By Staff and Wire Reports

Published: Wednesday, November 7, 2012, 7:32 p.m.
Updated: Wednesday, January 2, 2013

On Wednesday night, Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen was named a finalist for the National League Most Valuable Player Award. The other finalists are Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants, Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers, David Wright of the New York Mets and Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals.

The finalists for the AL MVP are Adrian Beltre and Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers, Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers, Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees and Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels.

Baseball's postseason awards are voted upon by members of the Baseball Writers Association of America. Winners will be announced during a series of hour-long programs on MLB Network on Nov. 12 (rookie of the year), Nov. 13 (managers of the year), Nov. 14 (Cy Young) and Nov. 15 (MVP). Each of the four shows will air at 6 p.m.

Pirates sign players

The Pirates signed outfielder Darren Ford and infielder Jared Goedert to minor league contracts. Goedert, 27, hit .279 with 14 home runs in 86 games last season with Triple-A Columbus (Cleveland Indians). He has no major league experience.

Ford, 27, batted .273 with 26 stolen bases at Triple-A Tacoma (Seattle Mariners). Ford played in 33 games with the San Francisco Giants in 2010-11.

McGwire joins Dodgers

Mark McGwire was hired Wednesday as hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he'll work with All-Star sluggers Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier.

McGwire spent the past three seasons in the same job with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Mets, Bay part ways

The New York Mets and Jason Bay agreed to terminate their contract a year early and make the outfielder a free agent.

The 34-year-old Bay, a former Pirates star, was a major disappointment in New York after signing a $65 million, four-year deal. The former All-Star hit .234 in three seasons with 26 homers and 124 RBI.

Paycut expected for star

The Yankees are expected to ask their future Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera to take a significant pay cut.

Rivera made $15 million last year, but estimates for a new offer are closer to $10 million. The Yankees could add incentives that would boost his base pay.

Catcher suspended

San Diego Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal has been suspended 50 games because of a positive test for testosterone.

The ban will take effect at the start of next season.

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3. Improved depth could drive Pirates’ fortunes deep into season
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6. Pirates notebook: NL Central not so soft after all
7. Pirates notebook: McCutchen scratched with soreness in right knee
8. Rodriguez, Walker push Pirates past Brewers
9. Pirates notebook: Alvarez sits against righty Gallardo
10. Pirates get the bats going, knock off Brewers to take 4-game series
11. Small adjustment key to Pirates pitcher Liriano’s return to form

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