Boras is not to blame, A-Rod is  —  There have been several thousand posts here in the last week and half them are from people who want the head of Scott Boras on a stake.  Columnists from across the country and ripping him as well.  —  It's misguided anger.  —  There are dozens of agents available to a baseball player.

Pirates to hire Russell as manager  —  John Russell, let go by the Pittsburgh Pirates as their third base coach only two seasons ago, will succeed Jim Tracy as the team's manager, a source with knowledge of the hiring told the Associated Press last night.  —  Russell, who lost his previous job …

Padres must get better to get back  —  Towers takes short list to GMs meeting, will seek center fielder via trade route  —  Padres General Manager Kevin Towers will try to trade for a center fielder this month.  If he doesn't find the right deal, he'll look harder at free agents such as Andruw Jones and Mike Cameron, among others.

Ringing endorsement  —  Team of stars and hidden jewels dazzled its fans in a season filled with special diamond moments  —  It's the celebration of the year for the Red Sox after they finish off a four-game sweep and take home another world championship.  (BARRY CHIN/GLOBE STAFF)

New father-in-law fond of Francoeur  —  As he prepared to give away his daughter Saturday night to Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur, Malcolm McCoy was the picture of poise.  —  People have been asking him all week if he was nervous, but McCoy said he's been feeling quite the opposite.

Twins can't bear to look at what Silva market will bear  —  Twins righthander Carlos Silva was 13-14 with a 4.19 ERA last season.  That's good enough for him to be a sought-after free-agent pitcher during this offseason.  —  The team wants him back, but he will be one of the most sought-after free-agent pitchers this offseason.

SERBY'S SUNDAY Q&A WITH...  JOE GIRARDI  —  The Post's Steve Serby chatted with the 32nd manager of the Yankees about his family, personal and professional influences, and the job ahead.  —  Q: An old-timer you would want on your team?  —  A: Lou Gehrig.

Foresight is their specialty  —  Theo Epstein.  John Henry, Tom Werner, and Larry Lucchino.  —  Theo and the Trio.  —  The Four Horsemen of Boston's Baseball Renaissance.  —  And to think we once had reservations about them . . .  When the Henry group's bid was awarded the Red Sox Dec. 20 …

Brian Cashman, Yankees look to replace A-Rod at third base  —  Orlando is known for being the home of Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck.  Starting tomorrow, 30 of baseball's top executives will invade the land of Disney, wishing upon a star for the answers to their teams' problems.

Tulo's namesake born in El Paso  —  Twenty years from now, fans will still remember the 2007 Rockies team, the magical finish representing a rebirth of baseball in this region.  —  And beyond.  —  A huge fan in El Paso will never forget the players' names.  Or at least not the terrific rookie shortstop.