For the first time at Wrigley Field, the Cubs will allow ads on the green doors located in the ivy in the left- and right-field bleachers, according to Jay Blunk, director of marketing and sales. Although the team has been approached by other companies, Under Armour, whose company spokesman is newly acquired outfielder Alfonso Soriano, is the “right fit” for the 7-by-12 foot signage featuring the performance apparel’s signature logo.

ByTom

For the first time at Wrigley Field, the Cubs will allow ads on the green doors located in the ivy in the left- and right-field bleachers, according to Jay Blunk, director of marketing and sales. Although the team has been approached by other companies, Under Armour, whose company spokesman is newly acquired outfielder Alfonso Soriano, is the “right fit” for the 7-by-12 foot signage featuring the performance apparel’s signature logo.

The Major League Baseball Players Association looks to appeal 9th U.S. Circuit Court decision

ByTom

The Major League Baseball Players Association asks the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider its 2-1 decision which would allow the names and urine samples of more than 100 players who tested positive for performance enhancing drugs to be made available to authorities investigating the use of steroids in baseball. The 1993 samples were collected by MLB to gauge the prevalence of steroid use with players and owners agreeing the results would be confidential.

Avoiding salary arbitration, AL’s reigning batting champ Joe Mauer

Avoiding salary arbitration, AL’s reigning batting champ Joe Mauer

ByTom

Avoiding salary arbitration, AL’s reigning batting champ Joe Mauer (.347, 13, 84) and the Twins come to terms on a $33 million, four-year contract. The hometown 23 year-old All-Star backstop is the first catcher to lead the majors in batting average and the first to win the batting title in the American League.

At New York’s Gracey Mansion, Major League Baseball announces the 2008 All-Star Game will be played at Yankee Stadium for the fourth time

At New York’s Gracey Mansion, Major League Baseball announces the 2008 All-Star Game will be played at Yankee Stadium for the fourth time

ByThis Day in Baseball

At New York’s Gracey Mansion, Major League Baseball announces the 2008 All-Star Game will be played at Yankee Stadium for the fourth time (1939, 1960, 1977) in the ballpark’s history. The annual Midsummer Classic will showcase the historic ‘House that Ruth Built’ in its final season as the home of the Bronx Bombers.

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2007 – The City of Houston proclaims Jeff Bagwell Day to celebrate the 15-year career of the Astros slugger. The proclamation coincides with a hitting camp Bagwell is conducting at Minute Maid Park and a pitching camp run by the legendary Nolan Ryan. 

ByTom

2007 – The City of Houston proclaims Jeff Bagwell Day to celebrate the 15-year career of the Astros slugger. The proclamation coincides with a hitting camp Bagwell is conducting at Minute Maid Park and a pitching camp run by the legendary Nolan Ryan. 

The Yankees, who will send coaches, scouts, and player-development staff to the Far East, agree to help establish baseball academies in China. Randy Levine, the team’s president, committed the Bronx Bombers to help the Chinese Baseball Association develop young talent while also trying to promote the game in a culture in which the sport remains virtually unknown to the Chinese.

ByTom

The Yankees, who will send coaches, scouts, and player-development staff to the Far East, agree to help establish baseball academies in China. Randy Levine, the team’s president, committed the Bronx Bombers to help the Chinese Baseball Association develop young talent while also trying to promote the game in a culture in which the sport remains virtually unknown to the Chinese.

Willie Randolph, who brought New York within one game of a World Series appearance, agrees to a $5.65 million, three-year deal to continue as the manager of the Mets

ByThis Day in Baseball

Willie Randolph, who brought New York within one game of a World Series appearance, agrees to a $5.65 million, three-year deal to continue as the manager of the Mets through 2008. The skipper’s new deal doubles his present salary from $700,000 to $1.4 million.

Felipe Alou is named special assistant to Brian Sabean, general manager of the Giants

ByThis Day in Baseball

Felipe Alou is named special assistant to Brian Sabean, general manager of the Giants. The team’s 72 year-old former manager (2003-06), handling both major league and minor League scouting assignments, will provide insights on personnel for the GM.

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2007 – Infielder Mark Loretta is signed to a one-year contract. He bats .296 with the Astros during two stints (2002, 2007-2008), including ten homers. 

ByTom

2007 – Infielder Mark Loretta is signed to a one-year contract. He bats .296 with the Astros during two stints (2002, 2007-2008), including ten homers. 

2007 – The Oakland Athletics make their second trade of an established player for prospects of the off-season. They send Nick Swisher, who once hit 35 home runs, to the Chicago White Sox for Fautino De Los Santos, Gio Gonzalez and Ryan Sweeney.

ByTom

2007 – The Oakland Athletics make their second trade of an established player for prospects of the off-season. They send Nick Swisher, who once hit 35 home runs, to the Chicago White Sox for Fautino De Los Santos, Gio Gonzalez and Ryan Sweeney.