Tony La Russa agrees to a two-year contract to continue as the Cardinals manager. During his 12-year tenure in St. Louis, the 63 year-old skipper has compiled a 1,055-887 (.543) record, which includes six Central Division championships, two NL pennants, and one World Series Championship.

Washington State native Mel Stottlemyre returns to the big leagues as the pitching coach of the Seattle Mariners, accepting a one-year contract to join skipper John McLaren’s staff. The former pitching coach for the Yankees and Mets, who is receiving treatment for multiple myeloma, left the Bronx after the 2005 season, tiring of the criticism from owner George Steinbrenner.

Dave Trembley, who became the Orioles’ interim manager in June, has his contract extended through the 2008 season, with a club option for 2009. Since his horrific first game as skipper, losing to the Rangers 30-3, the team has a winning record and has not lost more than three in a row.

Citing the veteran catcher’s ability to mentor younger players, the Astros re-sign Brad Ausmus to a one-year, $2 million incentive-laden deal. The 38 year-old Gold Glove backstop is expected to have a reduced role next season as rookie sensation J.R. Towles takes over behind the plate for Houston.

2007 – The Kansas City Royals hire Trey Hillman as their new manager, replacing Buddy Bell. Hillman, a veteran minor league manager, has been the skipper of the Nippon Ham Fighters since 2003 and has never managed in the major leagues.

Bill Stoneman, citing he wants to spend more time with his wife, retires as the general manager of the Angels, a post he has held since the end of 1999. The 63 year-old executive, who was at the helm for the team’s only World Championship (2002), will remain with the club as a senior advisor.