May 12, 1982, The Minnesota Twins trade Roger Erickson and Butch Wynegar to the New York Yankees for Pete Filson, Larry Milbourne, John Pacella, and cash. People in Minnesota are upset. In the first month of the season, Twins owner Calvin Griffith has traded three Opening Day starters in Wynegar, Roy Smalley, and Rob WIlfong,…
On April 10, 1982, the New York Yankees trade hard-throwing reliever Ron Davis and minor leaguers Greg Gagne and Paul Boris to the Minnesota Twins for infielder Roy Smalley. The trade breaks up the Yankees’ devastating bullpen combination of Davis and Rich Gossage.
On April 1, 1982, the New York Mets trade popular center fielder and teen idol Lee Mazzilli to the Texas Rangers for minor league pitchers Ron Darling and Walt Terrell. Darling will emerge as an important member of the Mets’ starting rotation and a key contributor to their 1986 World Championship…
On March 31, 1982, the Montreal Expos acquire first baseman-outfielder Al Oliver from the Texas Rangers for third baseman Larry Parrish and minor league first baseman Dave Hostetler. Oliver will enjoy a banner season in Montreal, capturing both the National League in hits, doubles, RBI, batting average, total bases, and RBI.
March 3, 1982 Fernando Valenzuela rejects the Dodgers 1982 salary offer of $325,000 and says he’ll hold out until his salary demands are met. Coming off a Rookie of the Year season in which he reportedly made $42,300, Fernando is looking for a deal that would pay him close to $800,000 per season….
Ozzie Smith agrees to go to the Cardinals to complete the December deal that finally sends Gary Templeton to the Padres. An outside arbitrator, Tom Roberts, will determine ‘the Wizard of Oz’s’ Cardinal salary before the season starts, awarding the light-hitting Gold Glove shortstop $450,000, rather than the $750,000 he requested.
On January 28, 1982, the Baltimore Orioles trade third baseman Doug DeCinces – the successor to Brooks Robinson – and pitcher Jeff Schneider to the California Angels for outfielder Dan Ford. DeCinces will have a career year hitting 30 home runs and batting 300. DeCinces was traded to make room for a Rookie Cal Ripken…
On January 27, 1982, the Chicago Cubs make one of their best trades in franchise history, acquiring infielders Ryne Sandberg and Larry Bowa from the Philadelphia Phillies for shortstop Ivan DeJesus. Bowa and DeJesús will have a few more productive seasons in the major leagues, but Sandberg, after starting out his career at third…
On January 22, 1982, free agent slugger Reggie Jackson signs a four-year, $4 million contract with the California Angels. Jackson leaves the New York Yankees after leading them to two world titles in five years.
New York Yankees sign outfielder-first baseman Dave Collins to a free agent contract.
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