BB On this Date ~ Events & Birthdays #2

Today in Baseball History
December 4th​

1906 The Norwich Reds, winners of the Connecticut State League championship, have all of its assets sold at a public auction to Dennis Morrissey, a local banker who buys the club with a $25 bid. The circuit had seized the franchise when the Class B team fell behind on its ballpark mortgage and owed $1,500 in unpaid player salaries.

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1943 In a deal that owner Clark Griffith will recall as one of the worst he ever made, the Senators sell All-Star Bob Johnson to the Red Sox. The outfield slugger will enjoy two solid seasons with Boston, hitting .302 for the Fenway Faithful, before retiring at 39.

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1943 Based on testimony given by former manager Bucky Harris, who was fired during the season by the Phillies, and other evidence, MLB suspends Philadelphia owner William Cox for life for betting on games played by the team he owned. The ruling, made at an appeal hearing, makes the youngest owner in the league the first non-player to be banned from baseball by Commissioner Landis, renowned for his zero tolerance for gambling in the sport.

1948 The BBWAA selects Alvin Dark, who hit .322 for the pennant-winning Braves, the major league rookie of the year, casting 27 of their possible 48 votes for the Boston infielder. The 25-year-old shortstop easily outdistances his closest rivals, southpaw Gene Bearden, a twenty-game winner for the World Champion Indians, and outfielder Richie Ashburn, a .333 batter in 117 games for the Phillies before breaking his hand in August.

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1952 The Browns trade utility man Jay Porter, second baseman Owen Friend, and outfielder Bob Nieman to the Tigers for outfielder Johnny Groth and pitchers Hal White and Virgil Trucks, the author of two no-hitters last season. Porter, called J.W. by his teammates, signed as an 18-year-old "bonus baby" in 1951, missing the next two seasons due to military service before continuing his brief major league career.

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1957 The major league owners eliminate the bonus rule, a mandate that required 'bonus babies,' who signed a contract for more than $4,000, to stay on the major league roster for two full seasons. The four-year-old regulation created much resentment among teammates, delaying the development of talented players in many instances.

1958 The Dodgers trade Gino Cimoli to the Cardinals for former Rookie of the Year Wally Moon and right-hander Phil Paine. The club's new outfielder will quickly become known for his 'Moon Shots,' 250+ foot high fly balls to left field at Memorial Coliseum, which clear the 40-foot-high screen for home runs.

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1963 The Tigers trade pitcher Jim Bunning to the Phillies for catcher Gus Triandos, starter Jack Hamilton, and outfielder Don Demeter. The 33-year-old right-hander and future US senator (R-KY) will become the first pitcher since Cy Young to win a hundred games in both leagues.

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1964 The owners vote to use a free-agent draft with clubs selecting in the inverse order of the previous year's standings to choose players every four months. The new system, scheduled to begin next month, is designed to level the playing field by preventing rich clubs, like the Yankees, from using their wealth to lock up all talented players.

1968 The Orioles deal minor league prospect John Mason and veteran outfielder Curt Blefary to the Astros for Elijah Johnson, Enzo Hernandez, and hurler Mike Cuellar. The right-hander from Cuba will spend eight years with Baltimore, averaging nearly 18 wins a season.

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1990 The Giants sign Yankee free agent Dave Righetti (1-1, 3.57, 36 saves) to a four-year deal worth nearly $10 million. After the South Bay native's playing days are over, the left-handed reliever will become the club's longtime pitching coach.

1995 Michael Stirn, a 32-year-old carpenter who caught Cal Ripken's home run ball on the night Baltimore infielder tied Lou Gehrig's consecutive-game record, sells the historic horsehide to a Maryland businessman at an auction for $41,736. The lucky Orioles fan had offered the ball back to the Baltimore third baseman through the club but never received a reply.


2003 The Red Sox announce the signing of Terry Francona to a three-year deal, with an option for a fourth, to be the team's manager. The 44-year-old former Phillies' skipper replaces Grady Little, who became the scourge of Red Sox Nation after failing to remove Pedro Martinez in Game 7 of the ALCS.

2005 Reaching a preliminary deal with the Dodgers a day before baseball's winter meetings, Rafael Furcal agrees to a $39-million, three-year contract to play shortstop in the City of Angels. The Braves, his former team for the past six seasons, and the Cubs vigorously pursued the 28-year-old Dominican infielder.

