Yankees and 35-year-old Gary Sheffield  finalize a $39 million, three-year deal

Yankees and 35-year-old Gary Sheffield  finalize a $39 million, three-year deal

2003 – After agreeing to basics weeks ago, the Yankees and 35-year-old Gary Sheffield (.330, 39, 132) finalize a $39 million, three-year deal which includes $13.5 million in deferred money and a $13 million team option for 2007. The seven-time All-Star outfielder played with Braves last year and has spent time with the Padres, Marlins and Dodgers after breaking in with the Brewers in 1988.

Dependent on passing a physical, free agent Kenny Lofton agrees to a one-year pact to play with the Pittsburgh Pirates this season. Lofton will start in center field, moving Brian Giles to left field with LF Reggie Sanders going to right.

Dependent on passing a physical, free agent Kenny Lofton agrees to a one-year pact to play with the Pittsburgh Pirates this season. Lofton will start in center field, moving Brian Giles to left field with LF Reggie Sanders going to right.

Dependent on passing a physical, free agent Kenny Lofton agrees to a one-year pact to play with the Pittsburgh Pirates this season. Lofton will start in center field, moving Brian Giles to left field with LF Reggie Sanders going to right.

2002 – Citing this will probably be his last season, 40-year-old Roger Clemens agrees to a $10.1 million, one-year deal with the New York Yankees. The 19-season veteran, who has won the Cy Young Award six times, is seven victories shy of 300.

2002 – Citing this will probably be his last season, 40-year-old Roger Clemens agrees to a $10.1 million, one-year deal with the New York Yankees. The 19-season veteran, who has won the Cy Young Award six times, is seven victories shy of 300.

2002 – Citing this will probably be his last season, 40-year-old Roger Clemens agrees to a $10.1 million, one-year deal with the New York Yankees. The 19-season veteran, who has won the Cy Young Award six times, is seven victories shy of 300.

Signing a $27 million deal with the Houston Astros, Billy Wagner becomes one of the major leagues’ highest-paid relief pitchers. Wagner will get $8 million in each of the next three seasons with a $9 million club option for 2005 with a $3 million buyout clause.

Signing a $27 million deal with the Houston Astros, Billy Wagner becomes one of the major leagues’ highest-paid relief pitchers. Wagner will get $8 million in each of the next three seasons with a $9 million club option for 2005 with a $3 million buyout clause.

Signing a $27 million deal with the Houston Astros, Billy Wagner becomes one of the major leagues’ highest-paid relief pitchers. Wagner will get $8 million in each of the next three seasons with a $9 million club option for 2005 with a $3 million buyout clause.

Hideo Nomo inks a $13.75 million, two-year deal with the Dodgers

Last season’s American League strikeout leader with 220, free agent Hideo Nomo (13-10, 4.50), inks a $13.75 million, two-year deal with the Dodgers. The former Red Sox right-hander was the National League Rookie of the Year when he broke into the majors with Los Angeles in 1995.

Moises Alou (.331, 27, 108) signs a $27 million, three-year deal with the Cubs

Moises Alou (.331, 27, 108) signs a $27 million, three-year deal with the Cubs

2001 – Free agent Moises Alou (.331, 27, 108) signs a $27 million, three-year deal with the Cubs. The former Astro All-Star’s presence in the Chicago line-up, along with Fred McGriff and Sammy Sosa, will give the team a fearsome 3-4-5 threesome. The Cubs sign also trade OF Michael Tucker to the Royals in exchange for a player to be named.

The Yankees sign free agent 1B Jason Giambi to a seven-year deal worth $120 million. The 2000 MVP and this year’s runner-up drove in 120 runs, hit 38 home runs, and had a .342 batting average for the wild card Oakland A’s this season. In another move, New York acquires OF John Vander Wal from San Francisco in exchange for P Jay Witasick.

The Yankees sign free agent 1B Jason Giambi to a seven-year deal worth $120 million. The 2000 MVP and this year’s runner-up drove in 120 runs, hit 38 home runs, and had a .342 batting average for the wild card Oakland A’s this season. In another move, New York acquires OF John Vander Wal from San Francisco in exchange for P Jay Witasick.

The Yankees sign free agent 1B Jason Giambi to a seven-year deal worth $120 million. The 2000 MVP and this year’s runner-up drove in 120 runs, hit 38 home runs, and had a .342 batting average for the wild card Oakland A’s this season. In another move, New York acquires OF John Vander Wal from San Francisco in exchange for P Jay Witasick.

Alex Rodriguez signs the biggest deal in sports history

Alex Rodriguez signs the biggest deal in sports history

On December 12, 2000 Alex Rodriguez signs the richest contract in sports history, a ten-year deal with the Rangers worth $252 million. The quarter billion dollars doubles the previous high of $126 million paid by the NBA’s Timberwolves to Kevin Garnett in a six-year agreement signed in October, 1997. He will nearly get traded to…