Former Detroit closer Fernando Rodney signs an $11 million, two-year contract with the Angels. The 32 year-old right-handed reliever, who saved 37 games with only one blown opportunity last season, is expected to compete with the team’s current closer Brian Fuentes, the major league leader in saves in 2009, for the coveted spot in the bullpen.

ByTom

Former Detroit closer Fernando Rodney signs an $11 million, two-year contract with the Angels. The 32 year-old right-handed reliever, who saved 37 games with only one blown opportunity last season, is expected to compete with the team’s current closer Brian Fuentes, the major league leader in saves in 2009, for the coveted spot in the bullpen.

Versatile outfielder Coco Crisp (.228, 3, 14), who can play all three spots in the outfield, signs a $5.25 million, one-year contract with the A’s. The 30 year-old flychaser underwent surgery on both shoulders last season, limiting his playing time to only 49 games with the Royals, who declined an $8 million option on the speedy switch-hitter from California.

ByTom

Versatile outfielder Coco Crisp (.228, 3, 14), who can play all three spots in the outfield, signs a $5.25 million, one-year contract with the A’s. The 30 year-old flychaser underwent surgery on both shoulders last season, limiting his playing time to only 49 games with the Royals, who declined an $8 million option on the speedy switch-hitter from California.

Nick Johnson, finalizing a $5.75 million, one-year deal, returns to the Yankees to become the team’s designated hitter, a void created by the departure of Hideki Matsui. Prior to the start of the 2004 season, the Bronx Bombers dealt the 31 year-old first baseman to the Expos in exchange for right-handed starter Javier Vazquez, who was recently reacquired by the club in a trade with Atlanta.

ByTom

Nick Johnson, finalizing a $5.75 million, one-year deal, returns to the Yankees to become the team’s designated hitter, a void created by the departure of Hideki Matsui. Prior to the start of the 2004 season, the Bronx Bombers dealt the 31 year-old first baseman to the Expos in exchange for right-handed starter Javier Vazquez, who was recently reacquired by the club in a trade with Atlanta.

The Blue Jays and Mariners exchange pitchers, with Seattle picking up hard-throwing Brandon League and minor leaguer Johermyn Chavez in return for Brandon Morrow.

ByTom

The Blue Jays and Mariners exchange pitchers, with Seattle picking up hard-throwing Brandon League and minor leaguer Johermyn Chavez in return for Brandon Morrow.

The Yankees reacquired Javier Vazquez by trading outfielder Melky Cabrera to the Braves. The right-hander’s last performance in pinstripes was less than stellar, allowing two home runs, including a grand slam, to Boston’s Johnny Damon, which put Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS out of reach and completed New York’s historic collapse after the team had won the first three games of the championship series.

ByTom

The Yankees reacquired Javier Vazquez by trading outfielder Melky Cabrera to the Braves. The right-hander’s last performance in pinstripes was less than stellar, allowing two home runs, including a grand slam, to Boston’s Johnny Damon, which put Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS out of reach and completed New York’s historic collapse after the team had won the first three games of the championship series.

2009 – The Indians add two pitchers, starter Mitch Talbot whom they obtain from the Rays as the player to be named later in the December 1st deal for C Kelly Shoppach, and reliever Saul Rivera, who is signed as a free agent after being recently released by the Nationals.

ByTom

2009 – The Indians add two pitchers, starter Mitch Talbot whom they obtain from the Rays as the player to be named later in the December 1st deal for C Kelly Shoppach, and reliever Saul Rivera, who is signed as a free agent after being recently released by the Nationals.