BASEBALL PLAYOFFS : NATIONAL LEAGUE NOTES

Atlanta Manager Bobby Cox, who managed the Toronto Blue Jays from 1982 through 1985 before becoming general manager of the Braves, said he has nothing against Oakland Athletic Manager Tony La Russa and his team but that he is “kind of pulling” for the Blue Jays in the American League playoff.

“I think so highly of the Toronto organization and have such good memories of my time there that it would really be something special (to play the Blue Jays in the World Series),” Cox said.

Pirate coach Bill Virdon, who is also a candidate for the Colorado Rockies managerial job, will be interviewed by Florida Marlin President Carl Barger today. Atlanta coach Jimy Williams and Oakland coach Rene Lachemann are the other finalists for the Florida managerial job.