Sources: Cubs pursuing Pujols, Fielder  —  The Cubs are pursuing both Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, and not simply because the free-agent first basemen are difference-makers.  —  No, the Cubs also are acknowledging two emerging realities - a dwindling number of sluggers available …

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 …

Hiring the Red Sox manager will be (or should be) more than just solving a metric equation  —  People sometimes ask my opinion of sabermetrics.  —  I tell them I accept the concept.  I also hate it.  —  The use of advanced statistical data, better known as sabermetrics, is very much in Red Sox news these days.

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 …

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.

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.

MLB Releases Info on 2011 Postseason Shares  —  A full Postseason share for the 2011 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals totaled $323,169.98, while a full share for the American League Champion Texas Rangers amounted to $251,515.76, Major League Baseball announced today.

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.