Cubs, Epstein eyeing Padres GM Hoyer for role  —  It's uncertain how the Padres would react to the Cubs interest in Hoyer but if he is able to go to Chicago, Byrnes would be elevated to GM.  —  A move by Hoyer, 37, would be seen as fairly shocking since he's already a GM …

Varitek: Red Sox were not in turmoil  —  NEEDHAM — Red Sox team captain Jason Varitek, speaking for the first time since the team's collapse and subsequent turmoil, said this afternoon that reports of friction within the clubhouse were “grossly exaggerated.”

Montero not playing winter ball  —  The Yankees have decided not to have Jesus Montero play winter ball this offseason.  Between Triple-A and the big leagues, Montero played in 127 games this season, and he caught most of them.  —  General manager Brian Cashman said the Yankees …

Bradley on the World Series: Texas Rangers' Michael Young shows Derek Jeter-like qualities  —  The comparison was first introduced by Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long.  In an examination of Derek Jeter's unorthodox, inside-out swing, Long was asked if any other hitters reminded him of Jeter.

Game 1 falls on Carpenter's turn to start … Dave Duncan retired the trophy for Understatement of the Year on Monday when he described the Cardinals' blueprint for success in the NL championship series as “a little unorthodox.”  —  Next thing you know, the Cardinals pitching coach may suggest Nyjer Morgan is a bit talkative.

If Reyes bolts, Mets set to turn to Tejada  —  Ex-infield coach Chip Hale says skipper Terry Collins is ready to give role to Ruben … After the New York Mets completed their 77-85 season, infielder Ruben Tejada reiterated his plan to travel in November from his native Panama to Long Island …

Another one bites the dust  —  I'll be honest with you.  —  Had I known from the beginning that the idea of designing a model to estimate the difficulty of blocking every major league pitch is not a new one—let alone a groundbreaking one—I might have spent significant portions of my free …

Divorce settlement solves one problem for Frank McCourt  —  Without the $130-million settlement with ex-wife Jamie, he would not have been able to maintain ownership of Dodgers without beating Bud Selig in Bankruptcy Court, then winning in divorce court.  —  Two years and three days after Frank …

Mikey likes it: Napoli, mom thrilled by Series  —  Turn of events puts Rangers catcher in position to realize dream  —  ARLINGTON — When the final out was recorded in the American League Championship Series and the Rangers had earned another shot at the World Series, a boyhood dream came true for Mike Napoli.

Indians outright pitcher Talbot, outfielder Head  —  Right-hander went 2-6 with a 6.64 ERA for Tribe in 2011  —  CLEVELAND — The Indians have begun their offseason with a pair of moves that vacated two spots on the team's roster.  —  On Tuesday, Cleveland outrighted pitcher Mitch Talbot …

Senators urge baseball to ban tobacco  —  WASHINGTON — Four U.S. senators and health officials from the cities hosting the World Series are urging the baseball players union to agree to a ban on chewing tobacco at games and on camera.  —  The senators, including No. 2 Democrat Dick Durbin of Illinois …

A's close to buying land in San Jose?  —  It's been a seemingly endless saga for the A's, but they may finally be closing in on actually buying land for a new stadium in San Jose.  —  San Jose city officials are meeting today in a closed session to discuss selling a few plots by the Diridon station to A's co-owner Lew Wolff.