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in 5 player deal Brad Lidge is dealt to the Phillies

2007 – Ed Wade strikes a deal with Philadelphia, his former employer. Houston deals closer Brad Lidge and utilityman Eric Bruntlett to the Phillies for outfielder Michael Bourn, reliever Geoff Geary and minor leaguer Mike Costanzo. Bourn spent three years at the University of Houston before signing with the Phils. Costanzo is dealt to Baltimore later that winter. 

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Oakland Athletics reliever Huston Street and Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard are named the American League and National League rookies of the year

Oakland Athletics reliever Huston Street and Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard are rewarded for their efforts by being named the American League and National League rookies of the year, respectively. Street became Oakland’s closer when incumbent Octavio Dotel went down in May with an elbow injury that required surgery. Street saved 23 games in 27 chances to go along with a 5-1 record and a 1.72 ERA. Only Mariano Rivera’s 1.38 ERA for the Yankees was better among AL relievers. Street had 72 strikeouts in 78 1/3 innings pitched, and opposing hitters batted only .194 against him. Howard became the Phillies’ everyday first baseman in early July when slugger Jim Thome was sidelined for the season with an elbow injury. Howard, who led all major league rookies with 22 home runs, also posted a .288 average and 63 RBI in 312 at bats. He had 11 homers and 27 RBI in September and October as the Phillies battled the Houston Astros for the NL wild card until getting eliminated on the last day of the season.

five-ton wrecking ball smashes into Busch Stadium to make room for a new ballpark to house the St. Louis Cardinals

With a resounding thud, a five-ton wrecking ball smashes into Busch Stadium to make room for a new ballpark to house the St. Louis Cardinals. Hundreds of observers line nearby streets or dotted rooftops to watch the beginning of the demolition to the 39-year-old facility.

Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden and former Baltimore Orioles boss Jim Beattie will interview with the Boston Red Sox to replace departed GM Theo Epstein.

Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden and former Baltimore Orioles boss Jim Beattie will interview with the Boston Red Sox to replace departed GM Theo Epstein.

Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden and former Baltimore Orioles boss Jim Beattie will interview with the Boston Red Sox to replace departed GM Theo Epstein.

Nomar Garciaparra signs a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs

Nomar Garciaparra signs a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs

2004 – After refusing a $60 million, four-year contract extension from the Boston Red Sox the previous winter, Nomar Garciaparra signs a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs, the team he was traded to in 2004, for $8 million. The All-Star shortstop, who is coming off an injury-plagued season, can increase the value of the contract up to $11 million with bonus incentives based on performance and playing time.

A’s southpaw Barry Zito is selected as the American League Cy Young Award winner

A’s southpaw Barry Zito (23-5, 2.75) is selected as the American League Cy Young Award winner by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. The 24 year-old sophomore, who led the AL in wins, out points Red Sox right-hander Pedro Martinez, 114 to 96.

Mike Scioscia and Tony La Russa are selected as Manager of the Year for their respective leagues

The Baseball Writers’ Association of America selects Mike Scioscia (World Champions Angels – 99-63) and Tony La Russa (Cardinals – 97-65) as Manager of the Year for their respective leagues. The St. Louis skipper, who also won the award in the American League with the White Sox (1983) and the A’s (1988, 1992), joins Braves’ field boss Bobby Cox as the only managers to win the top honors in both leagues.