Chase Utley is expected to need four to six months to recover from arthroscopic hip surgery performed today at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery. Despite battling the injury for much of the year, the All-Star Phillies second baseman, played a pivotal role in the team’s World Championship this season.

2008 – The Pittsburgh Pirates become the first major league team to sign a player from India. They ink pitchers Rinku Singh and Dinesh Patel, who had not touched a baseball prior to this year, when they participated in a reality show from India, “The Million Dollar Arm Hunt”.

Mike Mussina, a twenty-game winner last season, announces his retirement, ending an 18-year career with the Orioles and the Yankees. ‘Moose,’ who compiled a 270-153 record with a 3.68 ERA, left Baltimore after the 2000 season, signing an $88.5 million, six-year free-agent deal to play in the Bronx.

The 35-year reign of George Steinbrenner as the Yankees boss officially ends when the MLB owners unanimously approve of his son taking control of the franchise. Hal Steinbrenner was appointed co-chairman of the team along with his brother Hank at the start of last season when it became evident their 78 year-old dad was gradually reducing his role as the owner of the storied franchise.

The Royals obtain a much-needed leadoff hitter, acquiring Coco Crisp (.283, 7, 41) from the Red Sox in exchange for setup reliever Ramon Ramirez (3-2, 2.64, 70/71.2). The fleet-footed center fielder became dispensable due to the sensational play of Jacoby Ellsbury in the Boston outfield.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice introduces Ken Griffey, Jr. as an American Public Diplomacy Envoy, a position in which the future Hall of Famer will represent the “values of the United States, not the government of the United States.” The free-agent outfielder, who played for the Reds and White Sox last season, joins Cal Ripken Jr. as a major leaguer serving his country in the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Ryan Dempster (17-6, 2.96) and the Cubs agree to a $52 million, four-year deal. The 31 year-old right-handed starter had been the club’s closer, saving 87 games in 102 chances during the 2005-07 seasons.