The Boston Red Sox sign free agent 3B Adrian Beltre to a one-year deal worth $9 million, with an option for a second year. The deal is motivated by the uncertain state of Mike Lowell’s health.
2007 – Infielder Mark Loretta is signed to a one-year contract. He bats .296 with the Astros during two stints (2002, 2007-2008), including ten homers.
Free agent outfielder Preston Wilson signs a one-year $4 million contract by the Houston Astros including a three-year club option that could extend the deal through the 2009 season.
The minimum salary for players in the major leagues rises $9,000 this year to $327,000.
2005 – Wade Boggs, a five-time batting champion, and Ryne Sandberg, a nine-time Gold Glove Award winner at second base, are elected to the Hall of Fame. Boggs becomes the 41st player elected to Cooperstown in his first year of eligibility, while receiving 474 of the record number of 516 votes cast (92%). Sandberg receives 393 votes, six more that the needed number. Relief pitchers Bruce Sutter (66.7%) and Goose Gossage (55%), and outfielders Jim Rice (59.5%) and Andre Dawson (52%), are the only other players to be named on at least half of the ballots cast. All four will be voted in over the next five years.
In the midst of the franchise’s uncertain future due to its possible contraction as a major league team, Ron Gardenhire is named to replace Tom Kelly as the Minnesota manager. The 44 year-old Twins coach, who will remain as the team’s skipper for 13 seasons, is given a two-year pact to pilot the team.
The Indians sign 18 year-old Matthew Haynes, a participant in the major league’s first-ever Australian Baseball Academy. The Tribe believes the 6′-3″, 185-pound right-hander, considered one of the best sixty players from Down Under, will become a starting pitcher in the major leagues.
Tony Tavares, citing he is tired of losing, resigns as the president of the Angels. The 52 year-old executive, who until today also was the chairman of the NHL’s Mighty Ducks, assumed the baseball post after Disney bought the team from Jackie Autry in 1996.
The Cleveland Indians sign pitcher Matthew Haynes, a participant in major league’s first-ever Australian Baseball Academy, which included the best 60 players from Australia. The 6’3″, 185 lb. 18-year-old, is a right-hander who the Indians predict will be a starter in the major leagues.
The Colorado Rockies agree to terms with free agent catcher Tony Eusebio on a one-year contract.
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