Rafael Furcal, reaching a preliminary deal with the Dodgers a day before baseball’s winter meetings, agrees to a $39 million, three-year contract to play shortstop in the City of Angels. The 28 year-old Dominican infielder was also strongly pursued by the Braves, his former team for the past six seasons, and the Cubs.

ByTom

Rafael Furcal, reaching a preliminary deal with the Dodgers a day before baseball’s winter meetings, agrees to a $39 million, three-year contract to play shortstop in the City of Angels. The 28 year-old Dominican infielder was also strongly pursued by the Braves, his former team for the past six seasons, and the Cubs.

The Red Sox announce the signing of Terry Francona to a three-year deal, with an option for a fourth, to be the team’s manager

The Red Sox announce the signing of Terry Francona to a three-year deal, with an option for a fourth, to be the team’s manager

ByTom

The Red Sox announce the signing of Terry Francona to a three-year deal, with an option for a fourth, to be the team’s manager. The 44 year-old former Phillies’ skipper replaces Grady Little, who became the scourge of Red Sox Nation after failing to remove Pedro Martinez in Game 7 of the ALCS.

Miguel Caldés dies in a car crash in Camagüey Province, only three months after helping the Cuban national team win a Silver Medal at the 2000 Olympics. The 30-year-old Caldés once won a home run title in Cuba.

ByTom

Miguel Caldés dies in a car crash in Camagüey Province, only three months after helping the Cuban national team win a Silver Medal at the 2000 Olympics. The 30-year-old Caldés once won a home run title in Cuba.

Michael Stirn, a 32 year-old carpenter, who caught the home run ball Cal Ripken hit on the night Baltimore infielder tied Lou Gehrig’s consecutive-game record, sells the historic horsehide to a Maryland businessman at an auction for $41,736. The lucky Orioles fan had offered the ball back to the Baltimore third baseman through the club but never received a reply.

ByTom

Michael Stirn, a 32 year-old carpenter, who caught the home run ball Cal Ripken hit on the night Baltimore infielder tied Lou Gehrig’s consecutive-game record, sells the historic horsehide to a Maryland businessman at an auction for $41,736. The lucky Orioles fan had offered the ball back to the Baltimore third baseman through the club but never received a reply.

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Lefthander Greg Swindell is signed as a free agent, the second major free agent acquisition for Houston in a week

ByTom

1992 – Lefthander Greg Swindell is signed as a free agent, the second major free agent acquisition for Houston in a week. The former University of Texas star has compiled a 72-63 mark over seven seasons in Cleveland and Cincinnati. At age 27, he seems poised to enter his most productive years. 

The Giants sign Yankee free agent Dave Righetti (1-1, 3.57, 36 saves) to a four-year deal worth nearly $10 million. After the South Bay native’s playing days are over, the left-handed reliever will become the club’s long-time pitching coach.

ByThis Day in Baseball

The Giants sign Yankee free agent Dave Righetti (1-1, 3.57, 36 saves) to a four-year deal worth nearly $10 million. After the South Bay native’s playing days are over, the left-handed reliever will become the club’s long-time pitching coach.

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Astros acquire righthander Xavier Hernandez from the Toronto Blue Jays’ system in the major league phase of the winter draft

ByTom

1989 – Astros acquire righthander Xavier Hernandez from the Toronto Blue Jays’ system in the major league phase of the winter draft. The Astros lose infielder Chuck Jackson in the same draft. Hernandez would provide 22 wins and 25 saves over five seasons in Houston. Jackson batted .221 in reserve duty for the Astros in 1987 and 1988.