2007 In an unexpected blockbuster trade at the winter meetings, the Tigers acquire Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis from the Marlins in exchange for six prospects. Detroit trades southpaw Andrew Miller and outfielder Cameron Maybin to get the highly touted Fish and four other highly regarded minor leaguers.

2007 The Royals sign heavy-hitting Jose Guillen (.290, 23, 99) to a three-year, $36 million deal. The 31-year-old outfielder, who played with the Mariners last season, which chose to decline its $9 million option for him, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, allegedly purchased nearly $20,000 worth of banned substances from 2003-05.

2007 Needing nine votes from the 12-member executives/pioneers committee, Bowie Kuhn collects ten to get the nod for induction into the Hall of Fame. The former Commissioner of Baseball, who served in the post from 1969 through 1984, bests his nemesis, Marvin Miller, the executive director of the players' union from 1966 to 1983, who garnered only three votes in his bid for Cooperstown.

2007 Jack Zduriencik, the Brewers' special assistant to the general manager/director of amateur scouting, becomes the first non-general manager named Baseball America Executive of the Year, an award inaugurated by the national periodical in 1998. The Mariners' future general manager has been with the Milwaukee front office for eight seasons.

2009 The Brewers sign free agent Gregg Zaun (.260, 8, 27) to a $2.15 million, one-year deal. The 38-year-old, who played with Baltimore and Tampa Bay last season, will replace Jason Kendall behind the plate for Milwaukee.

2009 The Padres hire Jason McLeod as the team's assistant general manager. Jed Hoyer, San Diego's new GM, who worked in the same capacity as Theo Epstein's assistant before joining the club, hired the former Red Sox director of amateur scouting.

2010 Outside of Target Field, the Twins unveil a statue of Harmon Killebrew, one of three sculptures, along with the larger-than-life likenesses of Kirby Puckett and Rod Carew, that the team commissioned Bill Mack to create depicting the three Hall of Fame inductees. The 750-pound bronze Bunyanesque work of art replicates the slugger getting full extension on the swing that sent a Jim Maloney fifth-inning pitch into the bleachers at Metropolitan Stadium, tying the 1965 All-Star Game at 5-5.
Harmon Killebrew's Statue at Target Field
2011 Eight months after leaving the sport, Manny Ramirez applies for reinstatement from baseball's retired list rather than face a 100-game ban due to failing a drug test. In a statement released by MLB, the 39-year-old veteran would have to serve a 50-game suspension that would begin with the first game he is eligible to play as a condition of resuming his big league career.
2012 The Baseball Writers' Association of America selects longtime Philadelphia scribe Paul Hagen as the annual J.G. Taylor Spink Award recipient, an honor recognizing a lifetime of excellence in baseball writing. The BBWAA nominated the MLB.com reporter and retirees Jim Hawkins of the Detroit Free Press and Russell Schneider of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

2013 The A's sign Scott Kazmir, giving the 30-year-old free agent a two-year deal worth $22 million. The southpaw will make 50 starts for his new team, posting a 20-14 record, before being dealt to the Astros midway through the 2015 season for Daniel Mengden and Jacob Nottingham.

2014 At a Safeco Field news conference, the Mariners announce that the team has signed free agent Nelson Cruz to a four-year, $58 million deal. Seattle acquired the right-handed slugging outfielder, who led the big leagues with 40 home runs last season while playing for the Orioles, to bat behind Robinson Cano, giving the switch-hitting second baseman more protection in the lineup.

2015 The Diamondbacks and Zach Greinke come to terms, much to the chagrin of the Dodgers and Giants, who had sought to sign the highly-touted free agent. The 32-year-old right-hander agrees to a reported $206.5 million, six-year deal, making his annual average salary ($34.4 million) the richest in the sport's history.

2015 The Marlins hire the former steroids-tainted superstar Barry Bonds, who joins newly hired manager Don Mattingly's staff as the team's hitting coach. The 51-year-old all-time home king's return to baseball may help to enhance his Hall of Fame chances, but his presence may also benefit a 71-91 team that finished next to last in runs, homers, and the fewest walks in the majors.

