Fred and Jeff Wilpon and fellow owner Saul Katz originally compiled a list of about 32 names for general manager. They will start asking permission today and plan to interview five to seven candidates in person. There should be two rounds of interviews. The hope is a resolution by the end of the month.

• Business will not stand still while the GM search goes on. Discussions will begin with the Mets' free agents: Hisanori Takahashi and Pedro Feliciano, and about an extension that would supersede Jose Reyes' $11 million option for 2011. Acting GM John Ricco will handle those items.

• The current coaches contracts all expire on Oct. 31. Word is Howard Johnson and Randy Niemann will have roles in the organization no matter what happens at the major league level. Ownership probably will put in a good word for third base coach Chip Hale and pitching coach Dan Warthen to remain in their roles, but that will be the new GM's decision.

• There will be no changes to the medical staff, including trainers. The Mets were pleased that the number of DL days dropped from roughly 1,500 days last season to roughly 900 this year -- while that's still about the average for the majors in the 800 range.

• According to Jeff Wilpon, Omar Minaya never did ask to eat Oliver Perez or Luis Castillo's contract. Ownership would have preferred Minaya be more forceful in convincing Perez to go to the minors.

• An annoucement on ticket pricing that should be pleasant to fans should be forthcoming soon.