The Tigers make their biggest trade since 1957, sending four players to Houston in exchange for five Astros. Detroit C Brad Ausmus, P Jose Lima, lefties C.J. Nitkowski and Trever Miller, and IF Daryle Ward go to the National League for OF Brian Hunter, IF Orlando Miller, and Ps Doug Brocail and Todd Jones, and a player to come later. Brocail, also involved in the 1994 12-player swap between San Diego and Houston, will be Detroit’s Opening Day pitcher in April.

ByThis Day in Baseball

The Tigers make their biggest trade since 1957, sending four players to Houston in exchange for five Astros. Detroit C Brad Ausmus, P Jose Lima, lefties C.J. Nitkowski and Trever Miller, and IF Daryle Ward go to the National League for OF Brian Hunter, IF Orlando Miller, and Ps Doug Brocail and Todd Jones, and a player to come later. Brocail, also involved in the 1994 12-player swap between San Diego and Houston, will be Detroit’s Opening Day pitcher in April.

1996 – The Rockies sign free agent C Kirt Manwaring to a two-year contract, the Blue Jays sign C Benito Santiago to a two-year contract and the Marlins sign P Alex Fernandez to a five-year deal.

ByTom

1996 – The Rockies sign free agent C Kirt Manwaring to a two-year contract, the Blue Jays sign C Benito Santiago to a two-year contract and the Marlins sign P Alex Fernandez to a five-year deal.

1996 – The Orioles sign free agent P Jimmy Key to a two-year contract and the Dodgers sign 3B Todd Zeile to a three-year contract.

ByThis Day in Baseball

1996 – The Orioles sign free agent P Jimmy Key to a two-year contract and the Dodgers sign 3B Todd Zeile to a three-year contract.

The Seattle Mariners acquire righty Scott Sanders from the Padres for lefty Sterling Hitchcock.

ByThis Day in Baseball

1996 – The Seattle Mariners acquire righty Scott Sanders‚ (9-5‚ 3.38 ERA) from the Padres for lefty Sterling Hitchcock. Hitchcock was the ace of the Mariner staff after Randy Johnson went down with back surgery. He finished with a 13-9 record‚ but had a 5.35 ERA.

Following his most productive season with the Oakland A’s, Terry Steinbach elects to take less money and return home. Like Dave Winfield, Paul Molitor and Jack Morris before him, the Minnesota veteran signs with Twins.

ByTom

Following his most productive season with the Oakland A’s, Terry Steinbach elects to take less money and return home. Like Dave Winfield, Paul Molitor and Jack Morris before him, the Minnesota veteran signs with Twins.

The new collective bargaining agreement is unanimously approved by the Players’ association executive committee, clearing the path for interleague play and guaranteeing no work stoppages until 2001.

ByTom

The new collective bargaining agreement is unanimously approved by the Players’ association executive committee, clearing the path for interleague play and guaranteeing no work stoppages until 2001.

Two days after signing C Joe Girardi, the Yankees send back-up catcher Jim Leyritz to the Angels in exchange for minor leaguers Ryan Kane and Jeremy Blevins. Leyritz, the Yankee with the longest tenure – 5 years, 126 days – was vulnerable because of his $1.75 million yearly contract.

ByTom

Two days after signing C Joe Girardi, the Yankees send back-up catcher Jim Leyritz to the Angels in exchange for minor leaguers Ryan Kane and Jeremy Blevins. Leyritz, the Yankee with the longest tenure – 5 years, 126 days – was vulnerable because of his $1.75 million yearly contract.

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1996 – John Bateman dies in Sand Spring, TX at age 56. The native Texan would enjoy a ten-year big-league career with a .230 batting average and 81 home runs. 

ByTom

1996 – John Bateman dies in Sand Spring, TX at age 56. The native Texan would enjoy a ten-year big-league career with a .230 batting average and 81 home runs. 

1996 – The Cubs sign shortstop Shawon Dunston, bringing him back to Wrigley Field, and free agent pitcher Sid Fernandez signs with Houston.

ByTom

1996 – The Cubs sign shortstop Shawon Dunston, bringing him back to Wrigley Field, and free agent pitcher Sid Fernandez signs with Houston.