The MLB Players Association agrees to allow the Expos to play 22 of its home games in Puerto Rico. In an effort to increase overall attendance, the team will play three homestands at San Juan’s Hiram Bithorn Stadium but still will host 59 contests at Olympic Stadium in Montreal.

ByTom

The MLB Players Association agrees to allow the Expos to play 22 of its home games in Puerto Rico. In an effort to increase overall attendance, the team will play three homestands at San Juan’s Hiram Bithorn Stadium but still will host 59 contests at Olympic Stadium in Montreal.

In a cynical move‚ the Yankees offer the same two-year $4.6 million contract to three lefty relievers – Mike Stanton ‚ Mark Guthrie and Chris Hammond – and give each 15 minutes to decide. Hammond‚ 37‚ signs for $4.8 million over two years. Hammond‚ out of baseball for two years‚ had a remarkable season in 2002‚ posting a 0.95 ERA in 63 games and did not allow an earned run after June 28th. He is the third pitcher since 1900 to post a sub-one ERA while pitching 70+ innings. The veteran Stanton doesn’t bother to respond to the step-child treatment and‚ preferring to remain in the New York area‚ will sign a three-year contract with the Mets in a week.

ByTom

In a cynical move‚ the Yankees offer the same two-year $4.6 million contract to three lefty relievers – Mike Stanton ‚ Mark Guthrie and Chris Hammond – and give each 15 minutes to decide. Hammond‚ 37‚ signs for $4.8 million over two years. Hammond‚ out of baseball for two years‚ had a remarkable season in 2002‚ posting a 0.95 ERA in 63 games and did not allow an earned run after June 28th. He is the third pitcher since 1900 to post a sub-one ERA while pitching 70+ innings. The veteran Stanton doesn’t bother to respond to the step-child treatment and‚ preferring to remain in the New York area‚ will sign a three-year contract with the Mets in a week.

The Indians send C Einar Diaz and P Ryan Drese to the Rangers in exchange for P Aaron Myette and 1B Travis Hafner. Indians GM Mark Shapiro denies that the trade is “Jim Thome-motivated.” In his last four minor league seasons‚ Hafner has averaged .316‚ 23 homers‚ and 93 RBIs. He will put up similar numbers in his first few years with the Indians.

ByTom

The Indians send C Einar Diaz and P Ryan Drese to the Rangers in exchange for P Aaron Myette and 1B Travis Hafner. Indians GM Mark Shapiro denies that the trade is “Jim Thome-motivated.” In his last four minor league seasons‚ Hafner has averaged .316‚ 23 homers‚ and 93 RBIs. He will put up similar numbers in his first few years with the Indians.