2016 – The Indians sign free agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion to a three-year deal worth $60 million, while the Pirates re-sign SP Ivan Nova also for three years but for $26 million.

2016 – The Indians sign free agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion to a three-year deal worth $60 million, while the Pirates re-sign SP Ivan Nova also for three years but for $26 million.

Los Angeles finalizes the team’s plans for a likeness of Jackie Robinson to appear at Dodger Stadium. The 9-to-10 feet tall statue, to be created by former Brooklyn resident Branly Cadet, will be the first-ever sculpture dedicated at the Chavez Ravine ballpark.

Los Angeles finalizes the team’s plans for a likeness of Jackie Robinson to appear at Dodger Stadium. The 9-to-10 feet tall statue, to be created by former Brooklyn resident Branly Cadet, will be the first-ever sculpture dedicated at the Chavez Ravine ballpark.

2014 – Marcos Mateo becomes the first pitcher to be named Dominican League MVP in 30 years, since Ken Howell was picked. The Estrellas de Oriente hurler had saved 21 games and a 1.75 ERA and nearly led the league with 45 K (in only 25 2/3 IP) despite being a reliever – only Elih Villanueva (46) had more strikeouts.

2014 – Marcos Mateo becomes the first pitcher to be named Dominican League MVP in 30 years, since Ken Howell was picked. The Estrellas de Oriente hurler had saved 21 games and a 1.75 ERA and nearly led the league with 45 K (in only 25 2/3 IP) despite being a reliever – only Elih Villanueva (46) had more strikeouts.

2013 – 41-year-old Alex Cabrera hits his 21st homer, breaking Bo Díaz’s Venezuelan League mark, which had stood for 34 years, surviving assaults from players like Cecil Fielder and Tony Armas. Cabrera takes Caribes de Anzoategui hurler Daryl Thompson deep for his record shot, a 1st-inning grand slam in a 4 – 3 win for the Tiburones de la Guaira

2013 – 41-year-old Alex Cabrera hits his 21st homer, breaking Bo Díaz’s Venezuelan League mark, which had stood for 34 years, surviving assaults from players like Cecil Fielder and Tony Armas. Cabrera takes Caribes de Anzoategui hurler Daryl Thompson deep for his record shot, a 1st-inning grand slam in a 4 – 3 win for the Tiburones de la Guaira

Ryan Freel, who was a victim of numerous head traumas during his nine-year major league career with the Reds and four other teams due his aggressive style of play, is found dead from what appears to be a self-inflicted shotgun wound. Within a year, a study of the 36 year-old’s brain will reveal he suffered from a degenerative brain disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a condition believed to be triggered by repeated concussions that has been linked to suicide.

Ryan Freel, who was a victim of numerous head traumas during his nine-year major league career with the Reds and four other teams due his aggressive style of play, is found dead from what appears to be a self-inflicted shotgun wound. Within a year, a study of the 36 year-old’s brain will reveal he suffered from a degenerative brain disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a condition believed to be triggered by repeated concussions that has been linked to suicide.

The Cardinals sign free agent OF Carlos Beltran to a two-year deal for $26 million. He will play right field, while last season’s starter there, Lance Berkman, will slide over to 1B to try to replace Albert Pujols.

The Cardinals sign free agent OF Carlos Beltran to a two-year deal for $26 million. He will play right field, while last season’s starter there, Lance Berkman, will slide over to 1B to try to replace Albert Pujols.

The White Sox sign starter John Danks to a 5-year contract extension for $65 million, while in other signings, P Jason Marquis goes to Minnesota, utility player Mark DeRosa heads to Washington, P Manuel Corpas goes to the Cubs and C Rob Johnson to the Mets.

The White Sox sign starter John Danks to a 5-year contract extension for $65 million, while in other signings, P Jason Marquis goes to Minnesota, utility player Mark DeRosa heads to Washington, P Manuel Corpas goes to the Cubs and C Rob Johnson to the Mets.