Astros Attend Service for Caminiti

Craig Biggio gave a tearful remembrance and Houston Astro teammates Jeff Bagwell and Brad Ausmus also were in attendance Friday at a memorial service for Ken Caminiti in Houston.

Astro owner Drayton McLane, General Manager Gerry Hunsicker and Manager Phil Garner were at the service, as were San Diego Padre owner John Moores and General Manager Kevin Towers.

Caminiti died last Sunday in New York at 41. Tests are being conducted to determine the cause of death for the 1996 National League MVP. A source in the New York City police department told ESPN that Caminiti died from a drug overdose, according to preliminary results of his autopsy.

Caminiti spent most of his 15-year career with the Astros and Padres. He made his major league debut with Houston in 1987.

The Astros plan to honor Caminiti today before Game 3 of the NL championship series. There will be a moment of silence and a video tribute, and a spotlight shining outside the Minute Maid Park showing his No. 11

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The Philadelphia Phillies exercised an option for closer Billy Wagner that would pay him $9 million next season. Had they not exercised the option, Wagner would have been owed a $3-million buyout and would have been eligible to file for free agency.

Reliever Felix Rodriguez told the Phillies that he would exercise the 2005 player option that was part of his contract. Rodriguez, acquired from the San Francisco Giants in July, will be paid $3.15 million next season.

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The Minnesota Twins declined their 2005 option on shortstop Cristian Guzman’s contract, making him eligible for free agency. Guzman, who would have made $5.25 million next year, batted .274 with eight home runs and 46 RBIs. The Twins exercised their $750,000 option for 2005 on catcher Henry Blanco.

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The Oakland Athletics declined their contract option for next season on outfielder Jermaine Dye, who batted .265 with 23 homers and 80 RBIs. The A’s decided the oft-injured slugger wasn’t worth his $14-million mutual option for 2005. He will receive a $1.5-million buyout.

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The Dodgers declined the option on right-hander Elmer Dessens for next season, making him eligible for free agency. Dessens, who made $4 million this year, received a $300,000 buyout. He would have made $4.5 million next season.

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Angel second baseman Adam Kennedy underwent reconstructive surgery on his right knee and might be sidelined part of next season. The Angels said Kennedy was scheduled to begin rehabilitation in approximately 10 days.