Cubs land Yu Darvish for six years and $126 million
2018 – The Cubs land one of the biggest remaining free agents of the off-season by signing P Yu Darvish for six years and $126 million.
Long-time Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch passes away at 88
2017 – Long-time Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch passes away at 88. Having made his fortune through a pizza chain, Ilitch purchased both the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League in 1982 and the Tigers a decade later. While the Tigers reached the World Series twice during his years as owner but never won the big prize, he is credited with revitalizing the franchise.
Turning a New Page: Alex Rodriguez’s Apology and the Yankees’ Forward Momentum
“There was an honest and frank discussion on all of the issues. As far as the Yankees are concerned, the next step is to play baseball in spring training” – text from a joint statement released by the Yankees and Alex Rodriguez.At a meeting initiated by Alex Rodriguez, the much-maligned Yankee slugger apologizes to the team’s front office for the turbulence which has swirled around the organization during the last few years, according to a joint statement released by the team and the player. The attendees for the ‘honest and frank discussion’ of the issues included managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner, club president Randy Levine, general manager Brian Cashman, assistant GM Jean Afterman, and Jim Sharp, A-Rod’s legal counsel.
White Sox sign former University of Southern California quarterback Mitch Mustain
The White Sox sign former University of Southern California quarterback Mitch Mustain to a contract. Mustain saw his football career stall after college and is ready to get back on the diamond after an 8-year hiatus after impressing scouts with a fastball timed at 90 mph.
Angels’ Jered Weaver is a loser in his salary arbitration hearing
The Angels’ Jered Weaver is a loser in his salary arbitration hearing, but still comes out with a salary of $7.36 million, almost doubling his earnings from last year, when he led the American League in strikeouts.
Cleveland Indians sign SS Orlando Cabrera
The Indians sign SS Orlando Cabrera, one the last remaining unsigned free agents of the off-season, to a one-year deal. Cabrera helped the Reds to the NL East title last year.
Giants sign P Todd Wellemeyer to a minor league contract
2010 – The Giants sign P Todd Wellemeyer to a minor league contract; a starter for the last two seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, he will try to win a spot in the bullpen. In another pitcher signing, the Mariners add Jesus Colome, who played for Washington and Milwaukee last season.
Houston avoids arbitration for the eighth straight year
2005 – Houston avoids arbitration for the eighth straight year by coming to terms with pitcher Roy Oswalt on a two-year deal worth $16.9 million. A 20-game winner in both 2004 and 2005, he will receive $11 million in 2006.
Curt Schilling donates the blood-stained sock he wore in Game 2 of the World Series to the Hall of Fame
Curt Schilling donates the blood-stained sock he wore in Game 2 of the World Series to the Hall of Fame. Presently, the sock is part of a Red Sox memorabilia tour, along with Derek Lowe’s Game 4 jersey, Manny Ramirez’s bat, and the ball used to make the last of the Fall Classic on loan from former first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, who kept the historical horsehide as a personal keepsake.
Jason Giambi apologizes to his teammatesYankees fans and to baseball fans everywhere
In his first public appearance since allegations of usage of performance-enhancing drugs surfaced, New York Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi apologizes to his teammates, Yankees fans and to baseball fans everywhere for letting them down last season. The All-Star first baseman, however, never uses the word steroids as he “accepts full responsibility for the controversy.”