Angels get Torii Hunter  —  Free-agent center fielder agrees to a five-year deal  —  The Angels pulled off their second stunner of the week late Wednesday night, signing free-agent center fielder Torii Hunter to a five-year deal that is believed to be worth about $80 million.

Kendall was best available option  —  Let me say this right off the bat: The catching market in baseball is bleak.  Very bleak.  —  Few teams have catchers who can both hit and catch.  If they have them, they have them locked up.  —  Anybody with a young catcher who might be expendable …

Marlins a big hit in community  —  From front office to players, franchise finds time to give back  —  MIAMI — When it comes to giving back, the Marlins once again were a big hit connecting with the community.  —  As the 2007 holiday season begins, the spirit of giving is on the minds of so many.

Marlins may play in Puerto Rico in '08  —  Negotiations are under way for at least one series in Caribbean  —  MIAMI — Major League Baseball approached the Marlins a few weeks ago about playing a few home games in Puerto Rico, and if the offer is right, the team said it would be receptive.

Linebrink near deal with White Sox  —  Righty reliever reportedly agrees to four-year contract  —  CHICAGO — One of baseball's shakiest bullpens from 2007 appears close to adding a major stabilizing force for the '08 campaign.  —  According to a report on Wednesday night from ESPN 1000 in Chicago …

Notes: Sox aiming to extend Francona  —  GM Epstein says manager's contract is one offseason goal  —  BOSTON — Following the signings of Mike Lowell and Curt Schilling, the defending World Series champion Red Sox have the luxury of knowing that both the starting nine and pitching rotation is virtually set for 2008.

Bucs follow Clemente's legacy of giving  —  Pirates players remain active in charitable endeavors  —  PITTSBURGH — When it comes to baseball players and giving, athletes and humanitarian work, the name Roberto Clemente likely comes to mind.  The legendary Pirates outfielder dedicated his time …

Dukes on Nationals' radar  —  Talented Rays outfielder comes with plenty of baggage  —  WASHINGTON — The Nationals have serious interest in Rays outfielder Elijah Dukes, according to a baseball official with knowledge of the situation.  Asked what the chances are of acquiring Dukes' services …

Ex-Mets attendant gets another sentencing delay  —  Sentencing has been delayed until early next year for Kirk Radomski, the ex-New York Mets' clubhouse attendant who looms as a key figure in the Major League Baseball steroids investigation headed by former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell …

Hot Stove: Holiday cools market  —  Many baseball officials taking short break for Thanksgiving  —  Thanksgiving eve was a relatively quiet session on the Hot Stove front as most teams, free agents and their representatives took a break from business to get home for the holiday.

Happy 87th to a genuine American hero  —  On this day in 1920, in the grainy borough of Donora, Pa., a smoggy 20 miles south of Pittsburgh, Stanislaw Franciszek Musial was born.  Precious few days in St. Louis history have been more significant.  —  Tom Brokaw wrote a best-selling book …