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2007 – Infielder Mark Loretta is signed to a one-year contract. He bats .296 with the Astros during two stints (2002, 2007-2008), including ten homers. 

2007 – Infielder Mark Loretta is signed to a one-year contract. He bats .296 with the Astros during two stints (2002, 2007-2008), including ten homers. 

Boston Red Sox come to terms with Japanese pitching star Daisuke Matsuzaka on a six-year, $52 million contract
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Boston Red Sox come to terms with Japanese pitching star Daisuke Matsuzaka on a six-year, $52 million contract

On December 13, 2006, the Boston Red Sox come to terms with Japanese pitching star Daisuke Matsuzaka on a six-year, $52 million contract. The Red Sox had also paid $51 million to the Seibu Lions to secure the exclusive negotiating rights with the hurler.

Anaheim right-hander Jared Weaver makes his major league debut and pitches seven shutout innings
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Anaheim right-hander Jared Weaver makes his major league debut and pitches seven shutout innings

On May 27, 2006, Anaheim right-hander Jared Weaver makes his major league debut and pitches seven shutout innings against the Orioles to win. Days earlier, Weaver had been called up from the minor leagues to take the spot ofhis older brother, Jeff, who was waived.

The Texas Rangers complete their six-player trade with the San Diego Padres to acquire starting pitcher Adam Eaton

The Texas Rangers complete their six-player trade with the San Diego Padres to acquire starting pitcher Adam Eaton. Texas also gets relief pitcher Akinori Otsuka and minor league catcher Billy Killian, sending pitcher Chris Young, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and outfielder Terrmel Sledge to San Diego in a deal that will turn out to be outrageously in favor of the Padres.

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Free agent outfielder Preston Wilson signs a one-year deal with the Astros. His time in Houston lasts only through August but he winds up the year celebrating a World’s Championship with the St. Louis Cardinals. 

Free agent outfielder Preston Wilson signs a one-year deal with the Astros. His time in Houston lasts only through August but he winds up the year celebrating a World’s Championship with the St. Louis Cardinals. 

 Red Sox trade Edgar Renteria to the Braves for third base prospect Andy Marte

 Red Sox trade Edgar Renteria to the Braves for third base prospect Andy Marte

After signing the two-time Gold Glove shortstop to a four-year, $40 million deal, the Red Sox trade Edgar Renteria to the Braves for third base prospect Andy Marte. The 30-year-old Colombian infielder, who led the majors with 30 errors last season, will help to fill the void created when free agent Rafael Furcal signed with the Dodgers earlier this week.

Infielder Placido Polanco is sent by the Philadelphia Phillies to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for reliever Ugueth Urbina and utility infielder Ramón Martinez. Urbina, a two-time All-Star as a closer, will become the setup man for Billy Wagner in Philadelphia, and Polanco will become the starting second baseman in Detroit

2005 – Infielder Placido Polanco is sent by the Philadelphia Phillies to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for reliever Ugueth Urbina and utility infielder Ramón Martinez. Urbina, a two-time All-Star as a closer, will become the setup man for Billy Wagner in Philadelphia, and Polanco will become the starting second baseman in Detroit.

The trade that sent Sammy Sosa to the Baltimore Orioles from the Chicago Cubs is finalized

The trade that sent Sammy Sosa to the Baltimore Orioles from the Chicago Cubs is finalized

The trade that sent Sammy Sosa to the Baltimore Orioles from the Chicago Cubs is finalized after Commissioner Bud Selig approves the deal and the slugger passes his physical. Chicago receives second baseman Jerry Hairston, Jr. and two minor leaguers, then signs Jeromy Burnitz as a free agent to replace Sosa in right field.