During year-end celebrations, a shooting takes place in Luperon, a town on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, leaving a 25-year-old man dead and his 17-year-old brother wounded. Three days later, police announce that the main suspect is Orioles pitcher Alfredo Simon, who claims his innocence but goes in hiding in his hometown of Santiago. He will surrender to police on January 3rd.

The Orioles sign veteran 1B Derrek Lee to a one-year contract.

2010 – For the first time, New Yankee Stadium is host to a football game, the first Pinstripe Bowl pitting Syracuse University and Kansas State University. It renews with an old tradition, as Yankee Stadium was a regular venue for college football games before its renovation in the 1970s. Syracuse defeats Kansas State 36-34 in a closely-fought game.

2010 – The Blue Jays sign P Octavio Dotel to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million.

The Brewers continue to add pitchers, today inking veteran reliever Takashi Saito, who will be 41 on Opening Day, to a one-year contract.

The Mets acquire IF Chin-lung Hu from the Dodgers in return for P Michael Antonini.

2010 – Having lost Cliff Lee earlier this month, the Rangers sign another former Cy Young Award winner to bolster their starting rotation. Brandon Webb, who last pitched in April of 2009 before being felled by shoulder injuries is expected to be fit for spring training as he joins the defending American League champs. However, he won’t pitch at all in 2011.

Ricky Nolasco, recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, has agreed to a $26.5 million, three-year deal to stay with the Marlins. The Florida right-hander, who has compiled a 54-39 record along with a 4.45 ERA during his five seasons with the Fish, will remain the team’s #2 starter behind Josh Johnson.

2010 – The Padres sign former All-Star OF Brad Hawpe to be their new first baseman, replacing Adrian Gonzalez, who was traded to the Red Sox earlier this month.