In other signings, the Yankees add C Russell Martin as well as P Mark Prior, who gets a minor league contract and an invitation to spring training.

ByTom

In other signings, the Yankees add C Russell Martin as well as P Mark Prior, who gets a minor league contract and an invitation to spring training.

News reports announce that the most sought-after free agent of this off-season, P Cliff Lee, is headed to Philadelphia, where he played in the second half of 2009. The Yankees, Rangers and Red Sox were also ardently pursuing Lee, whose contract is estimated to be worth $120 million over 5 years.

ByTom

News reports announce that the most sought-after free agent of this off-season, P Cliff Lee, is headed to Philadelphia, where he played in the second half of 2009. The Yankees, Rangers and Red Sox were also ardently pursuing Lee, whose contract is estimated to be worth $120 million over 5 years.

Canada Post announces that it will feature Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins on a postage stamp that commemorates black history month next February.

ByTom

Canada Post announces that it will feature Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins on a postage stamp that commemorates black history month next February.

“He was a guy who was a class act and he meant more to the city than the players. When he walked down the street people knew him. He’s more recognizable than any player that’s been here.” – KEN GRIFFEY, JR., former Mariners superstar speaking of Dave Niehaus in a video message played at a Safeco Field tribute to the late broadcaster. The Mariners honor Dave Niehaus, the team’s long-time broadcaster, who died suddenly last month, with a Safeco Field ceremony that is attended by his family, team officials, former players, and thousands of fans. The Hall of Fame announcer, a fixture in the Seattle booth since the franchise’s first pitch in 1977, is eulogized Rick Rizzs, who becomes overwhelmed with emotion reminiscing about his broadcast partner for 25 years.

ByTom

“He was a guy who was a class act and he meant more to the city than the players. When he walked down the street people knew him. He’s more recognizable than any player that’s been here.” – KEN GRIFFEY, JR., former Mariners superstar speaking of Dave Niehaus in a video message played at a Safeco Field tribute to the late broadcaster. The Mariners honor Dave Niehaus, the team’s long-time broadcaster, who died suddenly last month, with a Safeco Field ceremony that is attended by his family, team officials, former players, and thousands of fans. The Hall of Fame announcer, a fixture in the Seattle booth since the franchise’s first pitch in 1977, is eulogized Rick Rizzs, who becomes overwhelmed with emotion reminiscing about his broadcast partner for 25 years.

Rays free-agent Carl Crawford agrees to a seven-year, $142-million deal with the Red Sox. The 29 year-old outfielder’s tenure in Boston will be brief when he plays only two disappointing injury-plagued seasons with the team before being traded to the Dodgers as part of a blockbuster trade.

ByTom

Rays free-agent Carl Crawford agrees to a seven-year, $142-million deal with the Red Sox. The 29 year-old outfielder’s tenure in Boston will be brief when he plays only two disappointing injury-plagued seasons with the team before being traded to the Dodgers as part of a blockbuster trade.

2010 – A number of players sign with new teams today, with P Scott Downs agreeing to a three-year deal with the Angels, OF Melky Cabrera going to the Royals, who immediately proclaim him their new starting centerfielder, the Astros signing P Ryan Rowland-Smith, the Brewers adding C Wil Nieves, and the Pirates coming to terms with P Scott Olsen.

ByTom

2010 – A number of players sign with new teams today, with P Scott Downs agreeing to a three-year deal with the Angels, OF Melky Cabrera going to the Royals, who immediately proclaim him their new starting centerfielder, the Astros signing P Ryan Rowland-Smith, the Brewers adding C Wil Nieves, and the Pirates coming to terms with P Scott Olsen.

The 2010 Rule V draft is held on the last day of the Winter Meetings. SS Josh Rodriguez, selected by Pittsburgh from Cleveland is the top pick, but pitchers dominate the proceedings, representing 16 of the 19 picks. No player with major league experience is taken.

ByTom

The 2010 Rule V draft is held on the last day of the Winter Meetings. SS Josh Rodriguez, selected by Pittsburgh from Cleveland is the top pick, but pitchers dominate the proceedings, representing 16 of the 19 picks. No player with major league experience is taken.