Alex Rodriguez (.314, 54, 156), receiving 26 out of 28 first place-votes cast by the BBWAA, wins his third American League Most Valuable Player Award, the second as a Yankee (2005). The 32 year-old A-Rod, presently in contract talks with the Bronx Bombers with a $275 million framework in place to keep the third baseman in New York until 2018, won his first MVP with the Rangers in 2003.
The Angels trade Orlando Cabrera (.301, 8, 86) to the White Sox in exchange for Jon Garland (10-13, 4.23). Many see this trade of their Gold Glove shortstop for a right-hander as a precursor of the pitching-rich Halos dealing a hurler for a big bat such as Miguel Cabrera or Miguel Tejada.
Scott Boras’s reputation takes another hit when free agent Kenny Rogers, formerly with the Tigers, informs big league teams that he has dismissed his agent and is now representing himself in contract talks. Earlier in the week, another client, Alex Rodriguez, reached out to the Yankees to start negotiations without his involvement.
After a five-year departure to play for the Mets, Tom Glavine returns to the Braves, agreeing to an $8 million, one year deal. The 41 year-old southpaw, a two-time Cy Young winner with the team, left Atlanta in 2002 after negotiations as a free agent became acrimonious with team president Stan Kasten.
Former All-Star Joe Nuxhall, the youngest major league player of the 20th Century at age 15, dies in Fairfield, Ohio. Nuxhall had served as a Cincinnati Reds broadcaster for many years after his career ended.
A federal grand jury indicts Barry Bonds, accused of lying nearly four years ago about using performance-enhancing drugs, on four counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice. The prodigious slugger, who has broken many cherished home run baseball records, could be sentenced to a maximum of 30 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
Joining Randy Jones (1976), Gaylord Perry (1978), and Mark Davis (1989), Jake Peavy (19-6, 2.54) becomes the fourth Padres pitcher to win the National League Cy Young Award. The 26 year-old right-hander, who led the Senior Circuit in wins, ERA, and strikeouts with 240 K’s, is the unanimous choice of the BBWAA, being named first on all 32 of the writers’ ballots.
Bob Melvin is named National League Manager of the Year by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. The Diamondbacks skipper, who led the club to a league-best 90 victories, also was selected by his fellow managers for the same honor in The Sporting News poll.
Eric Wedge becomes the first Indians skipper to be selected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America as the American League Manager of the Year. The 39 year-old skipper led the Tribe to the AL Central title, compiling a 96-66 record during the regular season.
Major League Baseball announces the World Champion Red Sox will take on the A’s in the 2008 season opener on March 25 at the Tokyo Dome. The Opening Day game will mark the third time the regular major league season has started in Japan.
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