2009 – Norge Vera, one of the top pitchers in Cuba, is seriously injured while trying to break up a fight in Santiago de Cuba. He is struck in the face by a blunt object, suffering multiple fractures and undergoes reconstructive surgery, putting his career in jeopardy. He will return to action in just a couple of months, though. Vera won gold for the Cuban national team at the 2004 Olympics and was a starting pitcher in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

ByBaseball

2009 – Norge Vera, one of the top pitchers in Cuba, is seriously injured while trying to break up a fight in Santiago de Cuba. He is struck in the face by a blunt object, suffering multiple fractures and undergoes reconstructive surgery, putting his career in jeopardy. He will return to action in just a couple of months, though. Vera won gold for the Cuban national team at the 2004 Olympics and was a starting pitcher in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

The Diamondbacks exercise their $8.5 million option on the 2006 Cy Young Award winner, Brandon Webb. The 30 year-old right-handed starter, who underwent shoulder surgery in August, was shut down after pitching just four innings on Opening Day and did not retake the mound for the duration of the season.

ByBaseball

The Diamondbacks exercise their $8.5 million option on the 2006 Cy Young Award winner, Brandon Webb. The 30 year-old right-handed starter, who underwent shoulder surgery in August, was shut down after pitching just four innings on Opening Day and did not retake the mound for the duration of the season.

2009 – In a trade of former top prospects who are coming off disappointing seasons, the Brewers send SS J.J. Hardy to the Twins for CF Carlos Gomez.

ByBaseball

2009 – In a trade of former top prospects who are coming off disappointing seasons, the Brewers send SS J.J. Hardy to the Twins for CF Carlos Gomez.

The Marlins trade Jeremy Hermida to the Red Sox for a pair of southpaw prospects, Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez. The move of the underachieving outfielder, a first-round draft choice in 2002, will allow Florida to cut payroll while adding pitching.

ByBaseball

The Marlins trade Jeremy Hermida to the Red Sox for a pair of southpaw prospects, Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez. The move of the underachieving outfielder, a first-round draft choice in 2002, will allow Florida to cut payroll while adding pitching.

Bobby Abreu (.293, 15, 103), a last-minute signing with the club last season, agrees to a $19 million, two-year deal to stay with the Angels rather than to retake a chance on the free-agent market. The veteran outfielder didn’t find a team until just before spring training when Los Angeles offered him a one-year contract guaranteeing $5 million.

ByBaseball

Bobby Abreu (.293, 15, 103), a last-minute signing with the club last season, agrees to a $19 million, two-year deal to stay with the Angels rather than to retake a chance on the free-agent market. The veteran outfielder didn’t find a team until just before spring training when Los Angeles offered him a one-year contract guaranteeing $5 million.

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In Game 6 of the Fall Classic, the Yankees captured their 27th World Championship and their first since 2000, with a 7-3 decision over the Phillies, the defending champs. Hideki Matsui, New York’s designated hitter, collects six RBIs, tying a World Series mark, and Andy Pettitte became the second pitcher to get the victory in all three postseason-clinching games, joining Derek Lowe, who accomplished the feat with Boston in 2004.

ByThis Day in Baseball

In Game 6 of the Fall Classic, the Yankees captured their 27th World Championship and their first since 2000, with a 7-3 decision over the Phillies, the defending champs. Hideki Matsui, New York’s designated hitter, collects six RBIs, tying a World Series mark, and Andy Pettitte became the second pitcher to get the victory in all three postseason-clinching games, joining Derek Lowe, who accomplished the feat with Boston in 2004.

George W. Bush throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Yomiuri Giants’ 7-4 victory over the Nippon Ham Fighters in Game 3 of the Japan Series. The former American president, who bounces the ball in the dirt before it is snagged, enjoys the game in a private box with former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, home run king Sadaharu Oh, and John Roos, the U.S. ambassador to Japan.

ByTom

George W. Bush throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the Yomiuri Giants’ 7-4 victory over the Nippon Ham Fighters in Game 3 of the Japan Series. The former American president, who bounces the ball in the dirt before it is snagged, enjoys the game in a private box with former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, home run king Sadaharu Oh, and John Roos, the U.S. ambassador to Japan.

Phillies send the World Series back to New York with an 8 – 6 win over the Yankees

Phillies send the World Series back to New York with an 8 – 6 win over the Yankees

ByThis Day in Baseball

    November 2, 2009, At Citizens Bank Park, Chase Utley ties Reggie Jackson’s 1977 record with his fifth home run of the World Series, going deep twice in the Phillies’ 8-6 victory over the Yankees in Game 5. The Philadelphia second baseman becomes the second player to have two multi-homer games in the World…