On the Hunt: Dodgers pursue Torii  —  5:35PM EST November 9.  2012 - INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — The Los Angeles Dodgers already have an All-Star right fielder, but are aggressively pursuing free-agent right fielder Torii Hunter, a high-ranking Dodgers' official told USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity due to ongoing negotiations.

Red Sox, Ross agree to two-year deal  —  David Ross is considered perhaps the best backup catcher in baseball.  And now he is joining the Boston Red Sox.  —  Ross reached agreement Saturday with the Red Sox on a two-year, free-agent contract, according to major-league sources.

Mets might find payroll leeway, though perhaps without R.A. Dickey  —  INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — It doesn't figure to be much, but Sandy Alderson suggested Friday that the Mets' payroll should inch upward from the $93 million spent for last season's disappointing 74-88 finish.

Sources: Dodgers stand to win bid  —  SEOUL, South Korea — A team in South Korea says one Major League Baseball club has bid nearly $26 million for a chance to sign pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin.  —  The Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Organization said Saturday that they have accepted a posting fee …

Mo takes big step toward return to action  —  All-time saves leader makes 25 throws during commercial shoot  —  TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — From a distance of 60 feet and six inches, it took Mariano Rivera all of six tosses to scatter splinters of lumber, a familiar accomplishment for the mortal enemy of Louisville Sluggers everywhere.

Dodgers interested in long-term deal with Clayton Kershaw  —  At the close of the general managers' meetings, Ned Colletti says he's optimistic about re-signing Clayton Kershaw to a long-term contract.  —  Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw led the majors in earned-run average for the second consecutive year.

Lakers fire Mike Brown after slow start  —  5:50PM EST November 9.  2012 - The Los Angeles Lakers have fired Mike Brown just five games into a season that began with the team expected to contend for NBA championship after the additions of All-Stars Dwight Howard and Steve Nash.

Jeff Kent's epic “Survivor” loser speech ...  I haven't watched “Survivor” in years.  But I'm kind of wishing I did after viewing Jeff Kent's excellent rant after he was voted off the island in this week's episode.  There's a lot of rage packed into this 23-second clip …

Davey Johnson planning on retiring from managing after 2013  —  As the Nationals and Manager Davey Johnson near a final resolution for Johnson to manage next year, the sides are in agreement 2013 to be Johnson's final season as the Nationals' manager, according to a person familiar with the talks.

MLB has a drug problem — again … Major League Baseball has a drug problem again and is engaged in discussions with the players' association regarding what to do about it.  The very specific problem is the use of fast-acting synthetic testosterone, the primary performance-enhancing drug …

Mets agree to minors deal with C Mike Nickeas  —  The Mets announced they have agreed to a Minor League contract with Mike Nickeas, and have invited him to Spring Training.  —  Nickeas hit .174 with one home run and 13 RBI in 122 plate appearances over 47 games for the Mets in 2012.

Hamilton may go to 1 of these 4 teams  —  INDIAN WELLS, CALIF.  —  We're still at the tire-kicking stage of the Josh Hamilton sweepstakes, still largely playing a guessing game.  But in theory, some teams make more sense than others — assuming, of course, that those teams are willing …