Francona on Young: ‘This was an important hire’  —  Red Sox manager Terry Francona knew in September that it was likely he'd be losing John Farrell from his coaching staff.  But before Farrell left his position as pitching coach to become manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, Francona asked for his advice on potential replacements.

How very sweet it is for Edgar Renteria  —  In possible final game of his career, Giants' shortstop hits big HR and wins Series MVP  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — Edgar Renteria's career began on the fields of Barranquilla, Colombia more than 20 years ago.  But the way it will likely end …

With 2010 World Series Complete, 142 Players Opt for Free Agency  —  Brian Wilson had barely gotten the last out in the deciding Game 5 of the 2010 World Series, when MLB's Hot Stove season began in earnest.  As 2010's season ends, the information passed on by the MLB Players Association shows that baseball season really never ends.

Brewers' choice for skipper is Angels' Roenicke  —  Former Minor League manager was bench coach for Scioscia  —  MILWAUKEE — Angels bench coach Ron Roenicke will be the Brewers' new manager, a source close to Milwaukee's managerial search confirmed on Tuesday.

Giants GM: No plans to trade Barry Zito  —  Barry Zito has fallen to fifth in the San Francisco Giants' starting rotation, but General Manager Brian Sabean said he has no plans to trade the left-hander this winter.  —  Zito has three years and $64.5 million left on his contract …

Amid flurry of moves, Brewers cut ties with Hoffman  —  The Brewers on Tuesday declined 2011 contract options for pitchers Trevor Hoffman and Doug Davis and catcher Gregg Zaun, adding all three veterans to the pool of Major League free agents.  —  All three moves were widely expected.

Unfortunately, Chuck Greenberg's comments about Yankees fans aren't completely off the mark  —  ARLINGTON - When Rangers CEO Chuck Greenberg went out of his way to slam Yankee fans Monday, you can't help but think that Cliff Lee plays into this somehow.  —  Lee's wife had already gone public …

By Honoring Past, Giants Were Duly Rewarded  —  Karma counts.  This is a lesson everybody needs to remember.  Honor the past, because it is still out there.  —  The Giants won the World Series on Monday night on exquisite pitching, clutch hitting and inspired managing.

Ex-Rays outfielder Elijah Dukes arrested on contempt charges  —  Elijah Dukes, 26, of Tampa, was arrested Monday afternoon and is being held in the Hillsborough County jail, records show.  Bail has not been set.  —  TBO.com  —  TAMPA - Former Tampa Bay Rays player Elijah Dukes has been arrested again …

Baseball: Rakuten's Iwakuma enters posting system  —  New York (Kyodo) — Right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma of Japan's Rakuten Eagles, who is aiming to sign with a major league team, entered the so-called posting system on Monday, according to a Major League Baseball official.

Los Angeles Dodgers exercise option on outfielder Scott Podsednik  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers exercised the club option for Scott Podsednik on Tuesday, and the outfielder now has 72 hours to accept the contract or become a free agent.  —  Podsednik was acquired from the Kansas City Royals …

Torrealba opts to leave Padres for free agency  —  Catcher Yorvit Torrealba is one of six Padres who became free agents Monday night with the end of the World Series.  —  Torrealba, 32, hit .271 with seven homers and 37 RBI in 95 games with the Padres this season.

Vizquel returning to White Sox on one-year deal  —  Veteran likely a utility infielder in 2011 after contributing in '10  —  CHICAGO — An argument can be made for Omar Vizquel as the 2010 White Sox Most Valuable Player.  —  After all, the 43-year-old infielder joined the team just prior …