2015 The Red Sox announce the team has signed southpaw David Price to a seven-year, $217 million contract, the richest deal ever given to a pitcher. The 29-year-old left-hander, who posted an 18-5 record hurling for the Tigers and Blue Jays last season, is projected to be the ace of a talented rotation that includes Wade Miley, Clay Buchholz, and Rick Porcello.

2020 The Rangers name former big-league pitcher Chris Young, who broke in with the organization in 2004, as the team's general manager. The 41-year-old right-hander posted a 79-67 record with a 3.95 ERA during 13 seasons in the majors, including stops with the Padres, Mets, Mariners, and Royals.

 

12.5.24
BASEBALL BIRTHDAYS
1894 Philip K Wrigley baseball executive (owner Chicago Cubs 1932-77)


1905 Gus Mancuso catcher (World Series 1931, 33; MLB All Star 1935, 37; NY Giants, St. Louis Cardinals) and broadcaster (Cardinals' radio network)


1972 Cliff Floyd, MLB outfielder and 1st base (Montreal Expos, Mets)


1972 Mike Mahoney baseball player

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Today in Baseball History
December 5th​

1950 Mel Ott leaves the Giants' organization, signing a two-year pact to manage the Pacific Coast League's Oakland club. 'Marvelous Mel' will replace Chuck Dressen, who compiled a 222-165 (.572) record and captured last season's PCL championship during his two-year tenure with the Oaks.

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1952 Figures reveal 1,493,632 fewer fans attended major league games last season, representing a 9.26% decrease from the previous season. The drop marks the second consecutive season in which attendance has declined, and the trend will continue next year.

1955 Ellis Kinder is selected off waivers by the Cardinals from the Boston Red Sox. During his eight seasons in Boston, the 41-year-old right-hander posted an 86-52 record with an earned run average of 3.28.

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1955 Carl Stotz announces his plans to organize a rival baseball circuit for kids as an alternative to Little League. The Williamsport lumberyard clerk, who was considered the founder of the original Little League Baseball, left the organization due to a lawsuit he filed when he disagreed with expanding the existing leagues.

1957 In a deal mandated by owner Gussie Busch, the Cardinals obtain Curt Flood from the Reds, along with Joe Taylor, for Marty Kutyna, Willard Schmidt, and Ted Wieand. The trade proves beneficial when their new 19-year-old player becomes an All-Star Gold Glove center fielder and plays a pivotal role in the club's three NL pennants and two world championships during his 12-year reign in St. Louis.

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1958 The Phillies, hoping to fill the National League void in the Big Apple caused by the departure of the Giants and Dodgers to the West Coast, drop their plans for broadcasts next season in New York City. The team's reversal occurs when the Yankees threaten to air Bronx Bombers contests in Philadelphia.

1973 Veteran third baseman Ron Santo thwarts the Cubs' plan to trade him when he becomes the first player to invoke the new 10 and 5 rule. The team wanted to send their 33-year-old infielder to the Angels for two pitchers, but his 10+ years in the major leagues, including his 5+ seasons with Chicago, gave him the right to veto the deal.

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1973 The Dodgers trade All-Star outfielder Willie Davis to Montreal for closer Mike Marshall. The 33-year-old reliever will finish over half his new team's games next season, winning the Cy Young Award for LA, while Davis has a solid season, batting .295 in his one season with the Expos.
(Ed. Note: In 1977, Yankee closer Sparky Lyle will become the first full-time reliever to cop the prestigious pitching prize in the American League. - LP)

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1975 Yogi Berra, fired unexpectedly after piloting the club as a first-year manager to a 99-63 record and an American League pennant in 1964, returns to the Yankees as a coach after an 11-year absence. The hiring of the team's former All-Star catcher and skipper to be Billy Martin's bench coach marks the first time in the game's history the designation becomes a description for a coaching staff member.

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1977 Bobby Bonds (.264, 37, 115), made expendable when the team signed Lyman Bostock, is dealt by the Angels with Thad Bosley and Richard Dotson to the White Sox for backstop Brian Downing, Dave Frost, and Chris Knapp. The trade helps both teams, with Bonds filling the void created by the departure of free agents Richie Zisk and Oscar Gamble, and California gets a much-needed first-string catcher who will become a mainstay behind the plate for the Halos for 13 seasons.

