Bobby Abreu (.293, 15, 103), a last-minute signing with the club last season, agrees to a $19 million, two-year deal to stay with the Angels rather than to retake a chance on the free-agent market. The veteran outfielder didn’t find a team until just before spring training when Los Angeles offered him a one-year contract guaranteeing $5 million.

ByBaseball

Bobby Abreu (.293, 15, 103), a last-minute signing with the club last season, agrees to a $19 million, two-year deal to stay with the Angels rather than to retake a chance on the free-agent market. The veteran outfielder didn’t find a team until just before spring training when Los Angeles offered him a one-year contract guaranteeing $5 million.

The Marlins trade Jeremy Hermida to the Red Sox for a pair of southpaw prospects, Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez. The move of the underachieving outfielder, a first-round draft choice in 2002, will allow Florida to cut payroll while adding pitching.

ByBaseball

The Marlins trade Jeremy Hermida to the Red Sox for a pair of southpaw prospects, Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez. The move of the underachieving outfielder, a first-round draft choice in 2002, will allow Florida to cut payroll while adding pitching.

Extending a major league record, Greg Maddux captures his 18th Gold Glove, making it two more than former Baltimore third baseman Brooks Robinson and 26-year big league veteran Jim Kaat. The 42 year-old Dodger right-hander, who is considering retirement, has been selected 18 of the last 19 years as the NL’s slickest fielding pitcher, with the only exception occurring in 2003 when Mike Hampton got the nod from the managers and coaches for the Rawlings award.

ByTom

Extending a major league record, Greg Maddux captures his 18th Gold Glove, making it two more than former Baltimore third baseman Brooks Robinson and 26-year big league veteran Jim Kaat. The 42 year-old Dodger right-hander, who is considering retirement, has been selected 18 of the last 19 years as the NL’s slickest fielding pitcher, with the only exception occurring in 2003 when Mike Hampton got the nod from the managers and coaches for the Rawlings award.

In an effort to replace relievers Francisco Cordero (Reds) and Scott Linebrink (White Sox), who were lost to free agency, the Brewers sign David Riske. The 31 year-old right-handed hurler, who after a rocky start pitched effectively for the Royals last season, agrees to a three-year contract to play for Milwaukee.

ByBaseball

In an effort to replace relievers Francisco Cordero (Reds) and Scott Linebrink (White Sox), who were lost to free agency, the Brewers sign David Riske. The 31 year-old right-handed hurler, who after a rocky start pitched effectively for the Royals last season, agrees to a three-year contract to play for Milwaukee.

The Pirates name former third base coach John Russell as their 38th manager in franchise history. The Bucs’ new skipper, the 2006 International League Manager of the Year, managed the Red Barons, the triple-A Phillies affiliate located in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, for the past two seasons.

ByBaseball

The Pirates name former third base coach John Russell as their 38th manager in franchise history. The Bucs’ new skipper, the 2006 International League Manager of the Year, managed the Red Barons, the triple-A Phillies affiliate located in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, for the past two seasons.

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2004 – Off-seasons can be hazardous to your health, part two. Lance Berkman tears the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while playing flag football at a church outing. He misses the first six weeks of the 2005 season but rebounds with 24 homers and 82 RBIs to anchor the Astros lineup. 

ByTom

2004 – Off-seasons can be hazardous to your health, part two. Lance Berkman tears the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while playing flag football at a church outing. He misses the first six weeks of the 2005 season but rebounds with 24 homers and 82 RBIs to anchor the Astros lineup. 

2003 – Promising Cincinnati Reds outfielder Dernell Stenson is kidnapped, robbed, and brutally murdered by four men in Scottsdale, Arizona, for reasons that are still unclear. He was 25.

ByBaseball

2003 – Promising Cincinnati Reds outfielder Dernell Stenson is kidnapped, robbed, and brutally murdered by four men in Scottsdale, Arizona, for reasons that are still unclear. He was 25.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson wins the National League Cy Young Award, his fifth overall and fourth in a row

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson wins the National League Cy Young Award, his fifth overall and fourth in a row

ByThis Day in Baseball

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson wins the National League Cy Young Award, his fifth overall and fourth in a row. Johnson is the first NL player since the Mets’ Dwight Gooden to win the pitching triple crown, going 24-5 with 334 strikeouts and a 2.37 ERA. Johnson also led the major leagues in strikeouts for the ninth time.

In what Bud Selig says is Phase One of a realignment of the major leagues, his Milwaukee Brewers move from the American League to the National League. Phase 2 will have to wait until 2013, however.

ByBaseball

In what Bud Selig says is Phase One of a realignment of the major leagues, his Milwaukee Brewers move from the American League to the National League. Phase 2 will have to wait until 2013, however.