Only a few hours after Alex Rodriguez confirms he has spoken directly with the Steinbrenner family; reports start to surface that the Yankees and their third baseman are close to a multi-year deal that would be worth as much as $290 million. The move is seen, in part, as an attempt to soften the harsh criticism incurred when A-Rod, through his agent Scott Boras, announced his decision to opt out of his contract with the team during Game 4 of the World Series.

ByBaseball

Only a few hours after Alex Rodriguez confirms he has spoken directly with the Steinbrenner family; reports start to surface that the Yankees and their third baseman are close to a multi-year deal that would be worth as much as $290 million. The move is seen, in part, as an attempt to soften the harsh criticism incurred when A-Rod, through his agent Scott Boras, announced his decision to opt out of his contract with the team during Game 4 of the World Series.

Eric Wedge becomes the first Indians skipper to be selected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America as the American League Manager of the Year. The 39 year-old skipper led the Tribe to the AL Central title, compiling a 96-66 record during the regular season.

ByBaseball

Eric Wedge becomes the first Indians skipper to be selected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America as the American League Manager of the Year. The 39 year-old skipper led the Tribe to the AL Central title, compiling a 96-66 record during the regular season.

Bob Melvin is named National League Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. The Diamondbacks skipper, who led the club to a league-best 90 victories, also was selected by his fellow managers for the same honor in The Sporting News poll.

ByBaseball

Bob Melvin is named National League Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. The Diamondbacks skipper, who led the club to a league-best 90 victories, also was selected by his fellow managers for the same honor in The Sporting News poll.

Major League Baseball announces the World Champion Red Sox will take on the A’s in the 2008 season opener on March 25 at the Tokyo Dome. The Opening Day game will mark the third time the regular major league season has started in Japan.

ByBaseball

Major League Baseball announces the World Champion Red Sox will take on the A’s in the 2008 season opener on March 25 at the Tokyo Dome. The Opening Day game will mark the third time the regular major league season has started in Japan.

CC Sabathia beats out Red Sox ace Josh Beckett for the American League Cy Young Award

ByBaseball

Given their postseason match-ups of the CYA candidates, many baseball observers are surprised when CC Sabathia (19-7, 3.21) beats out Red Sox ace Josh Beckett (20-7, 3.27) for the American League Cy Young Award. In the ALCS, the 27 year-old Indian southpaw faced Beckett twice and lost each time, but voting takes place at the end of the regular season.

The New York Yankees re-sign catcher Jorge Posada for $52.4 million over four years. This makes Posada the highest-paid catcher in major league history, edging out Mike Piazza’s $13 million average from 1999-2005.

ByBaseball

The New York Yankees re-sign catcher Jorge Posada for $52.4 million over four years. This makes Posada the highest-paid catcher in major league history, edging out Mike Piazza’s $13 million average from 1999-2005.

In the closest election since 1980 when the current voting method was initiated (5 points for 1st, 3 points for second, and 1 point for third), the Baseball Writers’ Association of America selects Ryan Braun as the National League Rookie of the Year. The Brewers’ third baseman, by a margin of just two points, edges Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who was listed first on more than half of the BBWAA ballots.

ByBaseball

In the closest election since 1980 when the current voting method was initiated (5 points for 1st, 3 points for second, and 1 point for third), the Baseball Writers’ Association of America selects Ryan Braun as the National League Rookie of the Year. The Brewers’ third baseman, by a margin of just two points, edges Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who was listed first on more than half of the BBWAA ballots.

Dustin Pedroia (.317, 8, 50) becomes the sixth Red Sox player and the first to win the American League Rookie of the Year since Nomar Garciaparra’s selection in 1997. The 5’9″ second baseman, who was listed first on 24 of the 28 BBWAA ballots, easily outdistances Rays outfielder Delmon Young (.288, 13, 93).

ByBaseball

Dustin Pedroia (.317, 8, 50) becomes the sixth Red Sox player and the first to win the American League Rookie of the Year since Nomar Garciaparra’s selection in 1997. The 5’9″ second baseman, who was listed first on 24 of the 28 BBWAA ballots, easily outdistances Rays outfielder Delmon Young (.288, 13, 93).

Curt Schilling agrees to terms to stay with the World Champion Red Sox. The $8 million, one-year deal includes an additional $5 million in bonuses, $3 million based on innings pitched, and another $2 million based on the right-hander’s weight.

ByBaseball

Curt Schilling agrees to terms to stay with the World Champion Red Sox. The $8 million, one-year deal includes an additional $5 million in bonuses, $3 million based on innings pitched, and another $2 million based on the right-hander’s weight.

At their annual meeting, baseball’s general managers vote 25-5 in favor of using instant replays on a limited basis. The proposal, which owners, players, and umpires will need to approve of making the use of video a reality, would be utilized only in determining home run calls in doubt due to possible fan interference, balls clearing the fence, and balls near or over the foul pole.

ByBaseball

At their annual meeting, baseball’s general managers vote 25-5 in favor of using instant replays on a limited basis. The proposal, which owners, players, and umpires will need to approve of making the use of video a reality, would be utilized only in determining home run calls in doubt due to possible fan interference, balls clearing the fence, and balls near or over the foul pole.