1978 The Indians deal Alfredo Griffin and prospect Phil Lansford to the Blue Jays for Victor Cruz. The Tribe's transaction will prove short-sighted when the 21-year-old shortstop wins the American League Rookie of the Year Award next season, and their newly-acquired right-hander posts a 3-9 record with a 4.23 ERA.

1978 After sixteen years with the Reds, 37-year-old Pete Rose signs a four-year, $3.2 million deal with the Phillies, becoming the game's highest-paid player. The Mets, Braves, Pirates, and Royals also pursued Charlie Hustle, who will make major contributions to Philadelphia's three postseason appearances, including the 1980 World Championship, during his five-year tenure with the team.

1984 The Yankees obtain Rickey Henderson and pitcher Bert Bradley from the A's for pitchers Jay Howell and Jose Rijo, outfielder Stan Javier, and two minor leaguers. The Bronx Bombers also trade catcher Rick Cerone to the Braves for right-hander Brian Fisher.

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1990 Hoping to fill the void created by Darryl Strawberry's departure to LA as a free agent, the Mets make their first move into the free-agent market in 10 years when they sign Vince Coleman to a 4-year contract for a little less than $12 million. The former St. Louis outfielder, who will spend time on the disabled list on five occasions during the next two seasons, will be hampered by injuries to his ribs and hamstrings during his stay with New York.

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1990 Toronto trades first baseman Fred McGriff and shortstop Tony Fernandez to the Padres for second baseman Roberto Alomar and outfielder Joe Carter. The two new Blue Jays will play a vital role in the team's back-to-back World Championships in 1992 and 1993.

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1996 The Player Association executive committee unanimously approves the new collective bargaining agreement. The CBA's affirmative vote clears the path for interleague play and guarantees there will be no work stoppages for at least five years.

2001 New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani announces he wants to complete new stadium deals for the Mets and Yankees before leaving office at the end of the month. Before the September 11 attacks, which dramatically changed the city's financial stature, the mayor believed an arrangement in which the city, the state, and the owners agreed to pay one-third of the cost of the new stadiums might complete the negotiations with the teams.

2002 The Mets sign the much sought-after free agent Tom Glavine to a three-year deal worth $35 million, with an option for an additional year that could increase the value of the contract to $42.5 million. The 36-year-old southpaw, who has compiled a 242-143 record and a 3.37 ERA, will notch his 300th career win with New York in 2007.

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2009 After trying seven shortstops since Nomar Garciaparra's 2004 trade to the Cubs, the Red Sox give Marco Scutaro an opportunity to play the position, inking the 34-year-old infielder to a two-year deal with a club option for 2012. The free agent, who hit a career-best .282 along with 12 homers and 60 RBIs for Toronto last season, will replace Alex Gonzalez, who left the Red Sox after Boston declined his $6 million option and recently signed with the Blue Jays.

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2010 On the eve of the winter meetings, free agent Jayson Werth (.296, 27, 85) and the Nationals agree on a $126 million, seven-year contract. The signing of the 31-year-old right-fielder, who has been a cog in Philadelphia's recent success, will help fill the void created by the departure of Adam Dunn, the team's former clean-up hitter, to the south side of Chicago.

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2011 ESPN hires Terry Francona, recently fired by the Red Sox, as an analyst for its signature Sunday Night games and contributor to other studio shows, including SportsCenter. The former skipper will be replacing Bobby Valentine, who was recently hired to replace him in the Boston dugout.

 

2011 Ron Santo is elected to the Hall of Fame posthumously by the Golden Era Committee, receiving 15 of its possible 16 votes. The former Cubs' third baseman, who played in the 1960s and early '70s, compiled a .277 lifetime batting average, won five Gold Gloves, and was a member of nine All-Star teams during his 15-year tenure in Chicago, including a season on the South Side with the White Sox.

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2014 Kevin Cash becomes the youngest current skipper in the big leagues when the Rays tweet that he will replace Joe Maddon, who recently signed to manage the Cubs. Tampa Bay selects the 37-year-old former Indians' bullpen coach over Don Wakamatsu, the current Royals bench coach and one-time Mariners manager.

