Thomas, Thome among 70 to file for free agency

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Tom Glavine, Jim Thome and Ivan Rodriguez were among 70 players who filed for free agency Monday as baseball's offseason began.

Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox, who is under contract, also opted to explore the market, his right because the team exercised a provision in his deal that would defer most of his salary without interest.

Meanwhile, Atlanta Braves catcher Javy Lopez decided against free agency, deciding to exercise his $7 million option for 2003.

Greg Maddux, Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, Jeff Kent, Robb Nen and Cliff Floyd are among the 184 players potentially eligible to file for free agency by the Nov. 12 deadline.

Clemens is expected to decline his $10.3 million option with the Yankees, because his deal also includes a $10.3 million buyout. New York has an $11.5 million option on Pettitte.

Shawon Dunston and Bill Mueller filed Monday from the NL champion San Francisco Giants, who lost Game 7 of the World Series 4-1 to Anaheim on Sunday night. No Angels filed.

San Francisco has two key players who are eligible but didn't file Monday: Kent, the 2000 NL MVP, and closer Nen, who must decide whether to exercise a player option for 2003.

Thomas, a two-time AL MVP, has until Dec. 7 to sign with another club or keep his contract with the White Soxating other options for Frank."

Thome and his agent, Pat Rooney, are to meet Thursday with Indians owner Larry Dolan and general manager Mark Shapiro at Jacobs Field. The club will make a formal proposal to its career home run leader.

The Indians' offer is expected to include some attendance-based incentives similar to the ones St. Louis gave Mark McGwire.

Cleveland has also talked about renaming a portion of Jacobs Field "Thome Terrace" as part of its package.