Pirates to extend Tabata, Walker  —  The Pirates are putting the finishing touches on a long-term contract with outfielder Jose Tabata and also are deep into talks with second baseman Neil Walker about a similar deal, several team and league sources told the Tribune-Review today.

Fifth-place Cubs fire general manager Hendry  —  With one of the highest payrolls but the second worst record in the National League, the Chicago Cubs fired general manager and vice president Jim Hendry on Friday.  —  Assistant general manager Randy Bush was named Interim general manager, the team announced.

Canadian Martin homers twice, Yankees beat Twins  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Phil Hughes allowed just two hits in 7 2-3 innings and Canada's Russell Martin hit two home runs to lead the New York Yankees to an 8-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night.  —  Hughes (4-4) gave up one run …

Chipper ends speculation: “I'm playing next year”  —  Chipper Jones said he will return to play for the Braves in 2012, ending speculation that the Braves' 39-year-old third baseman might retire after this season and walk away with a year left on his contract.

Tigers expand AL Central lead with win over Indians  —  DETROIT — Max Scherzer pitched seven strong innings and the first-place Detroit Tigers hit three homers in a 4-1 victory over the second-place Cleveland Indians on Friday night.  —  The Indians could have taken over the AL Central lead …

Braves hit 3 homers, shut down D-Backs for 4-2 win  —  The Braves did all their scoring with the long ball and Derek Lowe combined with four relievers on a six-hitter, leading Atlanta past the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-2 Friday night in a matchup of NL playoff contenders.

Rodriguez Leads Astros to 6-0 Win Over Giants  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Wandy Rodriguez pitched eight innings and had a two-run single to lead the Houston Astros to a 6-0 victory over the slumping San Francisco Giants on Friday night.  —  The Astros were leading 2- in the sixth inning …

Trial date set for Madoff trustee vs. Mets  —  NEW YORK (AP)  —  A March trial date has been set for a jury to hear a $1 billion claim against the New York Mets' executives by the trustee recovering money for cheated investors of Bernard Madoff.  —  U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff set the March 5 trial date at a Friday hearing.

Rays' rally late to beat Felix Hernandez  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Evan Longoria and Ben Zobrist each had run-scoring singles with two outs during the eighth inning as the Tampa Bay Rays beat Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Friday night.  —  Hernandez (11-11) …

Brewers' Rogers suspended for stimulant  —  A lousy season got worse Friday for Brewers pitching prospect Mark Rogers, who drew a 25-game suspension after a second positive test for a stimulant in violation of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.