Five players avoid salary arbitration by agreeing to one-year contracts: pitcher Mark Prior with the Chicago Cubs; pitcher Vicente Padilla and outfielder Gary Matthews with the Texas Rangers; reliever Jorge Julio with the New York Mets, and reliever Jesús Colome with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

ByTom

Five players avoid salary arbitration by agreeing to one-year contracts: pitcher Mark Prior with the Chicago Cubs; pitcher Vicente Padilla and outfielder Gary Matthews with the Texas Rangers; reliever Jorge Julio with the New York Mets, and reliever Jesús Colome with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

In a three-team, multi-player trade, the Cleveland Indians send center fielder Coco Crisp, reliever David Riske and catcher Josh Bard to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for reliever Guillermo Mota, catcher Kelly Shoppach, infielder Andy Marte, a player to be named later and cash considerations. Cleveland then sends reliever Arthur Rhodes to the Philadelphia Phillies in return for outfielder Jason Michaels. The deal is temporarily held up because of Cleveland’s concerns about Mota’s health. If he goes on the disabled list, Cleveland will add a pitcher from Boston’s minor league system.

ByTom

In a three-team, multi-player trade, the Cleveland Indians send center fielder Coco Crisp, reliever David Riske and catcher Josh Bard to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for reliever Guillermo Mota, catcher Kelly Shoppach, infielder Andy Marte, a player to be named later and cash considerations. Cleveland then sends reliever Arthur Rhodes to the Philadelphia Phillies in return for outfielder Jason Michaels. The deal is temporarily held up because of Cleveland’s concerns about Mota’s health. If he goes on the disabled list, Cleveland will add a pitcher from Boston’s minor league system.

2005 – Recently-traded first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, who caught and kept the ball used to make the last out giving the Boston Red Sox their first World Championship in 86 years, will lend his souvenir to his former club. The historic horsehide, which Boston claims belongs to the team, will be encased within a plaque and will become part of the victory tour which includes the World Series trophy.

ByTom

2005 – Recently-traded first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, who caught and kept the ball used to make the last out giving the Boston Red Sox their first World Championship in 86 years, will lend his souvenir to his former club. The historic horsehide, which Boston claims belongs to the team, will be encased within a plaque and will become part of the victory tour which includes the World Series trophy.

Curt Blefary dies from pancreatitis at the age of 57

Curt Blefary dies from pancreatitis at the age of 57

ByThis Day in Baseball

On January 28, 2001, former major leaguer Curt Blefary dies from pancreatitis at the age of 57. Nicknamed “Clank” for his defensive limitations, Blefary hit 112 home runs over an eight-year career with the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Oakland A’s, and San Diego Padres. In 1965, Blefary was named the AL’s Rookie…

1992 – Detroit Tigers first baseman Cecil Fielder avoids salary arbitration by agreeing to a $4.5 million contract, for the largest single-season deal in major league history.

ByTom

1992 – Detroit Tigers first baseman Cecil Fielder avoids salary arbitration by agreeing to a $4.5 million contract, for the largest single-season deal in major league history.