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2015 The organ, played by the legendary Nancy Faust at Old Comiskey Park and the U.S. Cellular Field for over 3,000 games, is purchased by Red Sox organist Josh Kantor, who grew up in Chicago listening to her renditions of Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye and Take Me Out to the Ballgame. The iconic instrument, used over 41 seasons, was put up for bid by the White Sox during their annual holiday charity auction at U.S. Cellular Field.

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2019 The Reds ink Mike Moustakas, who hit .254 with 35 home runs and 87 RBI in 143 games for the Brewers last season, to a four-year, $64 million deal, making the left-handed slugger the team's richest free-agent signing in club history. Cincinnati hopes the three-time All-Star infielder will provide much-needed offense to a lineup that scored the fourth-fewest runs in the National League.

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2021 Golden Days Era Committee (considers candidates from 1950-69) selects Gil Hodges, Jim Kaat, Minnie Miñoso, and Tony Oliva, with Bud Fowler and Buck O'Neil chosen by the Early Baseball Era Committee (considers candidates before 1950) to be honored, along with David Ortiz, at the 2022 Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown (NY). Dick Allen, who finished one vote short of being Hall Famer the last time the GDE committee met in 2014, misses again by the same margin on this year's ballot.

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2023 At the Winter Meetings, American League Eastern Division rivals the Red Sox and Yankees make only their eighth trade since the start of the divisional play in 1969. Boston exchanges starting outfielder Alex Verdugo to the Bronx for three pitchers, Nicholas Judice, Richard Fitts, and Greg Weissert, the only one with major league experience.

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BASEBALL BIRTHDAYS
November 6
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1955 Robin Yount HOF shortstop/center fielder (AL MVP 1982, 89; 3 x MLB All Star; Milwaukee Brewers; 3,142 hits),


1958 Orel Hershiser pitcher LA Dodgers, Cleveland Indians),


1959 Tim Raines HOF left fielder (7 × MLB All-Star; World Series 1996, 98, 2005; NL batting champion 1986; Montreal Expos, NY Yankees, Chicago WS)


1960 Mickey Tettleton catcher (Texas Rangers),


1961 Mark Parent catcher (Detroit Tigers)


1970 Paul Shuey pitcher (Cleveland Indians),


1975 Kip Harkrider infielder (Olympic bronze 1996)

1979 Bobby Korecky

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Today in Baseball History
December 6th​

1913 At Keio University Stadium in Tokyo, the White Sox defeat the Giants, 9-4, as part of their world tour. Tomorrow, a combined squad will beat the Keio University team, 16-3, before the White Sox defeat the Giants again, 12-3.

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1920 A court of appeals reversed a lawsuit that awarded $264,000 damages to the Federal League's Baltimore franchise, upholding the reserve clause, which cites baseball as neither interstate commerce nor subject to antitrust laws. The legal action grew out of the Baltimore Feds' exclusion in the Federal League war settlement, thus thwarting an effort to have a major league team in the Charm City.

1941 The Giants select Mel Ott to replace Bill Terry, who compiled an 823-661 (.550) record during his decade as the team's skipper. The team's new player-manager will spend all his 22 years in the majors with the New York franchise, hitting 511 home runs during his Hall of Fame career.

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1946 Except for picking the pitchers, major league baseball agrees to return the All-Star teams' selection to the fans. In 1933 and 1934, the public chose the 18 starters, but beginning in 1935, the team managers decided the players who would participate in the Midsummer Classic.

 

1952 To curb interleague trading after June 15th, the American League approves a two-league waiver rule.

1954 The Tigers trade one first baseman for two when the team swaps Walt Dropo, outfielder Bob Nieman, and southpaw Ted Gray to the White Sox for first sackers Ferris Fain and Jack Phillips, with right-hander Leo Cristante included in the deal. Before being dealt to the Reds, Dropo, the 1950 Rookie of the Year, will hit .266 during his 3+ South Side seasons.

Dropo

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1959 The Indians trade fan-favorite Minnie Minoso with Dick Brown, Don Ferrarese, and Jake Striker to the White Sox for Norm Cash, Bubba Phillips, and John Romano. The 34-year-old 'Cuban Rocket' will play in every game for Chicago next season, leading the American League in hits (184) and stolen bases (13) while collecting a Gold Glove for his defensive play in left field.

