Spolane tweeted: "Lot of Brad Ausmus to the Cubs talk, but a source tells me he'll go to Detroit tomorrow to finalize a deal making him the new Tigers manager."

Ausmus, a former All-Star catcher, played for the Padres, Tigers, Astros and Dodgers from 1993 to 2010. He was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2004, and became the first manager for Israel in 2012's World Baseball Classic.

The Tigers were looking to replace Jim Leyland, who stepped down as manager two days after the team's loss to the Red Sox in the ALCS.

Ausmus was also reportedly a candidate for the Nationals' managerial vacancy.


RED SOX CELEBRATE


The Boston Red Sox took to the streets Saturday to celebrate their World Series championship with the city of Boston.

Boston's famous duck boats were used as parade vehicles, and they were decked out in proper 2013 Boston Red Sox fashion — with beards.

The parade made its way from Fenway Park to the Charles River. The best moment of the parade occurred when the team made a visit to the Boston Marathon finish line near Boylston street, the the sight of the horrific Boston Marathon bombings that took the lives of three people on April 15, 2013.

Outfielder Johnny Gomes and catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia placed the World Series trophy on the finish line and draped it in a "617 Boston Strong" Red Sox jersey.

"That was an emotional moment," Gomes said. "To bring the World Series trophy to the finish line, I don't think that the story was written that way, but I was glad to be a part of it and put the exclamation point on it."

Before the rally began at Fenway, manager John Farrell recalled that the Red Sox had left after their 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays the day of the Marathon for Logan Airport for a road trip. Along the way, they saw emergency vehicles responding to the explosions.

"Knowing that we were heading out of town, that's going to bring back a lot, and a lot of uncertainty at that moment," Farrell said, "because no one knew where to turn next. So we were fortunate to be part of maybe a little bit of a healing process."

Second baseman Dustin Pedroia said: "We played for the whole city, what the city went through."

Of course the Red Sox championship parade could not be complete without Officer Steve Horgan, who became an overnight celebrity following his reaction to David Ortiz's grand slam in Game 2 of the ALCS. Everybody's favorite "Bullpen Cop" got to ride along with Red Sox owner John Henry and team president Larry Lucchino.

MORE: Red Sox parade photos

RED SOX PICK UP LESTER


The Red Sox are already making moves with an eye toward next year. In 2013, the Sox capped off a remarkable season with a World Series title, but the realities of free agency are going to make it difficult to keep the roster intact.

On Friday, Boston picked up the $13 million option on ace Jon Lester, ensuring that he would be with the organization for at least one more season. Lester was fantastic down the stretch, and if not David Ortiz batting over .700, the left-hander could have been World Series MVP.

The front office also reportedly is prepared to make qualifying offers to outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and first baseman Mike Napoli. Both players had successful seasons and are seeking high-priced, long-term deals to remain in Boston.

The Red Sox did not pick up the option on reliever Matt Thornton, who was acquired in a midseason trade with the Chicago White Sox.


ZITO'S RUN IN SF OVER


Barry Zito has known for months he would be leaving the Giants after seven up-and-down years in San Francisco.

The sides formally parted ways Saturday, when the Giants declined to exercise Zito's $18 million contract option for next season and instead owe the left-hander a $7 million buyout.

Also Saturday, San Francisco declined its $3 million mutual option for outfielder Andres Torres and must pay him a $500,000 buyout. The biggest decision still facing general manager Brian Sabean and assistant GM Bobby Evans is due by Monday: Whether to exercise right-hander Ryan Vogelsong's $6.5 million club option that includes a $300,000 buyout.

Zito had a 63-80 record with a 4.62 ERA in 197 starts and 208 appearances for the Giants.


METS, SANTANA PART WAYS


Johan Santana, twice a Cy Young Award winner and the only pitcher to throw a no-hitter in Mets history, is now a free agent.

The Mets declined a $25 million option on the injured pitcher and will pay the left-hander a $5.5 million buyout. It is not clear whether the Mets will attempt to sign him to a low-risk deal and bring him to spring training.

Santana, who turns 35 on March 13, won the 2004 and 2006 AL Cy Young Awards with Minnesota. But he went 46-34 with a 3.18 ERA while with the Mets, missing the 2011 and 2013 seasons because of shoulder injuries. Santana has a 139-78 record with a 3.20 ERA in 12 big seasons.


RAYS KEEP ZOBRIST, ESCOBAR


The Tampa Bay Rays have exercised options on All-Star Ben Zobrist and shortstop Yunel Escobar.

Zobrist hit .275 while starting games at four different positions and leading AL second basemen in fielding percentage this year. He will earn $7 million in 2014, and the Rays hold a $7.5 million option on him for 2015 with a $500,000 buyout.

Escobar will get $5 million after playing in a career-high 153 games and leading major league shortstops with a .989 fielding percentage this season. There's also a $5 million option on Escobar for 2015.


RODRIGUEZ BACK WITH PIRATES


Pirates left-hander Wandy Rodriguez has exercised his $13 million player option for 2014.

The 34-year-old went 6-4 with a 3.59 ERA for Pittsburgh, missing the final four months of the season with discomfort in his left forearm. Rodriguez attempted to come back from the discomfort twice only to have it return.


FORMER YANKEES P DIES


Johnny Kucks, who pitched a three-hitter for the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the 1956 World Series, has died. He was 81.

Kucks pitched in four World Series with the Yankees from 1955-58, going 1-0 with a 1.89 ERA in eight games. But the right-hander is best known for his crisp performance in New York's 9-0 victory against the Brooklyn Dodgers in the last World Series game at Ebbets Field.

Contributors: Peter Dawson, Troy Machir, The Associated Press