Two back-up outfielders sign with new teams for 2012: Mark Kotsay agrees to a one-year deal with San Diego and Jason Pridie moves to Oakland.

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Two back-up outfielders sign with new teams for 2012: Mark Kotsay agrees to a one-year deal with San Diego and Jason Pridie moves to Oakland.

Joe Maddon wins the American League Manager of the Year Award for the second time after guiding the Rays to a 91-71 record. Thanks to Boston’s late-season collapse, Tampa Bay overcame a nine-game deficit at the beginning of September to win the American League Wild Card.

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Joe Maddon wins the American League Manager of the Year Award for the second time after guiding the Rays to a 91-71 record. Thanks to Boston’s late-season collapse, Tampa Bay overcame a nine-game deficit at the beginning of September to win the American League Wild Card.

The BBWAA selects Justin Verlander as the unanimous winner of the American League Cy Young award

The BBWAA selects Justin Verlander as the unanimous winner of the American League Cy Young award

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The BBWAA selects Justin Verlander (24-5, 2.40) as the unanimous winner of the American League Cy Young award. The 28 year-old Tiger right-hander, who captured the circuit’s pitching triple crown, leading the AL in victories, earned run average, and strikeouts, easily outdistance runners-up that include L.A.’s Jered Weaver, Tampa Bay’s James Shields, and New York’s CC Sabathia.

Mike Matheny is named to succeed Tony La Russa, who retired as the manager of the Cardinals a few days after leading the Redbirds to a world championship. The 41 year-old former minor league instructor, who served as a special assistant to general manager John Mozeliak, has no previous managerial experience.

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Mike Matheny is named to succeed Tony La Russa, who retired as the manager of the Cardinals a few days after leading the Redbirds to a world championship. The 41 year-old former minor league instructor, who served as a special assistant to general manager John Mozeliak, has no previous managerial experience.

Craig Kimbrel unanimously wins the National League Rookie of the Year award. The Braves’ right-handed closer, who struck out 127 batters in 77 innings, set a major league record for saves by a rookie with 46.

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Craig Kimbrel unanimously wins the National League Rookie of the Year award. The Braves’ right-handed closer, who struck out 127 batters in 77 innings, set a major league record for saves by a rookie with 46.

Former Red Sox reliever Jonathan Papelbon agrees to a four-year, $50 million free-agent deal to finish games for the Phillies. The contract is the richest ever signed by a closer, surpassing B.J. Ryan’s five-year, $47 million pact with the Blue Jays in 2005.

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Former Red Sox reliever Jonathan Papelbon agrees to a four-year, $50 million free-agent deal to finish games for the Phillies. The contract is the richest ever signed by a closer, surpassing B.J. Ryan’s five-year, $47 million pact with the Blue Jays in 2005.

The AL Rookie of the Year Award is announced Tampa Bay P Jeremy Hellickson comes up with the prize on the strength of a 13-10 record and a 2.95 ERA.

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Winners of the Rookie of the Year Award are announced in both major leagues. In the National League, Braves reliever Craig Kimbrel is the winner after setting a new rookie record with 46 saves. In the American League, Tampa Bay P Jeremy Hellickson comes up with the prize on the strength of a 13-10 record and a 2.95 ERA.

The Cardinals name former catcher Mike Matheny to succeed Tony LaRussa as their manager. An outstanding defensive player, Matheny has no managerial experience and was most recently a minor league instructor for the World Champs.

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The Cardinals name former catcher Mike Matheny to succeed Tony LaRussa as their manager. An outstanding defensive player, Matheny has no managerial experience and was most recently a minor league instructor for the World Champs.

In recognition of his contributions to the Boys & Girls Clubs in both Philadelphia and his native Hawaii, Shane Victorino, the recipient of the 2011 Branch Rickey Award, is inducted as the 20th member of the Baseball Humanitarians Hall of Fame. The Phillies’ center fielder, through his foundation, has pledged more than $900,000 to renovate the 105 year-old Nicetown Boys & Girls Club, located in an impoverished section of Philadelphia, into the centerpiece of the organization’s twelve facilities in the city.

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In recognition of his contributions to the Boys & Girls Clubs in both Philadelphia and his native Hawaii, Shane Victorino, the recipient of the 2011 Branch Rickey Award, is inducted as the 20th member of the Baseball Humanitarians Hall of Fame. The Phillies’ center fielder, through his foundation, has pledged more than $900,000 to renovate the 105 year-old Nicetown Boys & Girls Club, located in an impoverished section of Philadelphia, into the centerpiece of the organization’s twelve facilities in the city.

Long-time Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon agrees to a four-year $50 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, pending a physical examination.

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Long-time Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon agrees to a four-year $50 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, pending a physical examination.