Minoso~ Cash

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1959 The Reds trade Frank Thomas to the Cubs for reliever Bill Henry. The deal, which includes Lou Jackson and Lee Walls coming to Cincinnati, gives the team a southpaw out of the bullpen who will save 17 games in the upcoming season.

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1960 The American League awards the new Los Angeles franchise to Gene Autry, a well-known cowboy movie star who once turned down an opportunity to play in the minor leagues, and former football player Bob Reynolds for $350,000. After spending its inaugural season at LA's Wrigley Field and the next three years at Dodger Stadium, the team will move to Anaheim, a short distance from Chavez Ravine, becoming known as the California Angels (1965-1996), the Anaheim Angels (1997-2004) and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2005 to market the team better.

1964 Major League Baseball releases its official 1964 batting averages that confirm Twins' outfielder Tony Oliva, who finished the season hitting .323, is the first rookie to win a batting title. The recently crowned American League Rookie of the Year finished ahead of Orioles' third baseman Brooks Robinson (.317), who copped the circuit's Most Valuable Player Award.

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1968 William Eckert, sometimes called the 'Unknown Soldier,' resigns as baseball commissioner. The former U.S. Air Force lieutenant general, who served as the game's fourth commissioner from 1965-68, will be replaced by Bowie Kuhn.

 

1973 The National League owners unanimously approve the sale and relocation of the Padres to the nation's capital in time to start the 1974 season as the Washington Stars. Grocery chain magnate Joseph Danzansky, who offered to buy the team, sees his effort fail due to local legal maneuvers, allowing McDonald's co-founder Ray Kroc to buy the Friars and keep the club in San Diego.

1973 The Dodgers trade pitcher southpaw starter Claude Osteen and minor league reliever David Culpepper, a player never to appear in a major league game, to the Astros for outfielder Jim Wynn. The 'Toy Cannon' hits .261 in his two-year stint with the West Coast team, and Houston's newest left-hander posts a 9-9 record in his one season under the Dome.

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1976 The Brewers trade first baseman George Scott and outfielder Bernie Carbo to the Red Sox for Cecil Cooper. Cooper will become a dominant player during the early eighties, appearing in five All-Star games and batting over .300 in the first seven of his eleven years with Milwaukee.

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1989 The Mets and Reds trade relievers. Randy Myers goes to Cincinnati, and fellow closer John Franco will finish games in New York.

1989 Free-agent closer Jeff Reardon signs with the Red Sox. While in Boston, 'The Terminator,' who will save 88 games during the three years with the team, becomes the all-time leader with 342, breaking Rollie Fingers' previous record.

1989 The Padres trade catcher Sandy Alomar, left fielder Chris James, and minor-league third baseman Carlos Baerga to the Indians for outfielder Joe Carter, who has averaged 30 home runs and 108 RBIs during the past four seasons with Cleveland. San Diego's newest outfielder will spend one season with the team, batting .232 and driving in 115 runs, while Alomar, selected as the 1990 Rookie of the Year, and Baerga become perennial all-stars for the Tribe.

1990 The signature of Shoeless Joe Jackson, known not to read or write, is purchased for a record $23,100 at New York's Leland's auction house, making the bid the highest amount ever paid for a 19th or 20th-century ballplayer's autograph. The White Sox outfielder copied the inscription from one written out by his wife from an unknown document.

 

1997 Tickets for the Devil Rays' Opening Day of its inaugural season sell out in 17 minutes after being put on sale to the general public. The 45,369 fans attending the March 31st contest see their team play their first game in franchise history, with Tampa Bay dropping an 11-6 decision to the Tigers.

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2001 Bud Selig tells the House Judiciary Committee that baseball owners cannot be competitive and lose money due to the current system. The commissioner uses many statistics to make his case, including a team without a payroll in the top 25 percent failing to win a single World Series game over the last seven years.

2002 The MLB Players Association agrees to allow the Expos to play 22 home games in Puerto Rico. To increase overall attendance, the team will play three homestands at San Juan's Hiram Bithorn Stadium while hosting 59 contests at Montreal's Olympic Stadium.
2004 Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year issue, featuring the 2004 Red Sox as the magazine's choice for its prestigious honor, arrives on newsstands today. Since its inception in 1954, SI annually has named an "athlete whose performance that year most embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement," making the World Champions the first team to earn the distinction in the 50-year history of the award.

