On November 10, 2006, after one season, Hall of Famer Robin Yount steps down as bench coach for the Milwaukee Brewers, citing the desire to spend more time with his family.
2006 – Craig Biggio agrees to a one-year deal with Houston for $5.15 million dollars, avoiding free agency. The 40-year-old is 70 hits shy of 3,000 as he approaches his 20th season with the Astros.
In the first big move of the offseason, the Tigers trade three talented pitching prospects, Humberto Sanchez, Kevin Whelan, and Anthony Claggett, to the Yankees for Gary Sheffield. The deal, which includes a two-year, $28 million contract extension through 2009, reunites the outfield slugger with his 1997 World Series champion Marlins general manager (Dave Dombrowski) and field manager (Jim Leyland).
On November 9, 2006, the Arizona Diamondbacks unveil their new uniforms, which feature a new color scheme of “Sonora” Red and Gray, so named for the desert town north of Phoenix.
On November 7, 2006, Johnny Sain passes away at age 89, in Downers Grove, Illinois. He was a former pitcher who later gained notoriety as one of the most successful and influential pitching coaches in baseball. Sain pitched 11 seasons in the big leagues and won 20 games four times, including three straight seasons….
Greg Maddux wins his sixteenth Gold Glove award, tying the mark held by former Orioles third baseman Brooks Robinson and pitcher Jim Kaat for the most ever won by one player. The Braves right-hander will extend the major league mark to 18 when managers and coaches again select him in 2007 and 2008 as the best fielding pitcher in the National League.
Guillermo Mota is suspended for fifty games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. The 33 year-old Mets reliever becomes the third player penalized under the stricter guidelines implemented this season, joining teammate Yusaku Iriki and Diamondback right-hander Jason Grimsley.
In a move designed to prepare the team’s next manager, the Yankees promote hitting instructor Don Mattingly to bench coach to assist Joe Torre for next season. The Bronx Bombers’ former All-Star first baseman replaces Lee Mazzilli, who will not be brought back by New York.
Joining Don Mattingly (Yankees, 1987), Cal Ripken Jr. (Orioles, 1991), Frank Thomas (White Sox, 1995), Jeff Bagwell (Astros, 1995), and Manny Ramirez (Red Sox, 2002), Cardinal first baseman Albert Pujols becomes the sixth player to get a perfect score (100) in the annual player rankings. The Elias Sports Bureau rating, which was created as part of the settlement of the 1981 strike to determine compensation for the loss of a free agent, takes into account a player’s plate appearances, batting average, on-base percentage, home runs, and RBIs compared to others playing the same position during the two past seasons.
The Astros announce the club will not exercise their option on first baseman Jeff Bagwell for the 2007 season. ‘BagPipes’ is the all-time franchise leader in home runs, RBIs, and walks.
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