The Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO - Manager Dusty Baker is leaving the San Francisco Giants less than two weeks after leading them to the World Series.

General manager Brian Sabean made the announcement Wednesday, the day Baker's contract was to expire.

"It has become increasingly apparent that Dusty's interest in exploring opportunities elsewhere is paramount in his mind," Sabean said.

A three-time National League manager of the year, Baker has had differences with Magowan, mainly on who deserves the most credit for the franchise's recent success.

Baker becomes the first manager in nearly three decades to leave a team after guiding it to the World Series. Dick Williams led Oakland to the 1973 championship and then retired; he was hired by California during the 1974 season.

The Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners are likely to pursue hiring Baker, 53, who has spent 10 seasons with the Giants.

Baker has expressed interest in the Cubs' vacancy. The Mariners identified four finalists for their job and Baker was not on the list, but general manager Pat Gillick has said he has a "mystery candidate."

NL MANAGER OF YEAR
Manager	Team	Votes
Tony LaRussa	St. Louis	129
Bobby Cox	Atlanta	93
Frank Robinson	Montreal	23
Jim Tracy	LA	22
AL MANAGER OF YEAR
Manager	Team	Votes
Mike Scioscia	Anaheim	116
Art Howe	Oakland	74
Ron Gardenhire	Minn.	59

MANAGER AWARDS: Still on a high 10 days after his team won the World Series, the Anaheim Angels' Mike Scioscia was honored with the American League Manager of the Year Award.

In his third season as Anaheim's manager, Scioscia turned around a team that went 75-87 in 2001. The Angels overcame a franchise-worst 6-14 start to finish 99-63 and earn the AL wild card.

Scioscia credited his players.

"They were uncanny at the situation part of the game, particularly moving runners and with runners in scoring position," Scioscia said.

St. Louis manager Tony La Russa, whose Cardinals won their division during a season in which they endured the deaths of pitcher Darryl Kile and broadcaster Jack Buck, won the National League award.

"I think this award is recognition that our club, our organization, just didn't give into it," La Russa said.

La Russa, who earned the AL award with Chicago in 1983 and with Oakland in '88 and '92, and Bobby Cox are the only managers to win the award in both leagues.

YANKEES: Right-handed reliever Steve Karsay injured his back while working out last month. He will be examined by doctors today.

FREE AGENTS: Anaheim's Dennis Cook and Boston's Willie Banks filed for free agency as Edgar Martinez tried to work out a new deal with Seattle. The Mariners had until the end of Wednesday to exercise a 2003 option on Martinez that called for a $10 million salary.

RANGERS: Shortstop Alex Rodriguez married longtime girlfriend Cynthia Scurtis last weekend, the Dallas Morning News reported.