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2006 – Reaction continues to simmer over a memoir published by Astros broadcaster Milo Hamilton, who is in his 22nd year with Houston. While he has some critical comments for local folks, the national media focuses on Hamilton’s portrayal of deceased Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray as “a miserable human being”. Caray’s widow, Duchie, responds that Hamilton hasn’t “shown any class at all”. In the Chicago restaurant that bears Caray’s name, a new drink called the “Milo” is christened made of “cheap shots and sour grapes”. 

ByTom

2006 – Reaction continues to simmer over a memoir published by Astros broadcaster Milo Hamilton, who is in his 22nd year with Houston. While he has some critical comments for local folks, the national media focuses on Hamilton’s portrayal of deceased Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray as “a miserable human being”. Caray’s widow, Duchie, responds that Hamilton hasn’t “shown any class at all”. In the Chicago restaurant that bears Caray’s name, a new drink called the “Milo” is christened made of “cheap shots and sour grapes”. 

According to Adam Katz, Sammy Sosa’s agent, the 37-year-old slugger probably will retire 11 round trippers shy of becoming the fifth major leaguer to hit 600 home runs. Earlier, the Dominican outfielder rejected a non-guaranteed contract from the Nationals that included performance bonuses.

ByTom

According to Adam Katz, Sammy Sosa’s agent, the 37-year-old slugger probably will retire 11 round trippers shy of becoming the fifth major leaguer to hit 600 home runs. Earlier, the Dominican outfielder rejected a non-guaranteed contract from the Nationals that included performance bonuses.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers starter Jeff Weaver (14-11, 4.22) agrees to a one-year contract with the other team with Los Angeles in its name. The deal for the last major player left on the free agent market is worth $8,325,000, and the 29-year-old right-hander can earn an additional $600,000 in performance bonuses for innings pitched and game starts with the Angels.

ByTom

Former Los Angeles Dodgers starter Jeff Weaver (14-11, 4.22) agrees to a one-year contract with the other team with Los Angeles in its name. The deal for the last major player left on the free agent market is worth $8,325,000, and the 29-year-old right-hander can earn an additional $600,000 in performance bonuses for innings pitched and game starts with the Angels.

2003 – One day after the Chunichi Dragons released him in return for an undisclosed payment, the Red Sox acquire Kevin Millar (.306, 16, 57) from the Marlins. The 31-year-old 1B/OF, who had originally agreed to a two-year, $6.2 million deal to play in Japan, had a change of heart after at first rejecting Boston’s waiver claim for him made in January.

ByTom

2003 – One day after the Chunichi Dragons released him in return for an undisclosed payment, the Red Sox acquire Kevin Millar (.306, 16, 57) from the Marlins. The 31-year-old 1B/OF, who had originally agreed to a two-year, $6.2 million deal to play in Japan, had a change of heart after at first rejecting Boston’s waiver claim for him made in January.

2002 – San Diego Padres OF Mike Darr is killed in an early-morning accident when his car rolls over in Phoenix near the team’s spring training camp. Surviving is pitcher Ben Howard, who was sitting in the back seat wearing a seatbelt.

ByTom

2002 – San Diego Padres OF Mike Darr is killed in an early-morning accident when his car rolls over in Phoenix near the team’s spring training camp. Surviving is pitcher Ben Howard, who was sitting in the back seat wearing a seatbelt.

The Padres sign free agent P Bobby Jones to a one-year contract for $625,000. Jones left the Mets after 7+ seasons, declining a Mets offer of salary arbitration that would have netted him, at worst, $2 or $3 million. Last year Jones, 11-4, made $5.25 million. Jones will lose 19 games this season.

ByTom

The Padres sign free agent P Bobby Jones to a one-year contract for $625,000. Jones left the Mets after 7+ seasons, declining a Mets offer of salary arbitration that would have netted him, at worst, $2 or $3 million. Last year Jones, 11-4, made $5.25 million. Jones will lose 19 games this season.

The Yanks sign Henry Rodriguez to a one-year contract. The agreement was reached a month ago and “O Henry” is already listed in the team’s spring training program.

ByTom

The Yanks sign Henry Rodriguez to a one-year contract. The agreement was reached a month ago and “O Henry” is already listed in the team’s spring training program.

The Oakland Athletics obtain OF Jeremy Giambi from the Kansas City Royals for P Brett Laxton. Giambi joins his brother, Jason Giambi, in Oakland, becoming the sixth brother combo to play for the team. The move is widely hailed as a brilliant one by statistically-minded fans.

ByTom

The Oakland Athletics obtain OF Jeremy Giambi from the Kansas City Royals for P Brett Laxton. Giambi joins his brother, Jason Giambi, in Oakland, becoming the sixth brother combo to play for the team. The move is widely hailed as a brilliant one by statistically-minded fans.

1999 – The Cincinnati Reds announce that they are dropping their long-standing policy of no facial hair for players. The change is the result of a talk between owner Marge Schott and newly-acquired OF Greg Vaughn.

ByTom

1999 – The Cincinnati Reds announce that they are dropping their long-standing policy of no facial hair for players. The change is the result of a talk between owner Marge Schott and newly-acquired OF Greg Vaughn.