Crasnick On Sheffield, Smoltz, Giambi, Pedro

ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick presents some of the players, managers and executives who can start earning next year's job by finishing the season strong:

• Gary Sheffield is hitting well, but in the words of one NL official, "he has some explaining to do" if he wants a job next year after last week's drama.
• Barring a September collapse, Jerry Manuel seems likely to return next year.
• John Smoltz is "definitely interested" in pitching next year, according to his agent.
• Jason Giambi can prolong his career if he plays well for the Rockies this month.
• One NL exec believes Pedro Martinez can still contribute.
• Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi says he knows some people want him out of Toronto. However, Crasnick believes the GM has a strong relationship with team president Paul Beeston. Once Beeston hands authority over to a new president, Ricciardi could lose his job.
• Crasnick says managers Eric Wedge (Indians), Jim Riggleman (Nationals), Dave Trembley (Orioles) and Cecil Cooper (Astros) don't have much job security.