After losing the right-hander to free-agency two seasons ago, the Cubs sign Kerry Wood, one of the franchise’s most popular players of the recent past, to a $1.5 million, one-year deal that includes bonuses for appearances and games finished. After attending Ron Santo’s funeral last week, the 33 year-old free-agent reached out to Tom Ricketts, letting the club owner know he would accept a modest offer to return to the North Side of Chicago.

ByThis Day in Baseball

After losing the right-hander to free-agency two seasons ago, the Cubs sign Kerry Wood, one of the franchise’s most popular players of the recent past, to a $1.5 million, one-year deal that includes bonuses for appearances and games finished. After attending Ron Santo’s funeral last week, the 33 year-old free-agent reached out to Tom Ricketts, letting the club owner know he would accept a modest offer to return to the North Side of Chicago.

A flurry of deals take place today before the holiday break rolls in. San Diego’s deal for SS Jason Bartlett, rumored for a week already, is officially completed, with prospects Adam Russell, Brandon Gomes, Cesar Ramos and Cole Figueroa heading to Tampa Bay. The Padres then complete the revamp of their infield by signing free agent 2B Orlando Hudson for two years. Hudson’s former team, the Twins, in turn announce they have reached a deal with Japanese infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka for three years.

ByTom

A flurry of deals take place today before the holiday break rolls in. San Diego’s deal for SS Jason Bartlett, rumored for a week already, is officially completed, with prospects Adam Russell, Brandon Gomes, Cesar Ramos and Cole Figueroa heading to Tampa Bay. The Padres then complete the revamp of their infield by signing free agent 2B Orlando Hudson for two years. Hudson’s former team, the Twins, in turn announce they have reached a deal with Japanese infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka for three years.

The Yankees bring Pedro Feliciano across town, signing the rubber-armed reliever from the Mets. The Astros sign utility player Bill Hall to strengthen their bench and the Athletics claim P Philip Humber on waivers from the Royals.

ByTom

The Yankees bring Pedro Feliciano across town, signing the rubber-armed reliever from the Mets. The Astros sign utility player Bill Hall to strengthen their bench and the Athletics claim P Philip Humber on waivers from the Royals.

In a Mexican Pacific League game, OF Jeff Salazar of the Yaquis de Obregon is on second base after a steal when P Alejandro Martinez of the Aguilas de Mexicali hits him in the leg on a pick-off attempt. While, the ball rolls in to the outfield, Salazar and 2B Oswaldo Morejon begin a heated conversation that turns into a fight, which ends with Morejon delivering a knock-out punch to Salazar. With Salazar lying unconscious behind the bag, the benches clear, resulting in the ejection of both players, and six suspensions being handed out.

ByTom

In a Mexican Pacific League game, OF Jeff Salazar of the Yaquis de Obregon is on second base after a steal when P Alejandro Martinez of the Aguilas de Mexicali hits him in the leg on a pick-off attempt. While, the ball rolls in to the outfield, Salazar and 2B Oswaldo Morejon begin a heated conversation that turns into a fight, which ends with Morejon delivering a knock-out punch to Salazar. With Salazar lying unconscious behind the bag, the benches clear, resulting in the ejection of both players, and six suspensions being handed out.

In other deals, P Jesse Crain signs with the White Sox, P Matt Guerrier heads to the Dodgers, while the Red Sox add Ps Matt Albers, Andrew Miller, Lenny DiNardo and Rich Hill.

ByTom

In other deals, P Jesse Crain signs with the White Sox, P Matt Guerrier heads to the Dodgers, while the Red Sox add Ps Matt Albers, Andrew Miller, Lenny DiNardo and Rich Hill.

P Bobby Jenks changes the color of his socks, agreeing to a two-year deal with the Red Sox after spending his entire career with the White Sox.

ByTom

P Bobby Jenks changes the color of his socks, agreeing to a two-year deal with the Red Sox after spending his entire career with the White Sox.

The Athletics trade for OF Josh Willingham with the Nationals, giving up youngsters Henry Rodriguez and Corey Brown in return. The patient power-hitting Willingham, like newly-signed DH Hideki Matsui, is a throwback to the “Moneyball” type of player whom A’s general manager Billy Beane favored in the 2000s.

ByTom

The Athletics trade for OF Josh Willingham with the Nationals, giving up youngsters Henry Rodriguez and Corey Brown in return. The patient power-hitting Willingham, like newly-signed DH Hideki Matsui, is a throwback to the “Moneyball” type of player whom A’s general manager Billy Beane favored in the 2000s.

Indian great Bob Feller wins his 200th major league game

Hall of Famer Bob Feller, one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, dies at age 92

ByThis Day in Baseball

Hall of Famer Bob Feller, one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, dies at age 92. “Rapid Robert” made his major league debut at 17 and had the best fastball of his generation. He lost a good part of his prime years while serving with great distinction in the US Navy during World War II and spent his entire career with the Cleveland Indians, for whom he posted six 20-win seasons and pitched three no-hitters. He led the Indians to their last World Championship in 1948.