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.

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.

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.

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.

Joe Maddon, receiving 27 of the 28 first-place votes cast by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, easily wins the American League Manager of the Year award. The Rays skipper, who succeeded Lou Piniella in 2006, this year’s NL’s choice for the honor, led Tampa Bay to a pennant after the team posted the worst record (66-96) in baseball last season.

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Joe Maddon, receiving 27 of the 28 first-place votes cast by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, easily wins the American League Manager of the Year award. The Rays skipper, who succeeded Lou Piniella in 2006, this year’s NL’s choice for the honor, led Tampa Bay to a pennant after the team posted the worst record (66-96) in baseball last season.

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.

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.

Tim Lincecum wins the 2008 National League Cy Young Award in his first full season in the majors. Lincecum led the league in strikeouts and was second in both wins and ERA. Brandon Webb finishes second for the second consecutive season. The NL Western Division has now produced 8 of the last 10 NL Cy Young Award winners.

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Tim Lincecum wins the 2008 National League Cy Young Award in his first full season in the majors. Lincecum led the league in strikeouts and was second in both wins and ERA. Brandon Webb finishes second for the second consecutive season. The NL Western Division has now produced 8 of the last 10 NL Cy Young Award winners.

The Nationals pick up outfielder Josh Willingham and pitcher Scott Olsen from the Marlins for prospect Emilio Bonifacio and minor leaguers Jake Smolinski and P.J. Dean.

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The Nationals pick up outfielder Josh Willingham and pitcher Scott Olsen from the Marlins for prospect Emilio Bonifacio and minor leaguers Jake Smolinski and P.J. Dean.