BASEBALL NOTES

Terry Collins, fired as manager of the Houston Astros on Oct. 4, interviewed for the Angel job this week, bringing to at least seven the number of candidates the team has had formal discussions with.

Angel bench coach Joe Maddon, triple-A Manager Don Long, Boston bench coach Tim Johnson, Texas third base coach Jerry Narron, San Diego first base coach Davey Lopes, and Red Sox double-A Manager Ken Macha have also interviewed for the job.

Sparky Anderson, the former Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers manager, has expressed interest in the position and is believed to be a front-runner, and Jim Fregosi, fired by the Philadelphia Phillies, is apparently wavering on whether or not he will pursue the Angel job.

Collins, 47, guided Houston to a 66-49 record in strike-shortened 1994, a 76-68 record and second-place finish in the National League Central in 1995, and an 82-80 mark in 1996.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.