HOUSTON -- Houston Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell and two teammates underwent surgery Friday.

Williams interviews with Astros, calls it 'relaxing'

Jimy Williams, a leading contender for the vacant Houston Astros' managerial job, told a Houston television station Thursday he had an enjoyable interview this week. "It was relaxing. It was open," Williams, who was fired by the Boston Red Sox in August, told KRIV-TV while waiting for a connection at Bush Intercontinental Airport. "There were questions from both sides. ... I thoroughly enjoyed it, because in most cases when you go through the process some people feel like you go through a wringer, so to speak." Williams, 58, has generally avoided reporters since his departure from the Red Sox, whom he led to the AL championship series in 1999. He sat down with Astros officials Wednesday. Williams, one of five candidates interviewed this week, said it felt good that Houston was interested. "I know they have other managerial candidates," Williams said. "They have to use their evaluations and make their decision." Last week, Larry Dierker was forced out after leading the Astros to first-round playoff appearances in four of the last five seasons. The club also has interviewed former major league manager Jim Fregosi, Astros third base coach Mike Cubbage, Triple-A New Orleans manager Tony Pena and Milwaukee Brewers third base coach Jerry Royster.

Bagwell had the partially torn labrum in his right shoulder repaired. Bagwell, 33, hit .288 with 39 homers and 130 RBI in 161 games this season.

Bagwell reportedly played the entire season with the injury, which the team managed to keep private until recently.

"I'm a little nervous just because I've never had surgery before," Bagwell told Houston television station KRIV.

Reserve outfielder Glen Barker had similar surgery on his left shoulder. Pitcher Ron Villone, who split time between the bullpen and starting rotation, had a torn meniscus repaired in his left knee.

All three players are expected to be ready for spring training next year.

In the KRIV interview, Bagwell also bristled at suggestions that he and fellow longtime Houston star Craig Biggio somehow orchestrated last week's ouster of manager Larry Dierker.

"It's a ridiculous situation. I wish I had that kind of influence -- not to do that, but I wish I had that kind of power," Bagwell said. "We don't have power like that."

Bagwell called some of the speculation about his and Biggio's possible role "sad" and told KRIV they don't have a special pipeline to owner Drayton McLane Jr.

"Gerry is our GM. Gerry does a fine job," Bagwell said. "When it comes down to things that are being done with the organization, those are the guys that make the decisions. We don't make the decisions."

Hunsicker also said Thursday that lefthanded starter Carlos Hernandez, whose rookie season was shut down with a sore throwing shoulder, will undergo a repeat MRI exam and further evaluation.

The 21-year-old, who dazzled in a short stint by going 1-0 and allowing just two runs in 17 2/3 innings, suffered a partial tear of his left rotator cuff while sliding into second base Aug. 29 against Cincinnati.