Odds & Ends: Astros, Giants, Nationals

Let's take a look at some early evening links:

• After striking out on Manny Acta, the Astros must continue their search for a skipper.  MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports that the search is now focused on three candidates: former Astros manager Phil Garner, BoSox bench coach Brad Mills and interim manager Dave Clark.  One source told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that Mills would get the nod and that it would be a "surprise" if Garner were brought back.  Another source said that Clark remains a possibility.  Houston would like to reach a decision before the start of the World Series (Wednesday), but may even expand their search beyond these three choices.
• Matt Holliday and Jason Bay are both too pricey for the Giants, writes Bruce Jenkins of the San Francisco Chronicle.  Holliday is represented by Scott Boras, who compared him to Mark Teixeira in hopes of fetching a deal similar to the eight-year, $180MM contract the first baseman received from the Yankees.
• Johnny Holliday of MASN Sports writes that the Nationals will announce the identity of their manager for 2010 "any day now."  Interim skipper Jim Riggleman remains a candidate.
• Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan is likely to return in 2010, reports Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.  Duncan has said that his decision will be dependent on the return of Tony La Russa, who has reportedly agreed to an extension.