Former Red Sox reliever Jonathan Papelbon agrees to a four-year, $50 million free-agent deal to finish games for the Phillies. The contract is the richest ever signed by a closer, surpassing B.J. Ryan’s five-year, $47 million pact with the Blue Jays in 2005.

Former Red Sox reliever Jonathan Papelbon agrees to a four-year, $50 million free-agent deal to finish games for the Phillies. The contract is the richest ever signed by a closer, surpassing B.J. Ryan’s five-year, $47 million pact with the Blue Jays in 2005.

Craig Kimbrel unanimously wins the National League Rookie of the Year award. The Braves’ right-handed closer, who struck out 127 batters in 77 innings, set a major league record for saves by a rookie with 46.

Craig Kimbrel unanimously wins the National League Rookie of the Year award. The Braves’ right-handed closer, who struck out 127 batters in 77 innings, set a major league record for saves by a rookie with 46.

Mike Matheny is named to succeed Tony La Russa, who retired as the manager of the Cardinals a few days after leading the Redbirds to a world championship. The 41 year-old former minor league instructor, who served as a special assistant to general manager John Mozeliak, has no previous managerial experience.

Mike Matheny is named to succeed Tony La Russa, who retired as the manager of the Cardinals a few days after leading the Redbirds to a world championship. The 41 year-old former minor league instructor, who served as a special assistant to general manager John Mozeliak, has no previous managerial experience.

The AL Rookie of the Year Award is announced Tampa Bay P Jeremy Hellickson comes up with the prize on the strength of a 13-10 record and a 2.95 ERA.

Winners of the Rookie of the Year Award are announced in both major leagues. In the National League, Braves reliever Craig Kimbrel is the winner after setting a new rookie record with 46 saves. In the American League, Tampa Bay P Jeremy Hellickson comes up with the prize on the strength of a 13-10 record and a 2.95 ERA.