Joe Maddon, becoming the fourth manager in the team’s brief history, is selected by the Devil Rays to replace Lou Piniella. The former Angels bench coach believes, despite the club’s poor record and having the lowest payroll in baseball, the young talented team, based on his computer-generated analysis, can start a winning tradition in Tampa Bay.

ByBaseball

Joe Maddon, becoming the fourth manager in the team’s brief history, is selected by the Devil Rays to replace Lou Piniella. The former Angels bench coach believes, despite the club’s poor record and having the lowest payroll in baseball, the young talented team, based on his computer-generated analysis, can start a winning tradition in Tampa Bay.

Alex Rodriguez wins the American League MVP Award for the second time in three seasons

Alex Rodriguez wins the American League MVP Award for the second time in three seasons

ByBaseball

Alex Rodriguez wins the American League MVP Award for the second time in three seasons. The Yankees’ third baseman edges out David Ortiz, the Red Sox DH, fueling the controversy that a designated hitter is not considered an all-around player by many of the baseball writers who vote for the honor.

Hideki Matsui and the New York Yankees agree on a four-year contract worth $52 million to the Japanese outfielder. The sides faced a November 15 deadline after which Matsui would go on waivers and be prevented from rejoining New York until May 15th of next year.

ByBaseball

Hideki Matsui and the New York Yankees agree on a four-year contract worth $52 million to the Japanese outfielder. The sides faced a November 15 deadline after which Matsui would go on waivers and be prevented from rejoining New York until May 15th of next year.

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After months of deadlock, leaders of Major League Baseball and the players union reach an agreement to clean up a performance-enhancing drug scandal that has tarnished the nation’s pastime and left lawmakers worried about young athletes imitating the wrong role models. It will require baseball players to submit to several drug tests each year, during and between seasons, and will impose lengthy suspensions for steroid and amphetamine use. Repeat offenders can be banned for life. The agreement, which must be ratified by both the players and baseball owners, is similar to a proposal offered earlier this year by commissioner Bud Selig.

ByThis Day in Baseball

After months of deadlock, leaders of Major League Baseball and the players union reach an agreement to clean up a performance-enhancing drug scandal that has tarnished the nation’s pastime and left lawmakers worried about young athletes imitating the wrong role models. It will require baseball players to submit to several drug tests each year, during and between seasons, and will impose lengthy suspensions for steroid and amphetamine use. Repeat offenders can be banned for life. The agreement, which must be ratified by both the players and baseball owners, is similar to a proposal offered earlier this year by commissioner Bud Selig.

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols earns the National League MVP Award

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols earns the National League MVP Award

ByThis Day in Baseball

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols earns the National League MVP Award, edging Atlanta Braves center fielder Andruw Jones. Pujols was among the NL leaders in most hitting categories and finished with a .330 batting average, 41 home runs and 117 RBI in guiding the Cardinals to the league’s best record at 100-62. He receives 18 of 31 first-place votes in balloting conducted by the BBWAA, outpointing Jones 378-351. Jones hit .263 and led the league with 51 home runs and 128 RBI. He won his eighth consecutive Gold Glove as the Braves claimed their 14th consecutive division title despite playing 18 rookies and losing third baseman Chipper Jones for about a third of the season because of injuries.