The trade that sent Sammy Sosa to the Baltimore Orioles from the Chicago Cubs is finalized after Commissioner Bud Selig approves the deal and the slugger passes his physical. Chicago receives second baseman Jerry Hairston, Jr. and two minor leaguers, then signs Jeromy Burnitz as a free agent to replace Sosa in right field.
2005 – The New York Mets sign Carlos Beltran to play center field for the next seven years.
With the Houston Astros offering $13.5 million, Roger Clemens asks for $22 million in salary arbitration. The amount, which would make Clemens the highest-paid pitcher in major league history, surpasses the previous record amount submitted for arbitration of $18.5 million by New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter in 2001.
The North Dakota House of Representatives approves a resolution proclaiming that native son Roger Maris should be elected to the Hall of Fame. The lawmakers’ action, which is sponsored by Rep. Andy Maragos, orders the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the 85 members of the baseball Veterans Committee, which includes the 60 living members enshrined in Cooperstown.
Bud Selig okays the trade which will send Shawn Green to the Diamondbacks, dependent on the team and the outfielder coming to terms on a contract extension within 72 hours. The commissioner’s approval is necessary because the Dodgers will pay $8 million to help offset Green’s current contract in the finalized deal.
Major League Season Recap 2004 World Series – Boston Red Sox AL over St. Louis Cardinals NL 4 games to 0 World Series MVP – Manny Ramirez Babe Ruth Award – Keith Foulke Championship Series ALCS Boston Red Sox over New York Yankees 4 games to 3 ALCS MVP – David Ortiz NLCS St. Louis Cardinals over Houston Astros 4…
The St. Louis Cardinals sign former Anaheim Angels shortstop David Eckstein to a three-year contract. Eckstein will replace Edgar Renteria, who signed with the Boston Red Sox a few days ago, making the Boston shortstop, Orlando Cabrera, available to Anaheim, the team Eckstein is leaving.
On December 22, 2004, former major league infielder Doug Ault dies in Tarpon Springs, Florida, from a self-inflicted gun shot wound. Ault slugged a pair of home runs in the Blue Jays first game in franchise history on opening day in 1977, and later managed in the Toronto organization.
Although the terms of the deal are not made public, Edgar Renteria (.287, 10, 72) inks a four-year contract believed to be worth $40 million with the World Champion Red Sox. The former Cardinal shortstop, who made the last out in the World Series ending Boston’s 86-year drought, replaces fellow Colombian Orlando Cabrera, the player obtained in July in the Nomar Garciaparra trade.
Roger Clemens comes out of retirement to sign with the Houston Astros
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