.

• The Mariners' baseball people are relieved Kenji Johjima opted out of his contract. They never thought much of him as a player.

• Rudy Jaramillo will be the perfect choice as hitting coach for the Cubs. He is expected to sign a multiyear deal for about $800,000 a year, which would make him easily the sport's best-paid hitting coach. Not only is he a highly respected hitting coach, but he got great results in Texas with both Alfonso Soriano and Milton Bradley (though Bradley won't be back if the Cubs can figure out where to send him).

• Joe Girardi didn't play too long for Tony La Russa, but he seemed to learn a lot from him. When it comes to postseason pitching changes, he's been like a juiced-up La Russa so far this October. Removing David Robertson with two outs and nobody on when he was throwing well in the 11th made no sense, no matter what the book said.

• Raise your hand if you thought Kate Hudson would have a bigger impact on this postseason than Orlando Hudson.