The Associated Press

HOUSTON - Astros owner Drayton McLane is considering a contract-extension request by 14-year veteran Craig Biggio, who will be moved from second base to the outfield this season to make room for Jeff Kent.

"This isn't just talk about an extension," Houston general manager Gerry Hunsicker said Thursday after meeting with McLane. "It's a situation that evolved regarding the signing of Kent and regarding Craig moving to the outfield."

Biggio and McLane met for two hours Wednesday. "Craig just wanted to get a few things off his chest," Hunsicker said.

Biggio's contract expires at the end of this season. McLane doesn't expect a decision until next week.

"I told him we'd review it and get back to him," McLane was quoted as saying on the Astros' Web site. "We'll have to look at our long-term finances and see how we can fit this into the budget."

Biggio has spent his entire career with Houston and is the team's career leader in games, hits and runs. McLane has said he wants Biggio and first baseman Jeff Bagwell to end their careers with the Astros.

Biggio will earn $9 million in 2003, the final season in a $33 million, four-year contract.

ANGELS: Left-hander Rich Rodriguez, a 12-year veteran who spent last year with the Texas Rangers, agreed to a minor-league contract with Anaheim.

INDIANS: Catcher Victor Martinez was named Cleveland's top minor-league player for the second straight year, while Billy Traber was named the top pitcher.

RED SOX: Boston finalized its minor-league contract with free agent catcher Dave Nilsson and settled its arbitration case with catcher Doug Mirabelli, agreeing to an $805,000, one-year deal.

The Red Sox also agreed to a $300,000, one-year contract with right-hander Hector Almonte.

ROYALS: Right-hander James Baldwin agreed to a minor-league contract with Kansas City and was invited to spring training as a non-roster player. Baldwin went 7-10 with 5.28 ERA in 23 starts with the Seattle Mariners last season.

TIGERS: Former Reds left-hander Steve Avery agreed to a minor-league contract with Detroit and was invited to spring training. Avery, who was the 1991 National League Championship Series MVP, has a 4.17 ERA in 278 games.

Third baseman Tom Evans also agreed to a minor-league contract. Evans spent last season playing in Japan, hitting .252 with 15 homers and 45 RBI for the Seibu Lions.

YANKEES: New York promoted Gordon Blakeley to senior vice president of baseball operations after Mark Newman asked to be relieved of that role.

Blakeley, who had been VP of international and professional scouting, was responsible for last month's signing of Cuban defector Jose Contreras.