The Indians name Chris Antonetti as the team’s new general manager, with former GM Mark Shapiro moving into his new position as team president. The transition has been developing over the past few years with Antonetti gradually being given a bigger role in Cleveland’s day-to-day operations, giving Shapiro more time to run the business side of the franchise.

Major League Baseball approves a change in the ground rules for Tropicana Field, making a batted ball that caroms off the A- and B-ring catwalks a dead ball with the pitch not counting, instead of being in play as in the past. The Rays requested the change, which will be implemented in the upcoming ALDS, after Jason Kubel’s two-out, ninth-inning pop up hit off one of the catwalks, driving in the go-ahead run in Minnesota’s eventual 8-6 victory over the home team.

The Mets fire manager Jerry Manuel and general manager Omar Minaya, a day after the team completes its fourth consecutive disappointing season. Assistant GM John Ricco will be the head of baseball operations on an interim basis until a new GM is hired, who in turn will select the team’s next manager.

Diamondbacks interim manager Kirk Gibson is given the permanent job, agreeing to a two-year deal with a team option for 2013. The former hard-nosed major leaguer compiled a 34-49 record for the last-place team, after being hired midseason to replace A.J. Hinch.

On a day three managers are sacked, the Reds give their skipper, Dusty Baker, a two-year contract extension through 2014. Cincinnati is making its first playoff appearance in 15 years.

A day after the season ends, the last-place Pirates fire John Russell, who equaled a franchise record for most losses by a manager in three seasons, compiling a 186-299 record. The other Buc skipper with as many defeats in the same time frame was Fred Haney, posting a 163-299 record from 1953-55.