1999 – The Dodgers are fined $50,000 and banned from scouting any Dominican Republic players for one year as a penalty for having signed third baseman Adrian Beltre as a 15-year-old. Beltre is not given his free agency, according to Commissioner Bud Selig, because he participated in the scheme, and because the claim for free agency was made too late. The players association is expected to file a grievance in the matter, but the ruling will stand.

ByTom

1999 – The Dodgers are fined $50,000 and banned from scouting any Dominican Republic players for one year as a penalty for having signed third baseman Adrian Beltre as a 15-year-old. Beltre is not given his free agency, according to Commissioner Bud Selig, because he participated in the scheme, and because the claim for free agency was made too late. The players association is expected to file a grievance in the matter, but the ruling will stand.

The Royals send first baseman Wally Joyner and a minor league pitcher to the Padres in exchange for infielder Bip Roberts and a minor league pitcher.

ByTom

The Royals send first baseman Wally Joyner and a minor league pitcher to the Padres in exchange for infielder Bip Roberts and a minor league pitcher.

Philadelphia Phillies sign future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt to a six-year contract worth $1.2 million per season

Philadelphia Phillies sign future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt to a six-year contract worth $1.2 million per season

ByThis Day in Baseball

On December 21, 1981, the Philadelphia Phillies sign future Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt to a six-year contract worth $1.2 million per season.  During the strike-shortened 1981 season, Schmidt led the National League in home runs (31), RBI (91) and runs (78). During the course of the contract, Schmidt will lead the league in home…