Little resigns; Torre, Dodgers close (LA Times)

While varying Internet sources are reporting a duration of three years valued in the neighborhood of $4 million per annum, Dylan Hernandez of The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Joe Torre and the ballclub are closing in on a deal that will result in Torre taking the reins from Grady Little, who resigned his post earlier Tuesday.

According to Hernandez, all that remains is coaching and input on personnel decisions.

More after the jump »

Per a broadcast report on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Tim Kurkjian states that Grady Little and the Dodgers have mutually parted ways.

The source tells Kurkjian that Joe Torre will take over once they work out contractual terms.

More in a little while…

***UPDATED at 6:42 PM ET***

Buried within this updated ESPN.com article is Tim Kurkjian’s contribution to the story.

A source told ESPN The Magazine’s Tim Kurkjian on Tuesday that Little and the Dodgers will in fact simply part ways, that the manager wasn’t completely happy with his situation. The source also says that Torre will then be named the next Dodgers manager.

***UPDATED at 7:43 PM ET***

Grady Little resigned from his position as manager of the Dodgers, likely clearing the way for Joe Torre to take the reins.

Sources: Tocchet to sit down with Bettman, discuss gambling (ESPN.com)

ESPN.com hockey scribe Scott Burnside reports that former Phoenix Coyotes assistant Rick Tocchet will sit down to meet with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman this week.

Per Burnside, the meeting is expected to bring to a close a long, troubling chapter for the league. Still, depending on the tone and tenor of the discussion, a decision on Tocchet’s ability to return to the NHL may not be forthcoming until next week.

Schilling writes goodbye letters to Red Sox mates (AP/ESPN)

Boston Red Sox hurler Curt Schilling told a Boston radio station during his weekly appearance on WEEI-AM that he composed goodbye letters to his fellow teammates because he thinks he’ll no longer be with the club come next season.
More after the jump »

News and notes while traipsing over to Taco Bell for a free taco…

Duncan agrees to two-year extension with Spurs (Yahoo! Sports) Yahoo! Sports’ Jerry Ludden writes that Tim Duncan agreed to a two-year extension valued at $40 million.

Girardi agrees to skipper Yankees (AP/TSN.ca) The agreement to take over as Joe Torre’s replacement is worth an average salary of at least US$2-million annually.

Brewers tab Simmons as bench coach (MLB.com/Brewers) Ted Simmons, the former Cardinal and Brewer, will be Ned Yost’s bench coach.

Heyman: Taking guesses at A-Rod’s destination (SI.com) Jon Heyman of SI.com takes his best guesses on where the free-agent will land next. Longshot: Florida Marlins.

MLBAM requests appeals court reconvene in stats case (BizofBaseball) MLB Advanced Media is looking to have the entire appeals court rehear CBC Marketing, Inc. v. MLBAM, the “Fantasy Stats” case.

Hoosiers assistant in improper calls case resigns (AP/ESPNU)

The Indiana assistant at the center of an investigation of improper telephone calls to recruits, resigned Tuesday.

More after the jump »

Brazil, winner of five World Cups, to be 2014 host (AP/Soccernet)

Brazil was chosen to host the 2014 World Cup, the first time since 1950 the soccer showcase will be held in the country that has won the event a record five times.

After Argentina pulled out of the running earlier in the bidding process, Brazil was essentially bidding unopposed. Not surprisingly, they won unanimously.

A-Rod’s agent apologizes for poor timing (AP/Y! Sports)

Scott Boras, the super agent who feels the need to open up his trap at the wrongest of times, apologized for making the announcement that his client, Alex Rodriguez, would opt out of his contract with the New York Yankees.

More after the jump »

Sources: Girardi agrees to three-year deal to manage Yankees (ESPN News Services)

Buster Olney of ESPN The Magazine writes that the New York Yankees and Joe Girardi have agreed to a three-year deal for the former backstop to skipper the Yankees.

Girardi’s deal is said to total $7.5 million over the life of the deal.

The morning after Greg Jennings beat Dre Bly on a rifled pass from ‘The Gunslinger’…

Packers 19, Broncos 13 (OT)

If there was any doubt regarding the strength of Green Bay QB Brett Favre’s arm, he gave his critics a big giant middle finger on MNF.

Favre, who threw for 331 yards, unleashed two touchdown passes that went for 75+ yards in the Pack’s 19-13 overtime win over the hometown Denver Broncos.

And in typical Favre fashion, he saved his best for last.

More after the jump »

News and notes while the Braves enjoy their return on the Edgar Renteria deal…

Twins’ Hunter files for free agency (AP/ESPN) On the same day the club picked up their closer’s option, Torii Hunter filed for free agency.  The Twins now have a 15-window to re-sign the centerfielder.

Thoughts on A-Rod, Torre and Mattingly, Pettitte and Peña (NY Times) Tyler Kepner puts ‘tips to keyboard on what’s going on in Yankee Land.  Irony: looks like he nailed the Torre-Mattingly scenario if Monday’s report is accurate.

Offseason intrigue looms (Y! Sports)  Jeff Passan examines what’s in store for MLB franchises this offseason.

Barkley calls out Kobe Bryant for lack of effort (AP/FOX Sports) Charles Barkley criticized Kobe Bryant for the way he asked the Lakers to trade him, then for not appearing to give his full effort since owner Jerry Buss said he would consider a deal.

Flames, Kiprusoff agree to six-year deal (TSN.ca) Sources indicate that the netminder will land approximately $35 million for six years - or an average annual cap hit for the Flames of about $5.8 million per year beyond this season - and that it’s heavily weighted in the early years of the contract

Soft scheduling hurting Hawaii’s postseason (USA Today) Andy Gardiner of USA Today writes that the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors have only their scheduling to blame should they miss out on a BCS Bowl chance.