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.

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.

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.

After spending the previous six seasons with the Giants, the 2000 National League MVP Jeff Kent (.313, 37, 108 ) signs an $18.2 million, two-year contract with the Astros. The 34-year-old Texas resident’s presence on the team moves four-time second base Gold Glove winner Craig Biggio to the outfield.

ByTom

After spending the previous six seasons with the Giants, the 2000 National League MVP Jeff Kent (.313, 37, 108 ) signs an $18.2 million, two-year contract with the Astros. The 34-year-old Texas resident’s presence on the team moves four-time second base Gold Glove winner Craig Biggio to the outfield.

After spending the previous six seasons with the Giants, the 2000 National League MVP Jeff Kent (.313, 37, 108) signs an $18.2 million, two-year contract with the Astros. The 34 year-old Texas resident’s presence on the team moves four-time second base Gold Glove winner Craig Biggio to the outfield.

ByTom

After spending the previous six seasons with the Giants, the 2000 National League MVP Jeff Kent (.313, 37, 108) signs an $18.2 million, two-year contract with the Astros. The 34 year-old Texas resident’s presence on the team moves four-time second base Gold Glove winner Craig Biggio to the outfield.