Mike Lieberthal announces his retirement. A 14-year major league veteran, he was a two-time All-Star and cracked 150 home runs in the majors. Lieberthal had only seen limited playing time for the Dodgers last season.

ByTom

Mike Lieberthal announces his retirement. A 14-year major league veteran, he was a two-time All-Star and cracked 150 home runs in the majors. Lieberthal had only seen limited playing time for the Dodgers last season.

The multi-player deal between Boston and Cleveland, held up by Guillermo Mota’s physical results, the delay of another trade in which the Indians will obtain Jason Michaels from the Phillies, and Commissioner Bud Selig’s needed approval of any transaction worth at least $1 million, is finally completed. Eight players are exchanged, including Indians outfielder Coco Crisp, reliever David Riske, and backstop Josh Bard going to the Red Sox for recently acquired third base prospect Andy Marte, catcher Kelly Shoppach, and a player to be named later (minor league right-hander Randy Newsom).

ByTom

The multi-player deal between Boston and Cleveland, held up by Guillermo Mota’s physical results, the delay of another trade in which the Indians will obtain Jason Michaels from the Phillies, and Commissioner Bud Selig’s needed approval of any transaction worth at least $1 million, is finally completed. Eight players are exchanged, including Indians outfielder Coco Crisp, reliever David Riske, and backstop Josh Bard going to the Red Sox for recently acquired third base prospect Andy Marte, catcher Kelly Shoppach, and a player to be named later (minor league right-hander Randy Newsom).

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2006 – The end may be near for Jeff Bagwell’s 15-year run in Houston. The Astros announce they have filed an insurance claim to recover $15.6 million of the $24 million remaining on Bagwell’s contract, asserting he has not recovered sufficiently from shoulder surgery last year to throw a baseball. Bagwell disputes the allegation and wants to play in spring training which would jeopardize the claim. Bagwell had recently been examined by noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews. 

ByTom

2006 – The end may be near for Jeff Bagwell’s 15-year run in Houston. The Astros announce they have filed an insurance claim to recover $15.6 million of the $24 million remaining on Bagwell’s contract, asserting he has not recovered sufficiently from shoulder surgery last year to throw a baseball. Bagwell disputes the allegation and wants to play in spring training which would jeopardize the claim. Bagwell had recently been examined by noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews. 

Lance Berkman (.316, 30, 106), the team’s 2004 team MVP, and the Astros avoid arbitration when they agree on a one-year, $10.5 million deal. The 28 year-old All-Star outfielder suffered a serious off-season knee injury (anterior cruciate ligament tear) playing flag football.

ByTom

Lance Berkman (.316, 30, 106), the team’s 2004 team MVP, and the Astros avoid arbitration when they agree on a one-year, $10.5 million deal. The 28 year-old All-Star outfielder suffered a serious off-season knee injury (anterior cruciate ligament tear) playing flag football.

2005 – All-Star outfielder Lance Berkman avoids arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Houston Astros. Berkman, who hit .316 with 30 home runs and 106 RBI in 2004, suffered a serious off-season knee injury – a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament – playing flag football.

ByTom

2005 – All-Star outfielder Lance Berkman avoids arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Houston Astros. Berkman, who hit .316 with 30 home runs and 106 RBI in 2004, suffered a serious off-season knee injury – a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament – playing flag football.

2000 – The Cleveland Indians sign free agent pitcher Scott Sanders after his agent spurns a multi-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.

ByTom

2000 – The Cleveland Indians sign free agent pitcher Scott Sanders after his agent spurns a multi-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.

1999 – Free agent pitcher Jim Abbott is signed by the Milwaukee Brewers, and the St. Louis Cardinals sign second baseman Carlos Baerga.

ByTom

1999 – Free agent pitcher Jim Abbott is signed by the Milwaukee Brewers, and the St. Louis Cardinals sign second baseman Carlos Baerga.

jose canseco

Jose Canseco returns to his first major league team when Boston trades the slugger to the A’s

ByTom

After stints with the Rangers and Red Sox, Jose Canseco returns to his first major league team when Boston trades the slugger to the A’s for pitcher John Wasdin and cash. The 32 year-old DH/outfielder will bat .235 and hit 23 home runs for Oakland, and Boston’s new right-hander will post a 4-6 record with a 4.40 ERA.

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1992 – In a rare spending spree, the Astros sign four free agents, pitchers Joe Boever and Rob Murphy along with infielders Ernest Riles and Denny Walling. It’s the end of the line for Walling who spent eleven years previously in Houston, a vital man in two division champions during the eighties. He’s forced out with a knee injury after three at bats. None of the others are in Houston the following season. 

ByTom

1992 – In a rare spending spree, the Astros sign four free agents, pitchers Joe Boever and Rob Murphy along with infielders Ernest Riles and Denny Walling. It’s the end of the line for Walling who spent eleven years previously in Houston, a vital man in two division champions during the eighties. He’s forced out with a knee injury after three at bats. None of the others are in Houston the following season.