The Royals obtain a much-needed leadoff hitter, acquiring Coco Crisp (.283, 7, 41) from the Red Sox in exchange for setup reliever Ramon Ramirez (3-2, 2.64, 70/71.2). The fleet-footed center fielder became dispensable due to the sensational play of Jacoby Ellsbury in the Boston outfield.

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The Royals obtain a much-needed leadoff hitter, acquiring Coco Crisp (.283, 7, 41) from the Red Sox in exchange for setup reliever Ramon Ramirez (3-2, 2.64, 70/71.2). The fleet-footed center fielder became dispensable due to the sensational play of Jacoby Ellsbury in the Boston outfield.

The Seattle Mariners hire Don Wakamatsu as their new manager. He will be the first Asian-American manager in Major League Baseball history.

The Seattle Mariners hire Don Wakamatsu as their new manager. He will be the first Asian-American manager in Major League Baseball history.

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2008 – The Seattle Mariners hire Don Wakamatsu as their new manager. He will be the first Asian-American manager in Major League Baseball history.

The Angels trade Orlando Cabrera (.301, 8, 86) to the White Sox in exchange for Jon Garland (10-13, 4.23). Many see this trade of their Gold Glove shortstop for a right-hander as a precursor of the pitching-rich Halos dealing a hurler for a big bat such as Miguel Cabrera or Miguel Tejada.

ByBaseball

The Angels trade Orlando Cabrera (.301, 8, 86) to the White Sox in exchange for Jon Garland (10-13, 4.23). Many see this trade of their Gold Glove shortstop for a right-hander as a precursor of the pitching-rich Halos dealing a hurler for a big bat such as Miguel Cabrera or Miguel Tejada.

Alex Rodriguez wins his third American League Most Valuable Player Award

Alex Rodriguez wins his third American League Most Valuable Player Award

ByThis Day in Baseball

Alex Rodriguez (.314, 54, 156), receiving 26 out of 28 first place-votes cast by the BBWAA, wins his third American League Most Valuable Player Award, the second as a Yankee (2005). The 32 year-old A-Rod, presently in contract talks with the Bronx Bombers with a $275 million framework in place to keep the third baseman in New York until 2018, won his first MVP with the Rangers in 2003.

2The Los Angeles Angels trade outfielder Jose Guillen to the Washington Nationals for OF Juan Rivera and IF Maicer Izturis

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2004 – The Los Angeles Angels trade outfielder Jose Guillen to the Washington Nationals for OF Juan Rivera and IF Maicer Izturis. Guillen, now playing for his sixth team in an eight-year career, was suspended by the Angels after throwing a batting helmet during a tirade caused by being taken out for a pinch runner last September.

 Jesse Orosco, agrees to a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres after setting a major league record with 1,252 games pitched

 Jesse Orosco, agrees to a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres after setting a major league record with 1,252 games pitched

ByBaseball

2002 – Jesse Orosco, agrees to a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres estimated at $800,000. Orosco started his major league career in 1979 with the New York Mets (traded by the Minnesota Twins for Jerry Koosman). He will retire next season at age 45, after setting a major league record with 1,252 games pitched.

San Francisco Giants left fielder Barry Bonds is named 2001 N L Most Valuable Player 

San Francisco Giants left fielder Barry Bonds is named 2001 N L Most Valuable Player 

ByBaseball

2001 – San Francisco Giants left fielder Barry Bonds is named National League Most Valuable Player by the Baseball Writers Association of America with 30 of 32 first-place votes. Bonds, who hit .328 with an all-time record 73 home runs and 137 RBI, wins the award for an unprecedented fourth time. Previously, he was awarded as a Pittsburgh Pirates member in 1990 and 1992 and with the Giants in 1993. Three-time MVP Award winners include Yogi Berra, Roy Campanella, Joe DiMaggio, Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial and Mike Schmidt, all of them Hall of Famers.

The Philadelphia Phillies trade pitchers Ricky Bottalico and Garrett Stephenson to the St. Louis Cardinals for outfielder Ron Gant, pitchers Jeff Brantley and Cliff Politte, and cash considerations.

ByBaseball

The Philadelphia Phillies trade pitchers Ricky Bottalico and Garrett Stephenson to the St. Louis Cardinals for outfielder Ron Gant, pitchers Jeff Brantley and Cliff Politte, and cash considerations.