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.

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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 Seattle Mariners hire Don Wakamatsu as their new manager. He will be the first Asian-American manager in Major League Baseball history.

The Seattle Mariners hire Don Wakamatsu as their new manager. He will be the first Asian-American manager in Major League Baseball history.

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2008 – The Seattle Mariners hire Don Wakamatsu as their new manager. He will be the first Asian-American manager in Major League Baseball history.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

In a five-player trade with the White Sox, the Yankees obtained Nick Swisher and Triple-A right-hander Kaneoka Texeira in exchange for pitching prospects Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez, as well as infielder Wilson Betemit. The Bronx Bombers plan to use the flexible 27 year-old switch hitter to replace departing first baseman Jason Giambi but could be moved to the outfield if the team acquires a big name free agent to play first.

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In a five-player trade with the White Sox, the Yankees obtained Nick Swisher and Triple-A right-hander Kaneoka Texeira in exchange for pitching prospects Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez, as well as infielder Wilson Betemit. The Bronx Bombers plan to use the flexible 27 year-old switch hitter to replace departing first baseman Jason Giambi but could be moved to the outfield if the team acquires a big name free agent to play first.

With a year left on his contract, Ron Gardenhire agrees to a two-year extension to remain as the Twins skipper through 2001. The 51 year-old manager, who replaced Tom Kelly in 2002, has compiled a 622-512 record during his seven-year tenure in Minnesota, winning four division titles with the small market team.

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With a year left on his contract, Ron Gardenhire agrees to a two-year extension to remain as the Twins skipper through 2001. The 51 year-old manager, who replaced Tom Kelly in 2002, has compiled a 622-512 record during his seven-year tenure in Minnesota, winning four division titles with the small market team.

The Yankees look to upgrade their offense by trading for OF Nick Swisher. They also pick up P Kanekoa Texeira in the deal with the Chicago White Sox, while giving up prospect Jeff Marquez, infielder Wilson Betemit and pitcher Jhonny Nunez.

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The Yankees look to upgrade their offense by trading for OF Nick Swisher. They also pick up P Kanekoa Texeira in the deal with the Chicago White Sox, while giving up prospect Jeff Marquez, infielder Wilson Betemit and pitcher Jhonny Nunez.

Lou Piniella wins the National League Manager of the Year award after leading the Cubs to the postseason for the second consecutive season. The fiery skipper also won the AL honor in 1995 and 2001 while managing in Seattle.

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Lou Piniella wins the National League Manager of the Year award after leading the Cubs to the postseason for the second consecutive season. The fiery skipper also won the AL honor in 1995 and 2001 while managing in Seattle.

The Athletics trade former closer Huston Street, starter Greg Smith and prospect Carlos González to the Rockies for former batting champion Matt Holliday.

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The Athletics trade former closer Huston Street, starter Greg Smith and prospect Carlos González to the Rockies for former batting champion Matt Holliday.