Baltimore ? Cal Ripken Jr. is seeking to land a front-office job in the major leagues ideally with his former team, the Baltimore Orioles.

Syd Thrift still holds the title of vice president of baseball operations for the Orioles, but his contract expired at the end of the season and owner Peter Angelos has not indicated whether Thrift will be retained.

“I don’t want to manage right now, and coaching doesn’t appeal to me,” Ripken said. “But if there was a job that I could shape a baseball organization or help shape a baseball organization, I certainly would look at that. The Orioles are my first choice.”

Ripken played with the Orioles from 1981 to 2001. His only front office experience is as owner of the Aberdeen IronBirds, a Class A team.

Red Sox Boston declined a $7.5 million option on right-hander Dustin Hermanson and will give the pitcher a $200,000 buyout. Hermanson was 1-1 with a 7.77 ERA in 12 games, pitching 22 innings.

A’s First baseman Scott Hatteberg’s $1.75 million option for 2003 was exercised by Oakland, which declined $1.2 million options on infielder Olmedo Saenz and relief Jeff Tam. Though he had never played first base before, Hatteberg became a serviceable replacement for Jason Giambi, setting career highs with a .280 average, 138 hits, 15 homers and 61 RBIs.

Cubs Chicago declined its $8.5 million option on Fred McGriff, making the first baseman eligible for free agency. McGriff, who gets a $500,000 buyout, hit .273 this year.

White Sox Two-time AL MVP Frank Thomas exercised his right to leave the Chicago White Sox. Thomas was among 11 players who filed for free agency Thursday, raising the total to 130 among the approximately 180 who are eligible. Under an unusual provision in his Chicago contract, Thomas has until Dec. 7 to sign with another club or keep his White Sox deal, which calls for annual salaries in the next four seasons of $250,000 plus $10,125,000 deferred over 10 years without interest.

Twins Utilityman Denny Hocking, Minnesota’s longest-tenured position player, agreed to a $1.1 million contract.

Giants Reliever Tim Worrell’s $2 million option was exercised by San Francisco, which declined a $3.5 million 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 $3.5 million option.

Brian Sabean agreed in principle to remain as the team’s general manager.

Cardinals St. Louis declined a $6 million option on Andy Benes and the 35-year-old right-hander gets a $1.5 million buyout. He returned from a knee injury in July, and his 1.86 ERA after the All-Star break led the majors. He finished 5-4 with a 2.78 ERA.

Reds Jimmy Haynes declined his $1.5 million option with the Reds and filed for free agency. The right-hander went 15-10 with a 4.12 ERA in 34 starts for Cincinnati.

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