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Hopes of retaining free agent center fielder Carlos Beltran are dashed when the deadline to re-sign him expires. Beltran had rejected a reported seven-year $105 million dollar offer, the richest in club history, before signing with the New York Mets a few days later. 

Hopes of retaining free agent center fielder Carlos Beltran are dashed when the deadline to re-sign him expires. Beltran had rejected a reported seven-year $105 million dollar offer, the richest in club history, before signing with the New York Mets a few days later. 

Bud Selig okays the trade which will send Shawn Green to the Diamondbacks

Bud Selig okays the trade which will send Shawn Green to the Diamondbacks

Bud Selig okays the trade which will send Shawn Green to the Diamondbacks, dependent on the team and the outfielder coming to terms on a contract extension within 72 hours. The commissioner’s approval is necessary because the Dodgers will pay $8 million to help offset Green’s current contract in the finalized deal.

The long-anticipated trade of Nomar Garciaparra is finally accomplished

The long-anticipated trade of Nomar Garciaparra is finally accomplished

The long-anticipated trade of Nomar Garciaparra is finally accomplished as the Red Sox shortstop is traded to the Cubs in a four-team deal which includes the Twins and Expos. Chicago first acquires shortstop Orlando Cabrera from the Expos for shortstop Alex Gonzalez, relief pitcher Francis Beltran and minor leaguer Brendan Harris. They then pry 1B Doug Mientkiewicz from the Twins for minor league southpaw Justin Jones. Finally, Chicago flips its two new acquisitions to the Bosox for Garciaparra, prospect Matt Murton and cash.

The Padres trade starting pitcher Oliver Perez, along with prospect Jason Bay, to the Pirates for outfielder Brian Giles. The Canadian-born Bay will be selected as the National League’s Rookie of the Year next season.

The Padres trade starting pitcher Oliver Perez, along with prospect Jason Bay, to the Pirates for outfielder Brian Giles. The Canadian-born Bay will be selected as the National League’s Rookie of the Year next season.

The Padres trade starting pitcher Oliver Perez, along with prospect Jason Bay, to the Pirates for outfielder Brian Giles. The Canadian-born Bay will be selected as the National League’s Rookie of the Year next season.

Houston veterans are stunned to learn that 11 year Astro pitcher Shane Reynolds was released

2003 – Houston veterans are stunned to learn that pitcher Shane Reynolds, who had been with the team since 1992, has been released. Coming off back surgery and having a shaky spring, the Astros pull the plug on an incentive-laden deal that could have been worth as much as $5 million dollars to Reynolds. Penciled in as the third starter, Reynolds comments that he thought he was just sharpening up for the season and didn’t need to compete for a job. He soon finds a new home pitching for Atlanta, posting an 11-9 record. 

Chunichi Dragons return Kevin Millar to the Marlins for an undisclosed amount of money for relinquishing its rights

Chunichi Dragons return Kevin Millar to the Marlins for an undisclosed amount of money for relinquishing its rights

2003 – After much speculation, the Chunichi Dragons return Kevin Millar to the Marlins for an undisclosed amount of money for relinquishing its rights. After reconsidering an offer from the Boston Red Sox, Millar had a change of heart and does not want to play for the Japanese Central League team.

After bringing the Giants to the brink of a world championship, Russ Ortiz (14-10, 3.78) is traded by San Francisco to the Braves for sophomore southpaw Damian Moss (12-6, 4.11) and minor league prospect Manuel Mateo. The 27-year old right-hander left Game 6 of the World Series with 5 – 0 lead, but the Giants bullpen was unable to hold the lead and lost the series to the Angels in seven games.

After bringing the Giants to the brink of a world championship, Russ Ortiz (14-10, 3.78) is traded by San Francisco to the Braves for sophomore southpaw Damian Moss (12-6, 4.11) and minor league prospect Manuel Mateo. The 27-year old right-hander left Game 6 of the World Series with 5 – 0 lead, but the Giants bullpen was unable to hold the lead and lost the series to the Angels in seven games.

After bringing the Giants to the brink of a world championship, Russ Ortiz (14-10, 3.78) is traded by San Francisco to the Braves for sophomore southpaw Damian Moss (12-6, 4.11) and minor league prospect Manuel Mateo. The 27-year old right-hander left Game 6 of the World Series with 5 – 0 lead, but the Giants bullpen was unable to hold the lead and lost the series to the Angels in seven games.