The Minnesota Twins give Justin Morneau, the 2006 AL MVP, the highest contract in franchise history by signing him for $80 million over six years. They also announce the signing of Michael Cuddyer for 3 years and $24 million.

The Indians, avoiding salary arbitration, sign Rafael Betancourt (5-1, 1.47) to a $5.4 million, two-year deal. The 32 year-old right-handed reliever was used primarily last season as an eighth-inning set-up man for Cleveland’s closer, Joe Borowski.

Troy Tulowitzki (.291, 24, 99 ) and the Rockies agree on a $31 million, six-year deal which includes a club option for 2014. The second baseman of the National League champs was runner-up for Rookie of the Year award, narrowly outpointed (128-126) for the BBWAA honor by Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun.

The A’s sign Joe Blanton (14-10, 3.95) to a $3.7 million, one-year deal, avoiding arbitration with the 27 year-old right-hander. The workhorse of the staff, throwing 230 innings, second most in American League, has been the subject of trade talks as Oakland continues to rebuild for the future.

The Rays avoid arbitration with two of their key players when the club reaches agreements with southpaw Scott Kazmir (13-9, 3.48) and infielder Carlos Pena (.282, 42, 99). The left-hand hurler, who led the AL in strikeouts last season, inks a $3,785,000, one-year pact while the club’s first baseman, the American League comeback player of the year, signs a $24+ million, three-year deal.

At their quarterly meetings, thirty major league owners voted unanimously to extend Bud Selig’s contract by three years, retaining him as commissioner through 2012. In the post since 1992, the 73 year-old has championed change in baseball, supporting the wild card, interleague play, and the World Baseball Classic in a sport not known for innovation.

2008 – Major League Baseball owners unanimously vote to extend commissioner Bud Selig’s contract through the 2012 season. The contract extension will make Selig baseball’s second-longest-serving commissioner, behind only Kenesaw Mountain Landis. The vote comes in a week when Selig has been criticized by the U.S. Congress for not cracking down hard enough on steroids.

2008 – The Atlanta Braves announce that they are cutting ties with the Richmond Braves after 42 years of affiliation due to disputes over management of The Diamond, Richmond’s ballpark. Atlanta will move the club to a new stadium in Gwinnett County, Georgia.

At the Congressional hearing concerning the Mitchell Report, Representatives Henry Waxman and Tom Davis announce they have sent a letter to Attorney General Michael Mukasey to investigate if Miguel Tejada lied to House committee staff when questioned about Oriole teammate Rafael Palmeiro’s use of steroids. The former American League MVP, who was traded to the Astros in the offseason, could face jail time if found guilty, because making false statements to Congress is a felony.

The Atlanta Braves pick up OF Mark Kotsay from the Oakland Athletics for Joey Devine and Jamie Richmond. Kotsay requires medical clearance from Braves doctors after only playing 56 games in 2007.