Astros pay homage to Caminiti

Craig Biggio gave a tearful remembrance and Houston teammates Jeff Bagwell and Brad Ausmus also were in attendance Friday at a memorial service for Ken Caminiti.

Astros owner Drayton McLane, general manager Gerry Hunsicker and manager Phil Garner were at the service at Second Baptist Church, as were San Diego owner John Moores and general manager Kevin Towers.

Caminiti died last Sunday in New York at 41. Tests are being conducted to determine the cause of death for the 1996 National League Most Valuable Player.

Caminiti spent most of his 15-year career with the Astros and Padres. He made his major league debut with Houston in 1987.

“He took me under his wing when I got here,” Bagwell said.

The Astros plan to honor Caminiti before Game 3 of the N.L. Championship Series today. There will be a moment of silence and a video tribute, and a spotlight shining outside the ballpark shows his No. 11.

Giambi can only watch

Jason Giambi wanted to hit a few home runs for the New York Yankees this postseason. Instead, all he can do is offer his teammates tips at the plate.

“Just doing other things to be a part of it,” Giambi said.

Left off the playoff roster as he recovers from a benign tumor, the 2000 A.L. MVP is still traveling with the team and sitting in the dugout during games. He is taking batting practice regularly and beginning to regain his strength.

Giambi hasn’t ruled out the possibility of being added to the World Series roster if the Yankees advance.

Mets interview Jaramillo

Texas Rangers hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo interviewed with the New York Mets, the second candidate to apply for the managerial opening since the firing of Art Howe.

The 54-year-old Jaramillo met with Mets general manager Omar Minaya, a longtime friend, and assistant GM John Ricco.

The Mets expect to interview New York Yankees bench coach Willie Randolph on Monday and former Anaheim Angels manager Terry Collins on Tuesday, Minaya said.

Hale talks with D-Backs

Arizona Diamondbacks officials met with DeMarlo Hale, first base coach of the Texas Rangers, completing an initial round of managerial interviews.

Hale was the eighth candidate given a formal interview in the search for a permanent replacement for Bob Brenly, who was fired July 2. But general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. said others might be interviewed before a short list is drawn up.

Former Yankee Sturm dies

Johnny Sturm, the starting first baseman on the New York Yankees’ 1941 world championship team and the man credited by many with alerting the Yankees to a young prospect named Mickey Mantle, has died in St. Louis. He was 88.

Sturm, who played just one season in the major leagues, died at home of congestive heart failure on Oct. 8.

Sturm hit .239 with three home runs and 36 RBIs in 124 games in 1941. In the World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers, Sturm played in all five games, batting .286.

Hearing on Expos slated

A hearing on the lawsuit aimed at blocking the Montreal Expos’ move to Washington, D.C., will be held in Miami the day before the capital’s city council is scheduled to vote on millions of dollars in renovations to RFK Stadium to make it ready for next season.

U.S. District Court Judge Ursula Ungaro-Benages set Dec. 6 for the hearing on the motion for a preliminary injunction against the move sought by 14 former limited partners in the Expos.

Clearing the bases

Minnesota declined its 2005 option on shortstop Cristian Guzman’s contract, making him eligible for free agency. … Los Angeles declined the option on right-hander Elmer Dessens for next season, making him eligible for free agency. … Cleveland declined to pick up the $5 million option on closer Bob Wickman‘s contract for next season. … Closer Billy Wagner and reliever Felix Rodriguez will be back with Philadelphia next season. The Phillies exercised an option for Wagner that will pay him $9 million next season. Rodriguez notified the Phillies that he will exercise his player option. … Anaheim second baseman Adam Kennedy had reconstructive surgery on his right knee and might miss part of next season.