Hargrove Gets Extension, So Does Murray

The Baltimore Orioles’ 2001 coaching staff took shape Friday, as the team extended Manager Mike Hargrove’s contract through 2003 and hired Mark Wiley as pitching coach.

The Orioles also extended the contract of first base coach Eddie Murray, who interviewed with the Dodgers about their vacant manager’s position.

Also getting extensions were bullpen coach Elrod Hendricks and batting coach Terry Crowley.

Third base coach Sam Perlozzo and bench coach Jeff Newman will exchange roles.

Newman also has been in contact with the Philadelphia Phillies about the manager opening there.

In their first season under Hargrove, the Orioles went 74-88, including 31-31 after July 28, when a series of trades drastically revamped their roster.

Syd Thrift, the Orioles’ vice president for baseball operations, said Hargrove was “masterful” managing the decidedly younger and less experienced players the team acquired at that point.

Hargrove, 795-679 in 10 years as a major league manager, said the extension came as a bit of a surprise.

“Any time that you work with people you want them to be pleased with the job that you’re doing, and this certainly says that to me,” Hargrove said.

Hargrove said he’s excited to be working again with Wiley, who was given a three-year contract.

Wiley, 52, served as Hargrove’s pitching coach with Cleveland from 1995-98. Wiley, most recently senior director for player personnel for the Colorado Rockies, served as a major league pitching coach for 10 years, beginning with Baltimore in 1987 under Cal Ripken Sr.

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The Cincinnati Reds have received permission to interview New York Yankee third base coach Willie Randolph for their vacant managerial position, the Yankees said.

The Reds are also interested in interviewing former Arizona manager Buck Showalter, the Cincinnati Post reported.

The Reds fired manager Jack McKeon after the team failed to make the playoffs after acquiring Ken Griffey Jr. this season.

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Outfielder Carl Everett, who drew attention for several outbursts this season, is planning to ask the Red Sox to trade him this winter, according to the Boston Globe.

The newspaper, citing unidentified industry sources, reported that Everett is convinced he can no longer play for Manager Jimy Williams. It said Everett’s agent, Larry Reynolds, has privately told associates of Everett’s intentions.