The Royals sign 18-year veteran Benito Santiago (279, 11, 56) to a two-year deal. Kansas City hopes the veteran catcher, who is a three-time Gold Glove winner, will provide help to the team’s young pitching staff with his experience.

ByTom

The Royals sign 18-year veteran Benito Santiago (279, 11, 56) to a two-year deal. Kansas City hopes the veteran catcher, who is a three-time Gold Glove winner, will provide help to the team’s young pitching staff with his experience.

Andy Pettitte inks a three-year, $31.5 million deal with his “hometown” Astros. The 31-year-old Texan, who compiled a 149-78 won-loss record with a 3.94 ERA during his nine-year stint in pinstripes, turned down better offers to stay with the Yankees or go to the rival Red Sox.

Andy Pettitte inks a three-year, $31.5 million deal with his “hometown” Astros. The 31-year-old Texan, who compiled a 149-78 won-loss record with a 3.94 ERA during his nine-year stint in pinstripes, turned down better offers to stay with the Yankees or go to the rival Red Sox.

ByTom

Andy Pettitte inks a three-year, $31.5 million deal with his “hometown” Astros. The 31-year-old Texan, who compiled a 149-78 won-loss record with a 3.94 ERA during his nine-year stint in pinstripes, turned down better offers to stay with the Yankees or go to the rival Red Sox.

2003 – Kazuo Matsui, a Japanese seven-time All-Star shortstop, agrees to a three-year $20.1-million deal with the Mets. Twenty-eight-year-old “Little” Matsui hit .305 with 33 home runs while driving in 84 runs last season with the Seibu Lions.

ByTom

2003 – Kazuo Matsui, a Japanese seven-time All-Star shortstop, agrees to a three-year $20.1-million deal with the Mets. Twenty-eight-year-old “Little” Matsui hit .305 with 33 home runs while driving in 84 runs last season with the Seibu Lions.

Uncertain of re-signing starter Kevin Millwood, the Philadelphia Phillies trade reliever Carlos Silva, infielder Nick Punto, and pitcher Danny Mota to the Minnesota Twins for starter Eric Milton. Milton, who missed most of last season after knee surgery, will join the starting rotation which will includes Randy Wolf, Vicente Padilla and Brett Myers.

ByTom

Uncertain of re-signing starter Kevin Millwood, the Philadelphia Phillies trade reliever Carlos Silva, infielder Nick Punto, and pitcher Danny Mota to the Minnesota Twins for starter Eric Milton. Milton, who missed most of last season after knee surgery, will join the starting rotation which will includes Randy Wolf, Vicente Padilla and Brett Myers.

Mike Lowell signs a four-year, $32 million deal with the Marlins. The All-Star third baseman’s contract, however, reverts to a one-year deal with a player option for 2005 if the teams fail to secure financing for a new ballpark by November 1, 2004.

ByTom

Mike Lowell signs a four-year, $32 million deal with the Marlins. The All-Star third baseman’s contract, however, reverts to a one-year deal with a player option for 2005 if the teams fail to secure financing for a new ballpark by November 1, 2004.

Hoping to add punch to their outfield, the A’s trade catcher Ramon Hernandez and disgruntled flychaser Terrence Long to the Padres for outfielder Mark Kotsay. The deal is contingent upon Kotsay’s back gets a clean bill of health.

ByTom

Hoping to add punch to their outfield, the A’s trade catcher Ramon Hernandez and disgruntled flychaser Terrence Long to the Padres for outfielder Mark Kotsay. The deal is contingent upon Kotsay’s back gets a clean bill of health.

2003 – Hoping to add punch to their lineup, the Oakland Athletics trade catcher Ramón Hernandez and disgruntled outfielder Terrence Long to the San Diego Padres for outfielder Mark Kotsay.

ByTom

2003 – Hoping to add punch to their lineup, the Oakland Athletics trade catcher Ramón Hernandez and disgruntled outfielder Terrence Long to the San Diego Padres for outfielder Mark Kotsay.

2003 – The Chicago Cubs trade first baseman Hee Seop Choi (who hit .210 with 10 home runs and 32 RBI) and Mike Nannini to the World Champion Florida Marlins in exchange for Gold Glove first baseman Derrek Lee (.271, 31, 92).

ByTom

2003 – The Chicago Cubs trade first baseman Hee Seop Choi (who hit .210 with 10 home runs and 32 RBI) and Mike Nannini to the World Champion Florida Marlins in exchange for Gold Glove first baseman Derrek Lee (.271, 31, 92).