The Phillies trade 27 year-old third baseman Scott Rolen along with minor league reliever Doug Nickle to the Cardinals in exchange for infielder Placido Polanco, southpaw Bud Smith, and reliever Mike Timlin. Reportedly, the former Philadelphia third sacker rejected a ten-year pact estimated to be worth $140 million, due to his feud with manager Larry Bowa.

After playing the annual Hall of Fame exhibition game in Cooperstown, the White Sox and Rockies announce a trade which sends veteran catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. to Colorado, with right-hander class A minor-league pitcher Enemencio Pacheco going to Chicago.

The text of the letter signed by 40 Hall of Famers and sent to baseball commissioner Bud Selig and union head Donald Fehr urges all sides “to protect the game we all love and have given so much to, we suggest you agree to a qualified mediator that will allow you to find the common ground necessary to avoid a work stoppage” is released. The former outstanding players, who include Reggie Jackson, Willie Mays and Warren Spahn, believe another work stoppage would be a terrible mistake.

The White Sox trade C Sandy Alomar Jr. to the Rockies. In return, Chicago gets P Enemencio Pacheco.

The Phillies trade 27-year-old third baseman Scott Rolen along with minor league reliever Doug Nickle to the Cardinals in exchange for infielder Placido Polanco, southpaw Bud Smith and reliever Mike Timlin. Reportedly, the former Philadelphia third sacker rejected a 10-year pact estimated to be worth $140 million due to his feud with manager Larry Bowa.