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2004 – Lefthander Jeriome Robertson is dealt to the Cleveland Indians for two minor league outfielders, Willy Taveras and Luke Scott. Taveras had been claimed by Houston in the Rule V draft but had been waived and returned to Cleveland before the trade. Robertson had a 15-9 rookie season in Houston but found himself out of the rotation after the Astros snared Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens in free agency. 

ByTom

2004 – Lefthander Jeriome Robertson is dealt to the Cleveland Indians for two minor league outfielders, Willy Taveras and Luke Scott. Taveras had been claimed by Houston in the Rule V draft but had been waived and returned to Cleveland before the trade. Robertson had a 15-9 rookie season in Houston but found himself out of the rotation after the Astros snared Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens in free agency. 

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2004 – Roger Clemens becomes the majors’ first ten-game winner by nipping the Pirates, 3-2, but the buzz is about a three-way trade with Kansas City and Oakland that brings All-Star outfielder Carlos Beltran to Houston for closer Octavio Dotel, minor league catcher John Buck and cash. The Astros greet Beltran in fourth place in the Central Division, just four games over .500 and five games behind St. Louis in the standings. 

ByThis Day in Baseball

2004 – Roger Clemens becomes the majors’ first ten-game winner by nipping the Pirates, 3-2, but the buzz is about a three-way trade with Kansas City and Oakland that brings All-Star outfielder Carlos Beltran to Houston for closer Octavio Dotel, minor league catcher John Buck and cash. The Astros greet Beltran in fourth place in the Central Division, just four games over .500 and five games behind St. Louis in the standings. 

After the Devil Rays decline his 2005 $8 million contract option, Tino Martinez (.262, 23, 76) signs a one-year, $3 million contract to rejoin the Yankees. The popular 37 year-old first baseman, acquired as insurance in the event Jason Giambi’s (the player who replaced him) health continues to fail, played in the Bronx from 1996-2001.

ByTom

After the Devil Rays decline his 2005 $8 million contract option, Tino Martinez (.262, 23, 76) signs a one-year, $3 million contract to rejoin the Yankees. The popular 37 year-old first baseman, acquired as insurance in the event Jason Giambi’s (the player who replaced him) health continues to fail, played in the Bronx from 1996-2001.

Aid originally destined for Nicaragua in memory of the anniversary of Roberto Clemente’s tragic flight 32 years ago, will be sent instead to the earthquake and tsunami victims of Southern Asia

Aid originally destined for Nicaragua in memory of the anniversary of Roberto Clemente’s tragic flight 32 years ago, will be sent instead to the earthquake and tsunami victims of Southern Asia

ByTom

2004 – Aid originally destined for Nicaragua in memory of the anniversary of Roberto Clemente’s tragic flight 32 years ago, will be sent instead to the earthquake and tsunami victims of Southern Asia. Roberto Clemente Jr., who with the help of the Project Club Clemente, collected two tons of supplies and raised nearly $20,000 dollars in efforts to reenact his father’s unfinished mission, decides to postpone the ceremonial flight and divert the relief to help those in most desperate need right now.

After the Cubs decline Moises Alou’s (.293, 39, 106) contract option, the Giants ink the free agent outfielder to a one-year contract with an option for a second year. The signing marks the second time the All-Star will be managed by his dad Felipe, as he did playing with the Expos from 1992-96.

ByTom

After the Cubs decline Moises Alou’s (.293, 39, 106) contract option, the Giants ink the free agent outfielder to a one-year contract with an option for a second year. The signing marks the second time the All-Star will be managed by his dad Felipe, as he did playing with the Expos from 1992-96.

Major League Season RecapMajor League Baseball Season Recap 2004

ByThis Day in Baseball

Major League Season Recap 2004 World Series – Boston Red Sox AL over St. Louis Cardinals NL 4 games to 0 World Series MVP – Manny Ramirez Babe Ruth Award – Keith Foulke Championship Series ALCS Boston Red Sox over New York Yankees 4 games to 3 ALCS MVP – David Ortiz NLCS St. Louis Cardinals over Houston Astros 4…

2004 – Boston Red Sox catcher and team leader Jason Varitek agrees to a four-year deal to stay in Boston. Joining Mike Menosky, Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice, Varitek is also named captain of the team.

ByTom

2004 – Boston Red Sox catcher and team leader Jason Varitek agrees to a four-year deal to stay in Boston. Joining Mike Menosky, Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Rice, Varitek is also named captain of the team.

The St. Louis Cardinals sign former Anaheim Angels shortstop David Eckstein to a three-year contract

ByThis Day in Baseball

The St. Louis Cardinals sign former Anaheim Angels shortstop David Eckstein to a three-year contract. Eckstein will replace Edgar Renteria, who signed with the Boston Red Sox a few days ago, making the Boston shortstop, Orlando Cabrera, available to Anaheim, the team Eckstein is leaving.

Free agent outfielder J.D. Drew, who hit .305 with 31 home runs and 118 RBI for the Atlanta Braves, signs a five-year, $55 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After being traded by the Cardinals to Atlanta last season, Drew, well-known to be injury prone, played in a career-high 145 games.

ByTom

Free agent outfielder J.D. Drew, who hit .305 with 31 home runs and 118 RBI for the Atlanta Braves, signs a five-year, $55 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After being traded by the Cardinals to Atlanta last season, Drew, well-known to be injury prone, played in a career-high 145 games.

former major league infielder Doug Ault dies in Tarpon Springs, Florida, from a self-inflicted gun shot wound

ByThis Day in Baseball

On December 22, 2004, former major league infielder Doug Ault dies in Tarpon Springs, Florida, from a self-inflicted gun shot wound. Ault slugged a pair of home runs in the Blue Jays first game in franchise history on opening day in 1977, and later managed in the Toronto organization.