Cherington to be named Red Sox GM Tuesday

The Red Sox are set to name Ben Cherington their general manager.

The team announced yesterday that Cherington's promotion from assistant general manager will be announced at a news conference today. He'll fill a vacancy left by Theo Epstein, who resigned Friday to become president of baseball operations of the Chicago Cubs.

Cherington, who spent the past three seasons as Epstein's assistant, also will get the title of executive vice president. Cherington was Boston's co-general manager for three months after the 2005 season when Epstein left the club before deciding to return.

Oswalt, Lidge options declined The Phillies have not picked up the 2012 options for pitchers Roy Oswalt and Brad Lidge.

Oswalt gets a $2-million buyout instead of $16 million next season. Lidge receives a $1.5-million buyout instead of $12.5 million next year.

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said the team will consider re-signing both players.

Thome still wants to playJim Thome said he still has the passion to play. Whether that is with the Indians or another team will be determined when impending free agents become eligible to start negotiations five days after the end of the World Series.

"I'll keep playing," said Thome, eighth on the all-time list with 604 homers. "I just need teams to call me.''

-- AP