Los Angeles Dodgers hire Little as their manager

Former Boston Red Sox manager Grady Little was hired Tuesday to manage the Los Angeles Dodgers, who had been without a field boss for more than two months.

The 55-year-old Little received a two-year deal with an option for a third. He beat out Jim Fregosi, John McLaren, Manny Acta and Joel Skinner for the chance to succeed Jim Tracy, who parted ways with the Dodgers on Oct 3 – the day after the club completed its second-worst season since moving west from Brooklyn in 1958.

After being replaced by the Red Sox following the 2003 season, the Chicago Cubs hired Little in January 2004 to be a scouting consultant and assistant to general manager Jim Hendry. Little spent last season as the organization’s catching instructor.

Blue Jays sign Burnett

The Toronto Blue Jays kept up their spending spree by agreeing to terms with starter A.J. Burnett on a five-year, $55 million contract.

The deal was announced at baseball’s winter meetings just hours after the Blue Jays gave general manager J.P. Ricciardi a three-year contract extension. The Blue Jays, who already gave B.J. Ryan the richest contract for a reliever, then reeled in Burnett, the best starter on the market.

“He’s got one of the best arms in baseball,” Toronto manager John Gibbons said. “On any given night, he can shut out. I just think he’ll fit in perfect.”

Reds agree to deal Casey

The Cincinnati Reds reached a preliminary agreement to trade first baseman Sean Casey to the Pittsburgh Pirates for left-hander Dave Williams, a deal that addresses each team’s biggest need.

The deal is subject to players passing physicals, an official on a team involved in the trade said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the swap had not been finalized.

Finalists named for Frick Award

Broadcasting pioneers Graham McNamee and Dizzy Dean are among the 10 finalists for the 2006 Ford C. Frick Award, the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum said.

Also on the list selected by a museum research committee are Ken Coleman, Tony Kubek, Tom Cheek, Gene Elston and Denny Matthews. The ballot also features three candidates – Bill King, Dave Niehaus and Jacques Doucet – chosen by fans in an online vote conducted in November by the Hall of Fame.

Giants get Kline for Hawkins

Left-hander Steve Kline was acquired by the San Francisco Giants from the Baltimore Orioles for right-hander LaTroy Hawkins and cash.

The swap of relievers followed the decision by left-handed reliever Scott Eyre to leave the Giants and sign with the Chicago Cubs.

Samson checks out San Antonio

Florida Marlins president David Samson visited San Antonio as part of a preliminary search for a possible new home for the team. Samson said the city was the first stop on a tour that will last three to five months.

Former pitcher Moford dies

Former major league pitcher Herb Moford, who played for four teams in the 1950s and 1960s, died Saturday at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati. He was 77.