Red Sox select Bobby Valentine as manager  —  Bobby Valentine is the choice of the Red Sox, emerging from a long and convoluted search to become the 45th manager in franchise history.  —  The 61-year-old was offered the job by general manager Ben Cherington according to Major League sources …

Reports: Red Sox hire Bobby Valentine  —  Nearly two months after parting with Terry Francona, the Red Sox finally have settled on a manager.  —  Bobby Valentine is the team's choice, according to several reports.  —  Valentine, the clear favorite of ownership, beat out the other finalist, Tigers third base coach Gene Lamont.

Slimmer Teixeira seeks improvement vs. righties  —  NEW YORK — Mark Teixeira says that he is already about 10 pounds lighter thanks to diet and exercise, but what the Yankees first baseman really wants to do is bulk up his batting average from the left side.

DeJesus, Cubs reach two-year deal … CHICAGO (AP) — Outfielder David DeJesus and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a $10 million, two-year contract.  —  The deal announced Wednesday includes a 2014 club option..  —  A.284 hitter in nine years with Kansas City and Oakland, DeJesus batted just .240 in his lone season with the Athletics.

Walker up for enshrinement for second time  —  Expos, Rockies, Cards standout among top outfielders of his era … Not many Major Leaguers can claim status as a national baseball icon, a cornerstone for two franchises and a key veteran presence for a third, but Larry Walker has all that on his resume and more.