Two free agent pitchers sign contracts, Chad Fox with the Red Sox and Jay Witasick with the Padres. Meanwhile, free agent outfielder Chris Singleton sign with Oakland.

ByTom

Two free agent pitchers sign contracts, Chad Fox with the Red Sox and Jay Witasick with the Padres. Meanwhile, free agent outfielder Chris Singleton sign with Oakland.

In a deal which prompts a Boston Red Sox official to call the New York Yankees an “evil empire”, Cuban defector Jose Contreras agrees to terms on a four-year contract with New York. Contreras, who was considered the top pitcher on Cuba’s national team, was declared a free agent after gaining residency in Nicaragua.

ByTom

In a deal which prompts a Boston Red Sox official to call the New York Yankees an “evil empire”, Cuban defector Jose Contreras agrees to terms on a four-year contract with New York. Contreras, who was considered the top pitcher on Cuba’s national team, was declared a free agent after gaining residency in Nicaragua.

2002 – After declining their club option, the Arizona Diamondbacks decide to retain veteran 1B Mark Grace. A lifetime .305 hitter, Grace agrees to a one-year deal which includes a club option for the 2004 season.

ByTom

2002 – After declining their club option, the Arizona Diamondbacks decide to retain veteran 1B Mark Grace. A lifetime .305 hitter, Grace agrees to a one-year deal which includes a club option for the 2004 season.

After rejecting salary arbitration from the Red Sox, Cliff Floyd (.288, 28, 79), agrees to a $26 million, four-year contract deal with the Mets. The 30-year-old outfielder played with the Marlins, Expos and Red Sox last season.

ByTom

After rejecting salary arbitration from the Red Sox, Cliff Floyd (.288, 28, 79), agrees to a $26 million, four-year contract deal with the Mets. The 30-year-old outfielder played with the Marlins, Expos and Red Sox last season.

The Braves trade P Kevin Millwood to the Phillies for C Johnny Estrada. Meanwhile, according to Braves general manager John Schuerholz, “The economics stink. The economics stink, and if this isn’t a clear enough signal to the doubters and naysayers, to be forced to trade an 18-game winner to your arch enemy… The economics stink.” Millwood stunned the Braves’ management by accepting binding salary arbitration when he was expected to leave via free agency, forcing the Braves to trade him in order to stay within budget.

ByTom

The Braves trade P Kevin Millwood to the Phillies for C Johnny Estrada. Meanwhile, according to Braves general manager John Schuerholz, “The economics stink. The economics stink, and if this isn’t a clear enough signal to the doubters and naysayers, to be forced to trade an 18-game winner to your arch enemy… The economics stink.” Millwood stunned the Braves’ management by accepting binding salary arbitration when he was expected to leave via free agency, forcing the Braves to trade him in order to stay within budget.

Hoping to fill the void after trading Eric Karros to the Cubs, the Dodgers reach an agreement with 39-year-old veteran first baseman Fred McGriff (.273, 30, 103) on a one-year deal. The “Crime Dog”, who has also played for the Blue Jays, Padres, Braves and Devil Rays as well as the Cubs, is fourth among active players behind Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Rafael Palmeiro with 478 career homers.

ByTom

Hoping to fill the void after trading Eric Karros to the Cubs, the Dodgers reach an agreement with 39-year-old veteran first baseman Fred McGriff (.273, 30, 103) on a one-year deal. The “Crime Dog”, who has also played for the Blue Jays, Padres, Braves and Devil Rays as well as the Cubs, is fourth among active players behind Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Rafael Palmeiro with 478 career homers.

2002 – One of Japan’s most heralded players, 28-year-old outfield slugger Hideki Matsui (.334, 50, 107), reaches a preliminary agreement with the Yankees on a $21 million, three-year contract. “Godzilla”, the three-time Most Valuable Player of Japan’s Central League, rejected the Yomiuri Giants’ $33 million, four-year offer opting to play for the Bronx Bombers.

ByTom

2002 – One of Japan’s most heralded players, 28-year-old outfield slugger Hideki Matsui (.334, 50, 107), reaches a preliminary agreement with the Yankees on a $21 million, three-year contract. “Godzilla”, the three-time Most Valuable Player of Japan’s Central League, rejected the Yomiuri Giants’ $33 million, four-year offer opting to play for the Bronx Bombers.