Mauer named AL's MVP  —  NEW YORK — Joe Mauer became only the second catcher in 33 years to win the American League Most Valuable Player Award, finishing first in a near-unanimous vote Monday.  —  The Minnesota Twins star received 27 of 28 first-place votes and 387 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Brewers sign Capuano, Halama  —  Pair of lefties looking to make Major League comebacks  —  MILWAUKEE — The Brewers picked up a pair of veteran left-handers for depth on Monday, re-signing former All-Star Chris Capuano and adding newcomer John Halama to the organization on Minor League contracts …

DeMarlo Hale named Boston Red Sox bench coach  —  DeMarlo Hale, who has been the third-base coach for the Boston Red Sox the last four seasons, was named the team's bench coach by manager Terry Francona, the team announced Monday.  Hale replaces Brad Mills, who left to become manager of the Houston Astros.

Cashman: “We haven't game planned yet”  —  Just got home from the World Series DVD premier where Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi were asked one or two questions about being on the red carpet but were ultimately peppered with hot stove questions.  Girardi said he's talked to both Johnny Damon and Andy Pettitte …

Mets-Marlins in San Juan may be looming  —  Major League Baseball is negotiating with a promoter about playing regular-season games in Puerto Rico next season, which likely would involve the Mets as the visiting team against the Marlins this summer, the Daily News has learned.

Hernandez, SNY reach an agreement  —  Commentator to remain with club, network through 2011  —  NEW YORK — The Mets have assured themselves of being an entertaining enterprise next season by agreeing to a contract with a skilled first baseman and hitter of significant resume.  —  Keith Hernandez is coming back.

Veteran Guardado wants to pitch in 2010  —  Reliever feels strong after knee rehabilitation program  —  ARLINGTON — Left-handed reliever Eddie Guardado, who spent the last two years pitching out of the Rangers bullpen, wants to pitch again.  —  Guardado, who talked about retiring at the end …

Dodgers: Halladay acquisition looking unlikely  —  General Manager Ned Colletti made clear today that the any speculation about a deal that would send Chad Billingsley to Toronto for Roy Halladay is nothing more than speculation.  Colletti refused to talk specifically about Halladay but said …

Cantu likely to remain a Marlin  —  Because the Marlins are willing to listen to possible trade scenarios for just about every one of their players, speculation has surfaced that Jorge Cantu will be dealt.  —  Indications are that won't be the case.  —  MLB.com has learned that it is …

Milwaukee Brewers Top 10 Prospects  —  Milwaukee Brewers … Under former scouting director Jack Zduriencik, who's now the Mariners' general manager, the Brewers focused on hitters in the draft and succeeded in advancing several to the big leagues.  Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder form …

Help Up the Middle  —  The up-the-middle positions are known as the skill positions for a good reason.  Catchers, shortstops, second basemen, and center fielders are hard to find.  And the ones who play the positions well defensively?  They're even harder yet to find.