The Braves trade P Kevin Millwood to the Phillies for C Johnny Estrada. Meanwhile, according to Braves general manager John Schuerholz, “The economics stink. The economics stink, and if this isn’t a clear enough signal to the doubters and naysayers, to be forced to trade an 18-game winner to your arch enemy… The economics stink.” Millwood stunned the Braves’ management by accepting binding salary arbitration when he was expected to leave via free agency, forcing the Braves to trade him in order to stay within budget.

ByTom

The Braves trade P Kevin Millwood to the Phillies for C Johnny Estrada. Meanwhile, according to Braves general manager John Schuerholz, “The economics stink. The economics stink, and if this isn’t a clear enough signal to the doubters and naysayers, to be forced to trade an 18-game winner to your arch enemy… The economics stink.” Millwood stunned the Braves’ management by accepting binding salary arbitration when he was expected to leave via free agency, forcing the Braves to trade him in order to stay within budget.

2002 – One of Japan’s most heralded players, 28-year-old outfield slugger Hideki Matsui (.334, 50, 107), reaches a preliminary agreement with the Yankees on a $21 million, three-year contract. “Godzilla”, the three-time Most Valuable Player of Japan’s Central League, rejected the Yomiuri Giants’ $33 million, four-year offer opting to play for the Bronx Bombers.

ByTom

2002 – One of Japan’s most heralded players, 28-year-old outfield slugger Hideki Matsui (.334, 50, 107), reaches a preliminary agreement with the Yankees on a $21 million, three-year contract. “Godzilla”, the three-time Most Valuable Player of Japan’s Central League, rejected the Yomiuri Giants’ $33 million, four-year offer opting to play for the Bronx Bombers.

After spending the previous six seasons with the Giants, the 2000 National League MVP Jeff Kent (.313, 37, 108) signs an $18.2 million, two-year contract with the Astros. The 34 year-old Texas resident’s presence on the team moves four-time second base Gold Glove winner Craig Biggio to the outfield.

ByTom

After spending the previous six seasons with the Giants, the 2000 National League MVP Jeff Kent (.313, 37, 108) signs an $18.2 million, two-year contract with the Astros. The 34 year-old Texas resident’s presence on the team moves four-time second base Gold Glove winner Craig Biggio to the outfield.

After spending the previous six seasons with the Giants, the 2000 National League MVP Jeff Kent (.313, 37, 108 ) signs an $18.2 million, two-year contract with the Astros. The 34-year-old Texas resident’s presence on the team moves four-time second base Gold Glove winner Craig Biggio to the outfield.

ByTom

After spending the previous six seasons with the Giants, the 2000 National League MVP Jeff Kent (.313, 37, 108 ) signs an $18.2 million, two-year contract with the Astros. The 34-year-old Texas resident’s presence on the team moves four-time second base Gold Glove winner Craig Biggio to the outfield.

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2012 – Astros sign Carlos Pena to be the team’s first regular Designated Hitter, which the club will need with their move to the American League. Pena, the 2009 AL home run champ with Tampa Bay, bats .209 with eight homers before he was released. 

ByTom

2012 – Astros sign Carlos Pena to be the team’s first regular Designated Hitter, which the club will need with their move to the American League. Pena, the 2009 AL home run champ with Tampa Bay, bats .209 with eight homers before he was released. 

Russ Ortiz

After bringing the Giants to the brink of a world championship, Russ Ortiz (14-10, 3.78) is traded by San Francisco to the Braves for sophomore southpaw Damian Moss (12-6, 4.11) and minor league prospect Manuel Mateo. The 27-year old right-hander left Game 6 of the World Series with 5 – 0 lead, but the Giants bullpen was unable to hold the lead and lost the series to the Angels in seven games.

ByTom

After bringing the Giants to the brink of a world championship, Russ Ortiz (14-10, 3.78) is traded by San Francisco to the Braves for sophomore southpaw Damian Moss (12-6, 4.11) and minor league prospect Manuel Mateo. The 27-year old right-hander left Game 6 of the World Series with 5 – 0 lead, but the Giants bullpen was unable to hold the lead and lost the series to the Angels in seven games.