Joe Nathan to consider Mets in free agency  —  On a day when Joe Nathan affirmed his connection to Stony Brook University at the dedication ceremony for the $1.3 million baseball field that bears his name, the Twins' closer said the Mets “are going to be on my radar” when the free-agent market opens to all teams Thursday.

Angels hire Dipoto as general manager  —  ST. LOUIS  —  Jerry Dipoto will be the Los Angeles Angels' new general manager, and an official announcement is expected after the World Series, FOXSports.com has learned.  —  Angels at a glance  —  Dipoto, a former relief pitcher in the major leagues …

Indians likely to decline Sizemore's option  —  Club is expected to exercise option of right-hander Carmona  —  CLEVELAND — Grady Sizemore pulled a pitch into right field at Progressive Field, where the ball bounced through the grass for a run-scoring hit.

In Texas Rangers vs. St. Louis Cardinals World Series, it's a field of screams  —  Mistake-field series epitomizes game's thin talent base  —  The hard truth for baseball is this just-completed World Series - which so many in the media have been eager to call a “classic” …

Goodwin joins Mets as 1B coach  —  Tom Goodwin completed his major league career with the Chicago Cubs.  —  Former major league outfielder Tom Goodwin has been hired as first base coach for the Mets.  —  Goodwin, 43, most recently has served for the past three sesaons as minor league outfield …

Ryan Dempster Exercises 2012 Option  —  Ryan Dempster has exercised his $14MM player option for 2012, the Cubs were informed today according to Gordon Wittenmyer of The Chicago Sun-Times (on Twitter).  Dempster hinted at wanting to remain in Chicago beyond next season a few weeks ago.

Predicting next 25 World Series champs  —  But in this world of instant gratification, that's already old news.  So in a nod to our short attention spans, Page 2 looks forward by predicting the next 25 World Series champions:  —  2012: Philadelphia Phillies  —  Phillies def.  New York Yankees, 4-2

Yankees Exercise Cano's, Swisher's 2012 Options  —  The Yankees have exercised their 2012 club options on second baseman Robinson Cano and outfielder Nick Swisher, the team announced.  Cano's option is for $14MM and Swisher's is for $10.25MM.  —  Cano, who turned 29 a week ago …

Rangers could return all key pieces for 3rd chance  —  ARLINGTON, Texas—There's always next year for the Texas Rangers.  —  After coming so agonizingly close to winning their first championship, the Rangers could have all of their key pieces back next year to try for their third consecutive World Series appearance.

Queens law student freed from Egyptian jail was told Mets won World Series  —  Now that's real torture!  —  On his first day of freedom after a grueling five months in an Egyptian jail, Queens native Ilan Grapel got his cruelest punishment — being told the Mets won the 2011 World Series.

First base, catcher top Bucs' offseason wish list  —  Club could also seek upgrades at shortstop, third and outfield  —  While the Pirates will not be making a run at the top group of free agents this winter, the club does have several offseason needs that could be addressed through that free-agent market.

What's next for free agent C.J. Wilson?  —  ST. LOUIS — C.J. Wilson entered the postseason brimming with hope and promise after a second consecutive workhorse regular season, this time as the Texas Rangers' No. 1 starter.  He again logged more than 200 innings, won a career-best 16 games …

All-Stars eager for upcoming Taiwan Series  —  Club tabbed for week of exhibitions after Saturday flight  —  ANAHEIM — A team of Major League stars that wasn't fortunate enough to participate in the World Series was all smiles anyway Friday afternoon at Angel Stadium …