Baird closing in on search for manager

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Allard Baird's search for a new manager for the Kansas City Royals is nearing an end, and an announcement could come as early as next week.

Fans can expect someone with experience managing in the minor leagues, such as Houston coach Tony Pena, whom Baird interviewed Wednesday while the Astros were in Philadelphia.

"I want a guy who is high-energy," said the Royals' general manager, who has narrowed his list to five men. "I want a guy who has understanding of pitching, who knows how to handle pitchers. We're going to have a lot of young pitchers trying to make their mark at the major league level.

"All five are very well qualified candidates."

The other two names on the short list that are known beyond Baird's inner circle are interim manager John Mizerock and Bucky Dent, manager of the Royals' Triple-A team in Omaha. Baird declined to identify the others, but one who is not there is former Gold Glove second baseman Frank White, who was told on Tuesday that he will remain in the front office as a special assistant to the general manager.

Yankees 7, Devil Rays 2

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Alfonso Soriano homered twice as Roger Clemens and the Yankees extended the Devil Rays' losing streak to 13 games -- longest in the majors in more than five years.

Twins 3, Royals 1

MINNEAPOLIS -- Brad Radke pitched a five-hitter for Minnesota's first complete game of the season.

Indians 6, Orioles 2

BALTIMORE -- Russell Branyan homered for the third straight game and Jim Thome hit a three-run shot for Cleveland.-- From wire reports