MLB: Oct. 14, 2005

Indians GM Mark Shapiro is quick to pour cold water - buckets of it - on simmering talk that the club might be interested in re-acquiring Jim Thome, the former Tribe slugger who's now with the Philadelphia Phillies. -- Cleveland Plain Dealer

Brian Cashman is believed to be on the Phillies' short list of GM candidates, possibly even the favorite. -- Newsday

In the Yankees clubhouse, Tino Martinez and Tom Gordon packed up boxes, perhaps signifying an end to their tenures with the team. Martinez said he wanted to return. But Gordon, the setup man, said he would seek opportunities to be a closer elsewhere. -- New York Times

Now that he has made it clear he wants to close, Tom Gordon could become one of the most coveted relief pitchers on the market. And after Braden Looper's shaky, injury-filled season, it seems as though the Mets will be looking for a new closer. -- New York Daily News

As umpire Doug Eddings stepped off American Airlines flight 1455 in Anaheim yesterday, he was met by two Orange County sheriffs. They weren't there to arrest him, they were there to protect him. -- New York Post

As the Yankees begin their search for Mel Stottlemyre's replacement, one member of the rotation gave an endorsement to Atlanta's Leo Mazzone. Jaret Wright showed up at Yankee Stadium yesterday to empty his locker. The 29-year-old right-hander said Mazzone would be a good choice. Under Mazzone in 2004, Wright had his best season, going 15-8. -- New York Post

Names to keep in mind for Yankees pitching coach are Brian Price, formerly of the Mariners and Chuck Hernandez, Tampa Bay's pitching coach. -- New York Post

One day after taking several direct hits from Mel Stottlemyre on his way out, George Steinbrenner responded in a positive light through a statement. " Mel Stottlemyre will always be a Yankee," said Steinbrenner. "While it's no secret that I can be a very difficult boss, Mel has always conducted himself as a professional and a gentleman. I wish he and Jean much success and happiness in the future." -- New York Post

Don Zimmer has seen almost everything in baseball. Yet, the former Yankee coach is appalled at the way George Steinbrenner forced Mel Stottlemyre out of New York and hasn't backed Joe Torre. -- New York Post

Twins general manager Terry Ryan and Paul Molitor have talked about the possibility of the hall of famer from St. Paul succeeding departed Al Newman as a coach. -- St. Paul Pioneer Press