2006 – Jeff Kent of the Los Angeles Dodgers signs a contract extension for 2007 with an option for 2008, and Grady Sizemore signs a six-year, $23.45 million contract with the Cleveland Indians.

ByTom

2006 – Jeff Kent of the Los Angeles Dodgers signs a contract extension for 2007 with an option for 2008, and Grady Sizemore signs a six-year, $23.45 million contract with the Cleveland Indians.

Bud Selig appoints George Mitchell to head an investigation into the use of steroids in baseball

Bud Selig appoints George Mitchell to head an investigation into the use of steroids in baseball

ByTom

As a result of the recently released book detailing Barry Bonds allegedly using performance-enhancing drugs, Bud Selig appoints George Mitchell to head an investigation into the use of steroids in baseball. The former Senate Majority Leader will have the authority to expand the probe, which will be made public, into events before Fall of 2002, covering a period when the substances became banned by major league baseball.

Outfielder Marquis Grissom announces his retirement after a 17-year major league career that saw him play with six teams. A two-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, he finished with 429 stolen bases, including a career-high 78 in 1992. Grissom leaves as one of seven players with 2,000 hits, 200 home runs and 400 stolen bases.

ByTom

Outfielder Marquis Grissom announces his retirement after a 17-year major league career that saw him play with six teams. A two-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, he finished with 429 stolen bases, including a career-high 78 in 1992. Grissom leaves as one of seven players with 2,000 hits, 200 home runs and 400 stolen bases.

Lenny Harris, the career leader in pinch hits, is released from the Florida Marlins after being told he would not make the team. Harris, 41, has 212 career pinch hits, 62 more than second-place Manny Mota. Last year, Harris batted .314 with one home run and 13 RBI, as he set Marlins franchise records with 19 pinch hits and 13 pinch-hit RBI.

ByTom

Lenny Harris, the career leader in pinch hits, is released from the Florida Marlins after being told he would not make the team. Harris, 41, has 212 career pinch hits, 62 more than second-place Manny Mota. Last year, Harris batted .314 with one home run and 13 RBI, as he set Marlins franchise records with 19 pinch hits and 13 pinch-hit RBI.

2006 – Infielder Tony Graffanino is claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals, returning to the team that traded him to the Boston Red Sox eight months ago.

ByTom

2006 – Infielder Tony Graffanino is claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Royals, returning to the team that traded him to the Boston Red Sox eight months ago.

The insurance claim filed by the Astros in January to get back approximately $15.6 million of Jeff Bagwell’s $17 million guaranteed contract is denied by the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. The insurers cite no adverse change in the 37 year-old first baseman’s condition between the end of last season and the Jan. 31, 2006 policy.

ByTom

The insurance claim filed by the Astros in January to get back approximately $15.6 million of Jeff Bagwell’s $17 million guaranteed contract is denied by the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. The insurers cite no adverse change in the 37 year-old first baseman’s condition between the end of last season and the Jan. 31, 2006 policy.

2006 – Two days after minor league umpires said they intend to strike, management’s lawyer denies that unfair labor practices have been committed.

ByTom

2006 – Two days after minor league umpires said they intend to strike, management’s lawyer denies that unfair labor practices have been committed.

2006 – St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Larry Bigbie is expected to be sidelined two to three weeks with a stress fracture of his left foot, and Seattle Mariners starting center fielder Jeremy Reed has a broken bone in his right wrist and could miss six weeks.

ByTom

2006 – St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Larry Bigbie is expected to be sidelined two to three weeks with a stress fracture of his left foot, and Seattle Mariners starting center fielder Jeremy Reed has a broken bone in his right wrist and could miss six weeks.

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2006 – Jeff Bagwell announces he may undergo “last resort” surgery to remove bone spurs in his aching right shoulder in a final attempt to resume his playing career. Bagwell, the subject of much off-season speculation and a $15.6 million dollar insurance claim, will go on the disabled list. Two days later, the insurance claim is denied but the Astros say litigation is likely. 

ByTom

2006 – Jeff Bagwell announces he may undergo “last resort” surgery to remove bone spurs in his aching right shoulder in a final attempt to resume his playing career. Bagwell, the subject of much off-season speculation and a $15.6 million dollar insurance claim, will go on the disabled list. Two days later, the insurance claim is denied but the Astros say litigation is likely. 

The Kansas City Royals will start the season without pitcher Zack Greinke, and it remains uncertain when he will return. Greinke left spring training February 26th for unspecified personal reasons to return to his home in Orlando, Florida. He is later diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, but will make a remarkable comeback after undergoing treatment which will cause him to miss most of this season, and will win the 2009 American League Cy Young Award.

ByTom

The Kansas City Royals will start the season without pitcher Zack Greinke, and it remains uncertain when he will return. Greinke left spring training February 26th for unspecified personal reasons to return to his home in Orlando, Florida. He is later diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, but will make a remarkable comeback after undergoing treatment which will cause him to miss most of this season, and will win the 2009 American League Cy Young Award.