Byline: Combined wire services
Andy Pettitte talking with the Houston Astros was anticipated and barely registered on owner George Steinbrenner's angst radar screen.
Of course, the New York Yankees' free-agent left-hander would speak to his hometown team.
The Boston Red Sox, however, are another matter, and while talks with other teams are deemed exploratory, there's no mystery as to Steinbrenner's reaction should Pettitte leave for Fenway Park, where he'll be today or Friday to meet with the Yankees' greatest rival.
One of Pettitte's agents, Randy Hendricks, in an e-mail Wednesday, said he would not be fooling around in Boston.
``The Red Sox have expressed strong interest,'' Hendricks wrote, and Pettitte's interest is logical for no other reason than to force the Yankees to dig deeper, as they did in Bernie Williams' negotiations after the 1998 season.
Speculation that the 31-year-old Pettitte, with 149 career victories and 13 more wins in the postseason, will remain with the Yankees was enhanced after pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre announced last week he would return for another season.
Pettitte, who lives in Deer Park, Tex., and his agents met in Houston on Tuesday with Astros owner Drayton McLane and general manager Gerry Hunsicker.
Hunsicker said the discussions were for background with no dollar figures exchanged.
It's not hard to ascertain the Red Sox's interest in Pettitte exceeds tweaking the Yankees: They must improve their rotation after Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe, especially with Martinez showing signs of wearing down.
The Red Sox, however, are saddled with $100 million remaining on Manny Ramirez's contract and with Nomar Garciaparra and Martinez scheduled to be free agents after 2004, it's questionable how much they can give Pettitte. Red Sox: Former Phillies manager Terry Francona was back in Boston for another round of interviews on Wednesday, a day after he met with Red Sox owner John Henry about the vacant managerial job.
``I was impressed with his knowledge of the game and his forthrightness,'' Henry said. ``He is a serious candidate, but no decisions have been made.''
Los Angeles Dodgers coach Glenn Hoffman and Anaheim Angels bench coach Joe Maddon also have been interviewed. Mets: Former Mets and Giants outfielder Tsuyoshi Shinjo will return to Japan and play for the Pacific League's Nippon Ham Fighters next season.
Shinjo, who spent most of the 2003 season with Triple-A Norfolk, batted .193 in 62 games with the Mets last season. Astros: Catcher Brad Ausmus agreed to a $4 million, two-year contract to stay in Houston. A two-time Gold Glove winner, he hit .229 with 47 RBI last season. Mariners: Free-agent outfielder Raul Ibanez agreed to a $13.25 million, three-year contract. Ibanez, who came up in Seattle's system, blossomed over the past two years in Kansas City, where he hit .294 both years.
He drove in 103 runs in 2002 and 90 last season. Indians: Outfielder Milton Bradley agreed to a $1.73 million, one-year contract. He batted .321 with 10 homers and 56 RBI last season, but he missed the final six weeks with a lower back injury. Tigers: Former Detroit second baseman Lou Whitaker will join his old team at spring training next year as an instructor.
CAPTION(S):
ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVE ANDY PETTITTE led the Yankees with 21 wins last season but the free-agent left-hander is talking to several teams.
