Jason Bay, who hit .282 with 26 home runs and 82 RBI, becomes the first Pittsburgh Pirates player, as well as the first Canadian, to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
2004 – After refusing a $60 million, four-year contract extension from the Boston Red Sox the previous winter, Nomar Garciaparra signs a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs, the team he was traded to in 2004, for $8 million. The All-Star shortstop, who is coming off an injury-plagued season, can increase the value of the contract up to $11 million with bonus incentives based on performance and playing time.
2004 – Off-seasons can be hazardous to your health, part two. Lance Berkman tears the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while playing flag football at a church outing. He misses the first six weeks of the 2005 season but rebounds with 24 homers and 82 RBIs to anchor the Astros lineup.
The Mets introduced Willie Randolph as the franchise’s 18th manager. The long-time Yankee second baseman and third base coach becomes the first black to manage in New York.
Philadelphia names Charlie Manuel as the team’s new manager, replacing Larry Bowa, who was fired at the end of the season after the much-favored Phillies failed to make the postseason. The former Cleveland skipper compiled a 220-190 (.537) record and won a division during his three years with the Tribe.
“It’s a dud, just like the Cubs were,” -PAT CAMDEN, Chicago police spokesman comparing the team’s season and the discovery of a potentially explosive device.After a groundskeeper finds a grenade in the Wrigley Field turf, bomb and arson investigators are called to evaluate the right field discovery. The rusty, hollowed-out shell turns out to be harmless, and its origins remain a mystery.
2004 – Gerry Hunsicker resigns as General Manager after nine seasons. Assistant GM Tim Purpura is promoted to replace him. Hunsicker oversaw five teams that reached the National League playoffs. Purpura’s first priority will be attempting to re-sign free agent outfielder Carlos Beltran who starred in the postseason.
The Houston Astros name Jimy Williams as the franchise’s thirteenth manager. Williams, a 35-year veteran who also managed the Blue Jays and Red Sox, replaces Larry Dierker, who despite reaching the postseason four times in five seasons, was unable to advance to the National League Championship Series.
2004 – Former second baseman Wally Backman signs a two-year contract to manage the Arizona Diamondbacks, last season’s worst team in the majors. Backman replaces interim manager Al Pedrique. However, he will be fired within two weeks after reports emerge of a past DUI conviction and harassment and spousal abuse charges.
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