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2004 The Mets and Royals exchange right-handers, with starter Brian Bannister going to Kansas City and reliever Ambiorix Burgos heading for the Big Apple. The son of former major league southpaw Floyd Bannister will place third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting, earning nine victories for the last-place club, with the 23-year-old Dominican appearing in only 17 games for New York, being derailed by injuries and off-the-field incidents.


2005 At the Winter Meetings, the Blue Jays keep their wallets open as the team agrees to a five-year, $55 million deal with A.J. Burnett (12-12, 3.44). The signing of the Marlin free agent, who many consider the best starter available on the market, comes on the heels of Toronto giving B.J. Ryan $47 million over five years, making it the richest contract in baseball history.


2005 Filling a two-month managerial void, the Dodgers hire Grady Little as the team's skipper. The former Red Sox manager, who compiled an outstanding 188-136 (.580) record in two seasons in Boston in 2002-03, is best remembered for not pulling a tiring Pedro Martinez during the eighth inning of ill-fated Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS.

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2005 Trevor Hoffman agrees to stay with the Padres, signing a $13.5 million, two-year contract with an option for 2008. The Tigers had courted the veteran closer but could not close the deal after San Diego improved its offer for the second year and made the accomplishments needed to trigger the option year a bit easier to reach.

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2007 The Dodgers and Andruw Jones (.222, 26, 94) reach a preliminary agreement on a $36.2 million, two-year deal, the fifth-highest average salary in the major leagues. The 30-year-old center fielder from Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles, has won ten consecutive Gold Gloves but suffered one of the worst offensive seasons in his 12 years of playing with the Braves.

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2010 The Red Sox complete their deal for Adrian Gonzalez by sending minor league right-hander Casey Kelly, first baseman Anthony Rizzo, outfielder Reymond Fuentes, and a player to be named (Eric Patterson) to San Diego for the All-Star first baseman. The left-handed slugger, expected to take advantage of the Green Monster's proximity to home plate, is entering the last year of his contract, and the deal does not include a contract extension to stay in Boston.

2010 A trade between two last-place teams sends Arizona slugger Mark Reynolds to the Orioles in exchange for right-handed relievers David Hernandez and Kam Mickolio. The O's new third baseman will bring much-needed offense to Baltimore, and San Diego's acquisition of the young pitchers will strengthen the team's bullpen for the late innings.

2011 During baseball's Winter Meetings, the White Sox trade their closer Sergio Santos to the Blue Jays in exchange for Nestor Molina, a 22-year-old right-handed prospect with a 27-7 minor league won-loss record and a 2.21 ERA overall. Toronto's new reliever, who recorded 30 saves in 36 opportunities with Chicago last season, will be an upgrade for the club, whose top closer in 2011 recorded only 17 saves.

2011 The Baseball Writers' Association of America selects Bob Elliott as the recipient of the 2012 J.G. Taylor Spink Award for his "meritorious contributions to baseball writing." The Canadian writer, who has practiced his craft for the last 30 years, covered both the Expos and Blue Jays and is presently a columnist for the Toronto Sun.

2013 The Mariners and Robinson Cano agree to a ten-year contract worth approximately $240 million, making the former Yankee second baseman the third-highest-paid baseball player in history. The All-star middle infielder, trailing Alex Rodriguez and equaling Albert Puljos deals for the same amount of time, signed respectively in 2008 and 2012 with the Yankees and Angels, will spend five seasons with his new team, hitting. 296 with 107 homers before being traded in
2018 to the Mets along with Edwin Díaz and $20 million for Jay Bruce, Jarred Kelenic, Anthony Swarzak, Gerson Bautista, and Justin Dunn.

2023 To reduce payroll, the Padres trade All-Star slugger Juan Soto and outfielder Trent Grisham to the Yankees for pitchers Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito, Randy Vásquez and veteran backstop Kyle Higashioka. In exchange for promising the pitching prospects, the Bronx Bombers add another potentially powerful bat to a lineup that already includes Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton

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