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Reds starter Jimmy Haynes declined his $1.5 million option Thursday and filed for free agency.

Haynes, who signed as a minor-league free agent Jan.11 after seven seasons with the Orioles, Athletics and Brewers, became the Reds' most consistent starter in 2002, winning a career-high 15 games (with 10 losses) and compiling a career-low 4.12 ERA in 34 starts.

After taking the loss in the season finale to the Montreal Expos Sept. 29, Haynes said he would like to return. "It's a good bunch of guys," Haynes said. "We had a good year. It was a lot of fun."

Reds officials also have expressed an interest in re-signing Haynes - if they can afford him.

MORE FREE AGENTS: Jim Thome, the top hitter on the free agent market, met with the Cleveland Indians on Thursday, and former two-time AL MVP Frank Thomas exercised his right to leave the Chicago White Sox.

Thome hit a club-record 52 homers with 118 RBI last season despite the lack of protection in Cleveland's lineup.

Philadelphia, moving into a new ballpark in 2004, also wants to meet with Thome.

In other moves:

Fred McGriff's $8.5 million option was declined by the Chicago Cubs, who will give him a $500,000 buyout. McGriff becomes eligible for free agency.

Denny Hocking, the Minnesota Twins' longest-tenured position player, agreed to a $1.1million contract.

First baseman Scott Hatteberg's $1.75 million option was exercised Thursday by the Oakland Athletics, who declined $1.2 million options on infielder Olmedo Saenz and reliever Jeff Tam.

Reliever Tim Worrell's $2million option was exercised by the San Francisco Giants, who declined a $3.5million option on right fielder Reggie Sanders. Sanders, who had a mutual option, gets a $500,000 buyout.

In addition, third baseman David Bell declined his $3.5million option but doesn't get a buyout.

St.Louis declined a $6 million option on Andy Benes and the 35-year-old right-hander gets a $1.5 million buyout, all deferred without interest. Benes nearly retired in April.

Boston declined a $7.5 million option on RHP Dustin Hermanson, who missed most of the season.

GIANTS: Senior vice president and general manager Brian Sabean agreed in principle Thursday to a multiyear contract to remain with San Francisco.

The length of the new deal for Sabean has not been finalized.

MARINERS: Seattle kept searching for a manager Thursday, interviewing team consultant and part-time coach Lee Elia and former Kansas City Royals manager Tony Muser.

Four candidates were interviewed earlier this week: Mariners bench coach John McLaren, pitching coach Bryan Price, Texas bench coach Terry Francona and Los Angeles bench coach Jim Riggleman. Team officials planned to interview New York Yankees third base coach Willie Randolph and Baltimore Orioles bench coach Sam Perlozzo today.

Baseball