Former Yankee captain Don Mattingly is named as the Bronx Bombers’ hitting coach, replacing Rick Down, who did not have his contract renewed last week. The 42 year-old, who retired due to back problems, will be a top candidate to replace Joe Torre as manager in 2005.

ByBaseball

Former Yankee captain Don Mattingly is named as the Bronx Bombers’ hitting coach, replacing Rick Down, who did not have his contract renewed last week. The 42 year-old, who retired due to back problems, will be a top candidate to replace Joe Torre as manager in 2005.

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2003 – In an anticipated salary move, Houston trades closer Billy Wagner to the Philadelphia Phillies for righthanded pitchers Brandon Duckworth, Taylor Buchholz and Ezequiel Astacio. Wagner had opened the door to be traded after criticizing the ownership for not making the moves he thought would bring a pennant to Houston. 

ByTom

2003 – In an anticipated salary move, Houston trades closer Billy Wagner to the Philadelphia Phillies for righthanded pitchers Brandon Duckworth, Taylor Buchholz and Ezequiel Astacio. Wagner had opened the door to be traded after criticizing the ownership for not making the moves he thought would bring a pennant to Houston. 

ESPN analyst Bobby Valentine will return to Japan to manage the Chiba Lotte Marines, the club which fired him after a solid second-place finish in 1995. The former Mets and Rangers skipper signs a three-year deal with an option for two more years worth an estimated $6.4 million.

ByBaseball

ESPN analyst Bobby Valentine will return to Japan to manage the Chiba Lotte Marines, the club which fired him after a solid second-place finish in 1995. The former Mets and Rangers skipper signs a three-year deal with an option for two more years worth an estimated $6.4 million.