In a perfect world, A-Rod a perfect fit

One club source insisted that an A-Rod/Garciaparra swap never has been discussed, and Sox ownership has maintained all summer it feels an obligation to make every effort to re-sign Garciaparra. But the Rangers have made it known they would move A-Rod, who at 28 is unchallenged as the game's best all-around player.

Unlike Garciaparra, who finds the working environment here miserable, Rodriguez has the personality to not only handle all the attention but thrive on it. It's one of those Williams-for-DiMaggio swaps you think could never happen, until you find out after the fact that it was discussed.

"I don't see how the Sox could do it," one big-league executive said last week. "Knowing Larry Lucchino and how PR is everything to him, imagine what a bad hit that would be, trading Garciaparra. He didn't call Pedro's bluff on his contract option, and that was PR-driven, too."

But while A-Rod's agent, Scott Boras, says publicly that A-Rod is committed to staying in Texas, believe this: A-Rod would love Boston, he has his doubts whether Rangers owner Tom Hicks is in a position to surround him with the kind of talent that will win soon, he is definitely open to leaving Texas, and he would give the Red Sox the kind of PR payback that you should get when you pay a player $20 million or more, which the Sox apparently never factored in when they signed Manny Ramirez.

A second thought

Here's a name to keep in mind as the Sox search for a second baseman: Fernando Vina, a Gold Glover in St. Louis. The Cardinals aren't likely to exercise his $4.5 million option for 2004 . . . Best catch among the elite free agent pitchers on the market? One top big-league evaluator picks Andy Pettitte: "He's throwing as well as I've seen him throw in the last seven years." As unlikely as it would appear that the Yankees will let him get away, the Sox should go after Pettitte, if for no other reason than to drive up the price the Bombers will have to pay to keep him . . . Question: If Joe Torre, who said Friday he will not be politicking for an extension from the Yankees when his contract runs out after next season, would be available then, should the Sox think about hiring a manager for one year to keep the seat warm for him? . . . Teams looking for a slugger will come calling on Brewers general manager Doug Melvin, with it unlikely that Richie Sexson will sign a contract extension with Milwaukee. Sexson, in line to be paid $8.6 million next season, hit 45 home runs and drove in 124 runs this past season. Arizona is a possible destination. The Brewers want young pitching in return . . . Gary Sheffield, who fired Boras earlier this year, still insists he will act as his own agent . . . Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellem, is expected to represent Japanese star shortstop Kaz Matsui, who says he will hold off on announcing his plans until after he represents the country in a pre-Olympic qualifying tournament . . . For help in choosing their next manager, the Sox might want to turn to Jack McCormick, the team's popular traveling secretary. Jack McKeon was hired by the Marlins in part because of a strong recommendation from Bill Beck, the Marlins' traveling secretary whose history with McKeon dated back to their days in Triple A Omaha in the '70s . . . Did this conversation really take place? We heard that it did. During Game 7 of the ALCS, A's GM Billy Beane called Sox GM Theo Epstein and told him, "Remember who helped you get where you got -- don't screw it up." . . . Quickly turning into one of the don't-miss events of the offseason is the Lowell Spinners Alumni Charity Dinner, which is scheduled for Dec. 3 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Lowell to benefit the Cystinosis Research Network. The Dick Berardino Alumni Award last year went to David Eckstein, and the choice this year is an inspired one: Mike Maroth, the Tigers pitcher and Spinners alumnus (1998) who lost 21 games for a bad team but did so with grace and an unwavering competitive spirit. Also scheduled to attend are shortstop Adam Everett, who won a regular job with the Astros last season, and No. 1 Sox pick David Murphy. There will be a silent auction with sports memorabilia from all over the country, along with a chance to be an "extra" on the CBS hit show "Yes, Dear." The silent auction will run from 5:30-7 p.m., with the program to follow. Tickets are $55 and can be purchased on-line at www.lowellspinners.com or by calling 978-459-1702 . . . Big-league teams searching for a broadcaster, which include the Rangers and A's, would do well to check out the work of PawSox voice Andy Freed, who has major league talent.

Home with Braves?

One major league executive, on Grady Little's future: "I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up in Atlanta on Bobby Cox's coaching staff, then takes over as manager when Bobby leaves, which could be within a year. Grady is well-regarded there, and had a long history of success." That same executive, on Little sticking with Pedro Martinez in Game 7: "It was pretty clear Pedro was running out of juice, but I would have stuck with Pedro, too. Look at other games where he was throwing 87, only to come back stronger as the game went on. When you look at how volatile the bullpen had been all year -- sure, a couple of guys had pitched well the last couple of weeks, but do you really know what you're going to get from a [Scott] Williamson or [Alan] Embree in a game? It's the biggest game in the history of the franchise: Who are you going to go with, Pedro Martinez or Alan Embree, knowing the kind of character Martinez has shown his entire career? I feel bad for Grady; he was damned if you do, damned if you don't." . . . Mike Port's candidacy in Seattle may be stronger than people realize, with Pat Gillick expected to maintain a strong shadow presence there and the Mariners looking for someone with the kind of administrative qualities that are Port's strong suit . . . And while many in the industry assume that Frank McCourt has targeted Beane as his GM if his purchase of the Dodgers is approved, Gillick could be a dark-horse candidate there . . . While those who know Bud Black believe the Angels pitching coach would make a superb manager, one American League executive said Angels bench coach Joe Maddon should not be overlooked, and might actually be better prepared than Black, who has never managed, to step right into the job. "Joe is a computer geek, he's fantastic with the media, he's a positive presence in the clubhouse, one of these guys who always sees the glass as half-full, but a guy who has the courage of his convictions, too," the executive said. "He's managed in the minors, and he's a survivor, too. He's the only guy who was rehired after '99." . . . With the White Sox committed to $49 million for seven players, including Frank Thomas, who chose to return next season for $6 million rather than opt for free agency, speculation in Chicago is that the White Sox might try to move one of their two star outfielders, Carlos Lee and Magglio Ordonez. With the payroll projected to be around $60 million tops, dealing Lee or Ordonez would be a move born of necessity. The White Sox appear to be down to two candidates for manager: longtime star shortstop Ozzie Guillen, now Tampa Bay's third base coach, and Cito Gaston. A decision is expected midweek.

Material from personal interviews, wire services, other beat writers, and league and team sources was used in this report.

All I want is everything

Red Sox want ad: "This is not going to be a stat-geeks organization, nor is it going to be an organization run by old, salty-dog baseball traditionalists. It's going to be an organization that mixes and matches and adds balance and employs all the tools that might be available."

-- Larry Lucchino, on what the Sox are seeking in a new manager

I want a new drug

Fresh off winning the World Series, Jack McKeon has signed on with San Diego-based agent John Boggs to handle his marketing. One product Boggs thinks would be a natural fit for McKeon: Viagra.

Too soon gone

Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News notes that of the last 10 teams that replaced managers after going to the postseason, only four returned to the playoffs the following year.

Johnny come lately

The Marlins, who barely drew more than 800,000 fans in 2002, drew 455,805 fans for eight playoff games this season.

Compiled by Gordon Edes