Sources: Orioles close to naming Duquette GM  —  The Baltimore Orioles are close to officially naming Dan Duquette as their next general manager, two sources confirmed Saturday.  —  Duquette, formerly a GM for the Montreal Expos and Boston Red Sox, interviewed in Baltimore Friday and was traveling …

Mets will pay 3% interest to investors  —  The New York Mets are hoping to drum up more interest in the team by paying a little interest.  —  The money-losing franchise, shopping $20 million to $30 million minority stakes to as many as 10 buyers, is now telling prospective investors …

MLB All-Stars win fourth straight in Taiwan  —  Nats' Morse delivers go-ahead two-run single in sixth inning  —  KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — The venue changed, the weather heated up and the All-Stars of Major League Baseball kept on winning, but this one was close.

Communication breakdown between Diamondbacks, agent, hurts Willie Bloomquist's chances to remain in Arizona  —  Versatile infielder/outfielder Willie Bloomquist is drawing “a lot of interest” on the free agent market, agent Scott Boras said, adding that his client could land with a team that views him as more than a utility player.

Braves ready for moves to improve  —  The Braves are up to something.  How can they not be after their historic collapse in September?  —  No one should be immune from trade discussions.  And, apparently, no one is.  —  Yes, the Braves would move right-hander Jair Jurrjens and left fielder Martin Prado …

Yankees ‘certainly will talk to’ Wilson despite postseason problems  —  C.J. Wilson has won 31 games in his two seasons as a starter for the Rangers, becoming one of the best lefties in the game and perhaps the most sought-after free-agent pitcher this offseason.

Sources: Giants willing to deal Jonathan Sanchez  —  In an effort to free up money so they can pursue offensive upgrades, the Giants are willing to trade starter Jonathan Sanchez, according to major-league sources.  —  The Giants have one of the best (and most expensive) starting rotations in baseball.

Harper ready for Rising Stars spotlight  —  Nats top prospect to play in nationally televised AFL showcase  —  If there was one knock about Bryce Harper's offensive game heading into the 2010 Draft, it was the length of his swing and how that might affect his ability to make adjustments.

Thome, Phillies agree to one-year deal  —  PHILADELPHIA — Jim Thome signified a rebirth of baseball in Philadelphia with his arrival in 2003.  —  He's coming back for possibly his final shot at a World Series championship.  —  Sources said Friday evening that the Phillies and Thome have agreed on a one-year contract.

Minor League Free Agents 2011  —  Major League Baseball granted free agency to 537 minor league players on Nov. 2, five days after Game Seven of the World Series heralded the end of the 2011 season.  The number of players in this year's free agent class is consistent with totals from 2010 (533 players) and '09 (536).

AP Source: Cardinals Interview Matheny for Manager  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) — A person with knowledge of the search tells The Associated Press that former St. Louis catcher Mike Matheny has been interviewed for the Cardinals' vacant manager's job.  He is the third person to be interviewed since …

Nats interested in free agent Oswalt to lead staff  —  WASHINGTON — After signing right-hander Chien-Ming Wang to a one-year deal, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo indicated that he wants to add another veteran starter to the rotation.  —  According to a baseball source …