Mariners eyeing free-agent dance partners  —  Hot Stove expected to fire up at Winter Meetings  —  SEATTLE — When Jack Zduriencik and the Mariners brass head to Dallas next week for the Winter Meetings, they'll be looking for ways to improve an offense that ranked last in the Major Leagues in most categories last season.

Source: Valentine gets Red Sox job … Bobby Valentine, an analyst for ESPN, will be the next manager of the Boston Red Sox, a source close to the team said Tuesday night.  —  Valentine was offered the job Tuesday and accepted it.  Valentine, who appeared at a charity event in Japan on Monday …

Crane can hit homer with new hires  —  If the Astros hire Rays GM Andrew Friedman, then more power to them.  But new owner Jim Crane shouldn't count on it, given Friedman's loyalty to Rays owner Stuart Sternberg and club president Matt Silverman.  —  No, Crane should count on conducting …

Sources: Dodgers, Adam Kennedy close  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers are close to an agreement with free-agent infielder Adam Kennedy, according to multiple sources.  Length and terms of the deal weren't immediately available.  —  Kennedy, who can play first, second and third …

Royals To Sign Jonathan Broxton  —  The Royals announced that they have agreed to sign Jonathan Broxton to a one-year deal, pending a physical.  The deal is worth $4MM and includes $1MM in incentives based on games pitched for the 27-year-old right-hander, who will be Kansas City's setup man in 2012.

Giants extend Sabean, Bochy through 2013  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants executed a pair of long-anticipated moves Tuesday by extending the contracts of general manager Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy through 2013 with club options for 2014.  —  The moves maintained the continuity …

Evans signs with Pirates  —  Nick Evans, who had been with the Mets since the team made him him a fifth-round draft selection in 2004, has signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates, his agent Marc Agar told the Daily News.  Evans agreed to a minor league deal, with an invite to spring training.

Greg Maddux leaving Cubs organization  —  After two seasons as a special assistant to the general manager, Greg Maddux is leaving the Cubs, according to major league sources.  He soon may be named to a similar position with the Texas Rangers, joining his older brother Mike.

SPORTS BASEBALL  —  Jays target closer Bell  —  The Toronto Blue Jays have targeted closer Heath Bell as a possible off-season signing.  (GETTY IMAGES)  —  The U.S. Thanksgiving sales have concluded.  —  Now, it's time for executives to move into high gear leading into next month's baseball's winter meetings in Dallas.

Source: Pirates aren't trading McCutchen  —  The Pirates have not entertained any trade offers for All-Star center fielder Andrew McCutchen, a high-ranking team source said tonight, and have no intention of doing so.  —  An ESPN report earlier today said the team would listen to offers for McCutchen this offseason.