Source: Cubs set to hire Theo Epstein  —  The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox are finalizing a deal that would make Theo Epstein the Cubs' president of baseball operations at some point Thursday morning, according to a Major League Baseball source.  —  A source with knowledge of negotiations said …

Baseball, union make progress in talks  —  Major League Baseball and the players association are making significant progress toward a five-year extension to the collective bargaining agreement that could lead to a resolution during the World Series, according to sources familiar with the process.

Beer in the clubhouse is ‘nothing new’ and not the blame for the Boston Red Sox's September collapse  —  The finger-pointing in Boston began as soon as the regular season was over: The Red Sox, who had gone 7-20 in September, missed the playoffs thanks to yet another epic collapse, and somebody's head had to roll.

Potential Astros owner Jim Crane wants $50M discount to move team to American League  —  Potential Houston Astros owner Jim Crane is looking to cut $50 million from the purchase price of the team in exchange for the Astros switching leagues, The Post has learned.

Molina's arm shuts down Texas' running game  —  ST. LOUIS — Chris Carpenter once read a book that reminded him a lot of his catcher.  It was “The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game,” the 2006 novel by Michael Lewis that evolved into a Sandra Bullock-starring movie three years later.

MLB announces Fan Cave to return in 2012  —  Application process opens up for next Dream Job winner  —  ST. LOUIS — The MLB Fan Cave will be back in 2012, and signups are under way for those interested in watching every regular-season game as Major League Baseball's next Dream Job winner.

FORGET CRYING, THE RED SOX PROVED WHY THERE SHOULD BE NO CAPTAINS IN BASEBALL  —  Jason Varitek was on the ‘list.’ It was why so many made it a point to tune into WAAF Wednesday morning to hear the catcher give his side of the story.  But why?  —  By all accounts, Varitek was diligent as ever …

A's eyeing familiar face Young as pitching coach  —  Staple in Oakland organization could return after Boston stint  —  OAKLAND — Though A's hurlers were forced to say goodbye to a popular face when pitching coach Ron Romanick was not retained, they may soon be welcoming back a familiar one to fill that role.

Breaking: Andrew Friedman Seen Dining With Angels Owner Arte Moreno  —  Update, 12:30pm: Radio host Toby David from 1010AM CBS is hearing from his sources that the Angels have been in town for two days, with the intention of interviewing Andrew Friedman.  So chalk this up as further collaboration …

It's time for the World Series designated-hitter and ratings-talk drinking game  —  Please understand, I am not advocating alcohol abuse.  In my drinking game, you take shots of cranberry juice, which is very tasty and extremely good for you.  As for you kids, stay in school!

Yu Darvish, the pitching sensation from Japan, may be Yankees third option this offseason: report  —  The Yankees may have another high-profile, free-agent option for fixing their flawed rotation.  Reports out of Japan yesterday said that Yu Darvish, the sensational starter for the Nippon Ham Fighters …