First baseman Nick Johnson agrees to a $16.5 million, three-year contract extension with the Washington Nationals, a deal that ties him to the club through the 2009 season.

ByTom

First baseman Nick Johnson agrees to a $16.5 million, three-year contract extension with the Washington Nationals, a deal that ties him to the club through the 2009 season.

San Diego Padres relief pitcher Doug Brocail undergoes angioplasty. Brocail had complained of chest tightness that radiated into both arms. He was already being treated for an abscessed tooth and asthma.

ByTom

San Diego Padres relief pitcher Doug Brocail undergoes angioplasty. Brocail had complained of chest tightness that radiated into both arms. He was already being treated for an abscessed tooth and asthma.

The Kansas City Royals complete a five-year deal with outfielder David DeJesus, locking up one of the cornerstones of their youth movement through 2010.

ByTom

The Kansas City Royals complete a five-year deal with outfielder David DeJesus, locking up one of the cornerstones of their youth movement through 2010.

Shairon Martis throws the first-ever no-hitter in WBC history as the Netherlands routs Panama, 10-0. The 19 year-old Dutch hurler threw exactly 65 pitches, which is the Classic’s pitch limit, to accomplish the historic deed in a game which was called after seven innings because of the mercy rule, a 10 run lead after seven innings.

ByTom

Shairon Martis throws the first-ever no-hitter in WBC history as the Netherlands routs Panama, 10-0. The 19 year-old Dutch hurler threw exactly 65 pitches, which is the Classic’s pitch limit, to accomplish the historic deed in a game which was called after seven innings because of the mercy rule, a 10 run lead after seven innings.

At Cracker Jack Stadium, Adrian Beltre hits his third home run in two games and Albert Pujols and Moises Alou also homer, leading the Dominican Republic past Italy, 8 – 3. Meanwhile, Ramón Hernandez homers and starter Kelvim Escobar allows one hit and strikes out five in 4 2/3 innings, leading Venezuela to a 2 – 0 win over Australia

ByTom

At Cracker Jack Stadium, Adrian Beltre hits his third home run in two games and Albert Pujols and Moises Alou also homer, leading the Dominican Republic past Italy, 8 – 3. Meanwhile, Ramón Hernandez homers and starter Kelvim Escobar allows one hit and strikes out five in 4 2/3 innings, leading Venezuela to a 2 – 0 win over Australia

Boston Red Sox backup catcher John Flaherty retires, ending his 14-year major league career with the team he started it with. He signed last December as a free agent after three seasons with the New York Yankees. Flaherty, who also played for Detroit, San Diego and Tampa Bay, posted a .252 batting average with 80 home runs and 395 RBI in 1,047 games. He will remain active in the game as a broadcaster.

ByTom

Boston Red Sox backup catcher John Flaherty retires, ending his 14-year major league career with the team he started it with. He signed last December as a free agent after three seasons with the New York Yankees. Flaherty, who also played for Detroit, San Diego and Tampa Bay, posted a .252 batting average with 80 home runs and 395 RBI in 1,047 games. He will remain active in the game as a broadcaster.

Hall of Fame outfielder Kirby Puckett dies in Scottsdale, Arizona, at age 45, a day after suffering a massive stroke

Hall of Fame outfielder Kirby Puckett dies in Scottsdale, Arizona, at age 45, a day after suffering a massive stroke

ByThis Day in Baseball

2006 – Hall of Fame outfielder Kirby Puckett dies in Scottsdale, Arizona, at age 45, a day after suffering a massive stroke. Puckett, who led the Minnesota Twins to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991, hit .318 with 207 home runs and 1085 RBI over 12 seasons. A 10-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glove winner, Puckett ended his career abruptly due to irreversible retina damage in his right eye.

Barry Bonds’ Reality TV Show chronicling the slugger during his pursuit of Hank Aaron’s career home run record will debut April 4th on ESPN2, the television network announces.

Barry Bonds’ Reality TV Show chronicling the slugger during his pursuit of Hank Aaron’s career home run record will debut April 4th on ESPN2, the television network announces.

ByThis Day in Baseball

Barry Bonds’ Reality TV Show chronicling the slugger during his pursuit of Hank Aaron’s career home run record will debut April 4th on ESPN2, the television network announces.

Bret Boone retires at the New York Mets training camp, the culmination of a swift decline for a player who was one of baseball’s best second basemen only a few years ago.

ByTom

Bret Boone retires at the New York Mets training camp, the culmination of a swift decline for a player who was one of baseball’s best second basemen only a few years ago.