DODGERS NOTEBOOK: TRACY FREE, UNLIKELY TO FLEE.

Byline: Tony Jackson Staff Writer

Still without contracts for next season, Dodgers manager Jim Tracy and his coaching staff effectively became free agents Monday when their old deals expired. Other clubs now are free to pursue them without getting permission from the Dodgers.

However, the only teams still seeking a manager, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, are deep into their respective searches and aren't likely to interview additional candidates. Dodgers bench coach Jim Riggleman is a candidate for the Mets job, as is minor-league field coordinator Terry Collins, who reportedly has a second interview scheduled this week.

Riggleman said Monday the Mets have not asked him for a second interview.

On the Dodgers' managerial front, general manager Paul DePodesta said negotiations with Tracy have intensified, and he reiterated his belief that the sides will come to an agreement. What DePodesta didn't say, but what has become rather obvious, is that the process has taken much longer than anyone originally hoped it would.

``We continue to have conversations,'' DePodesta said. ``I think we made it clear we want him back and feel very confident that we'll get something done. We have talked more (in recent days) and are farther along than we were.''

Tracy's agent, Alan Hendricks, did not return a phone call from the Daily News on Monday.

Additionally, with New York Yankees bench coach Willie Randolph having emerged as the favorite for the Mets job, the club reportedly would consider bringing in a former major-league manager as bench coach to compensate for the fact Randolph has no previous managerial experience in the major or minor leagues. One published report mentioned both Riggleman and Collins as possible candidates for that position, but that would be a lateral move for Riggleman, who has been Tracy's bench coach for each of his four years managing the Dodgers.

``I hadn't really thought about that (job),'' said Riggleman, adding that Mets officials never mentioned such a possibility during his initial interview Wednesday. ``I went there to interview for the manager's job. I guess I can't eliminate anything.''

--More filings: Pitchers Hideo Nomo and Odalis Perez filed for free agency Monday, the 11th and 12th Dodgers to do so since the filing period began Thursday. DePodesta said he is open to bringing both pitchers back, despite the fact Nomo is coming off the worst season of his career (4-11, 8.25 ERA, two stints on the disabled list) and Perez more or less imploded in two playoff starts against St. Louis.

Tony Jackson,[phone]

tony.jackson(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

JIM TRACY

Manager has not signed a new deal, but is still negotiating to stay with club.