The Diamondbacks acquire All-Star catcher Johnny Estrada (.261, 4, 39) from the Braves for a pair of right-handed relievers, Lance Cormier (7-3, 5.11) and Oscar Villarreal (2-0, 5.27). The deal, which is the first for Arizona’s new general manager Josh Byrnes, fills the D-Backs’ need for a starting backstop and provides Atlanta to give emerging rookie Brian McCann more playing time.

ByTom

The Diamondbacks acquire All-Star catcher Johnny Estrada (.261, 4, 39) from the Braves for a pair of right-handed relievers, Lance Cormier (7-3, 5.11) and Oscar Villarreal (2-0, 5.27). The deal, which is the first for Arizona’s new general manager Josh Byrnes, fills the D-Backs’ need for a starting backstop and provides Atlanta to give emerging rookie Brian McCann more playing time.

2005 – The Toronto Blue Jays award a five-year, $55 million contract to highly-coveted starting pitcher A.J. Burnett, formerly of the Florida Marlins. The contract includes an opt-out clause after the 2008 season, which Burnett will exercise to reap even more riches from the New York Yankees.

ByTom

2005 – The Toronto Blue Jays award a five-year, $55 million contract to highly-coveted starting pitcher A.J. Burnett, formerly of the Florida Marlins. The contract includes an opt-out clause after the 2008 season, which Burnett will exercise to reap even more riches from the New York Yankees.

Filling a two-month managerial void, the Dodgers hire Grady Little as the team’s skipper. The former Red Sox manager, who compiled an outstanding 188-136 (.580) record in two seasons in Boston in 2002-03, is best remembered for not pulling a tiring Pedro Martinez during the eighth inning of ill-fated Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS.

ByTom

Filling a two-month managerial void, the Dodgers hire Grady Little as the team’s skipper. The former Red Sox manager, who compiled an outstanding 188-136 (.580) record in two seasons in Boston in 2002-03, is best remembered for not pulling a tiring Pedro Martinez during the eighth inning of ill-fated Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS.

2005 – Reaching a preliminary deal with the Dodgers a day before baseball’s winter meetings, Rafael Furcal agrees to a $39-million, three-year contract to play shortstop in the City of Angels. The 28-year old Dominican infielder was also strongly pursued by the Braves, his former team for the past six seasons, and the Cubs.

ByTom

2005 – Reaching a preliminary deal with the Dodgers a day before baseball’s winter meetings, Rafael Furcal agrees to a $39-million, three-year contract to play shortstop in the City of Angels. The 28-year old Dominican infielder was also strongly pursued by the Braves, his former team for the past six seasons, and the Cubs.

Rafael Furcal, reaching a preliminary deal with the Dodgers a day before baseball’s winter meetings, agrees to a $39 million, three-year contract to play shortstop in the City of Angels. The 28 year-old Dominican infielder was also strongly pursued by the Braves, his former team for the past six seasons, and the Cubs.

ByTom

Rafael Furcal, reaching a preliminary deal with the Dodgers a day before baseball’s winter meetings, agrees to a $39 million, three-year contract to play shortstop in the City of Angels. The 28 year-old Dominican infielder was also strongly pursued by the Braves, his former team for the past six seasons, and the Cubs.

In an effort to replace Billy Wagner, who joined the Mets as a free agent earlier in the week, the Phillies sign right-hander Tom Gordon to be the team’s closer. The 38 year-old former Yankee set up man agrees to an $18 million, three-year deal to hurl for the City of Brotherly Love.

ByTom

In an effort to replace Billy Wagner, who joined the Mets as a free agent earlier in the week, the Phillies sign right-hander Tom Gordon to be the team’s closer. The 38 year-old former Yankee set up man agrees to an $18 million, three-year deal to hurl for the City of Brotherly Love.

The Los Angeles Angels sign reliever Hector Carrasco to a two-year contract and veteran outfielder Tim Salmon to a minor league contract. Salmon missed all of last season with an injury, but will come back to play 76 games before retiring at the end of the year.

ByTom

The Los Angeles Angels sign reliever Hector Carrasco to a two-year contract and veteran outfielder Tim Salmon to a minor league contract. Salmon missed all of last season with an injury, but will come back to play 76 games before retiring at the end of the year.