Adding another first baseman to an already crowded field at that position, the Royals obtain Mike Jacobs (.247, 32, 93) from the Marlins in exchange for reliever Leo Nunez (4-1, 2.98). The 28 year-old infielder from Florida gives Kansas City a much-needed left-handed slugger in the middle of the lineup.

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Adding another first baseman to an already crowded field at that position, the Royals obtain Mike Jacobs (.247, 32, 93) from the Marlins in exchange for reliever Leo Nunez (4-1, 2.98). The 28 year-old infielder from Florida gives Kansas City a much-needed left-handed slugger in the middle of the lineup.

The Yankees sign Joe Girardi to a three-year deal worth a reported $7.5 million to replace popular manager Joe Torre, who left earlier in the month, rejecting a 29% pay cut after guiding his club to their 12th postseason appearance in 12 years. The 43 year-old former catcher and broadcaster, the NL manager of the year with the 2006 Marlins, beat out coaches Don Mattingly and Tony Pena to become the team’s 32nd skipper.

ByThis Day in Baseball

The Yankees sign Joe Girardi to a three-year deal worth a reported $7.5 million to replace popular manager Joe Torre, who left earlier in the month, rejecting a 29% pay cut after guiding his club to their 12th postseason appearance in 12 years. The 43 year-old former catcher and broadcaster, the NL manager of the year with the 2006 Marlins, beat out coaches Don Mattingly and Tony Pena to become the team’s 32nd skipper.

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti, calling it a mutual decision, announces Grady Little (170-154, .525) has decided to leave the organization with a year left on his three-year contract to manage the club. The resignation fuels speculation of the club hiring former Yankee manager Joe Torre as the team’s new skipper.

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Dodgers GM Ned Colletti, calling it a mutual decision, announces Grady Little (170-154, .525) has decided to leave the organization with a year left on his three-year contract to manage the club. The resignation fuels speculation of the club hiring former Yankee manager Joe Torre as the team’s new skipper.

Citing the veteran catcher’s ability to mentor younger players, the Astros re-sign Brad Ausmus to a one-year, $2 million incentive-laden deal. The 38 year-old Gold Glove backstop is expected to have a reduced role next season as rookie sensation J.R. Towles takes over behind the plate for Houston.

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Citing the veteran catcher’s ability to mentor younger players, the Astros re-sign Brad Ausmus to a one-year, $2 million incentive-laden deal. The 38 year-old Gold Glove backstop is expected to have a reduced role next season as rookie sensation J.R. Towles takes over behind the plate for Houston.

2007 – Rikkert Faneyte is hired as head coach of the Amsterdam Pirates, a year after their first playoff trip in 15 years. Faneyte has won two MVP awards as a player for the team, appearing both before and after his major league career. Faneyte was Amsterdam’s pitching coach previously. He will lead the team to the 2008 Holland Series title.

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2007 – Rikkert Faneyte is hired as head coach of the Amsterdam Pirates, a year after their first playoff trip in 15 years. Faneyte has won two MVP awards as a player for the team, appearing both before and after his major league career. Faneyte was Amsterdam’s pitching coach previously. He will lead the team to the 2008 Holland Series title.

Ria Cortesio, professional baseball’s only active female umpire and sixth overall, is released after nine years of making calls in the minors. The 31 year-old crew chief, whose mask is in the Hall of Fame, worked the Futures Game and Home Run Derby at the 2006 All-Star Game played in Pittsburgh, and she was on the bases for an exhibition game between the Diamondbacks and Cubs during spring training.

ByTom

Ria Cortesio, professional baseball’s only active female umpire and sixth overall, is released after nine years of making calls in the minors. The 31 year-old crew chief, whose mask is in the Hall of Fame, worked the Futures Game and Home Run Derby at the 2006 All-Star Game played in Pittsburgh, and she was on the bases for an exhibition game between the Diamondbacks and Cubs during spring training.

George W. Bush becomes the eighth president to attend a World Series game and the first since Dwight D. Eisenhower to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Wearing a New York Fire Department windbreaker in honor of the heroes of the September 11 attacks, the Commander-in-Chief walks to the mound by himself, gives a thumbs up, and throws a perfect strike to the Yankees’ backup catcher, much to the delight of the stadium faithful.

George W. Bush becomes the eighth president to attend a World Series game and the first since Dwight D. Eisenhower to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Wearing a New York Fire Department windbreaker in honor of the heroes of the September 11 attacks, the Commander-in-Chief walks to the mound by himself, gives a thumbs up, and throws a perfect strike to the Yankees’ backup catcher, much to the delight of the stadium faithful.

ByThis Day in Baseball

George W. Bush becomes the eighth president to attend a World Series game and the first since Dwight D. Eisenhower to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Wearing a New York Fire Department windbreaker in honor of the heroes of the September 11 attacks, the Commander-in-Chief walks to the mound by himself, gives a thumbs up, and throws a perfect strike to the Yankees’ backup catcher, much to the delight of the stadium faithful.

Diamondback broadcaster Bob Brenly, signing a three-year, $2 million contract, is named as manager of the team. The former major league catcher replaces Buck Showalter, the club’s’ only manager, who was let go at the end of the season after compiling a 250-236 record for the three year-old franchise.

ByTom

Diamondback broadcaster Bob Brenly, signing a three-year, $2 million contract, is named as manager of the team. The former major league catcher replaces Buck Showalter, the club’s’ only manager, who was let go at the end of the season after compiling a 250-236 record for the three year-old franchise.

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1997 – Five years to the day after officially acquiring the ballclub, owner Drayton McLane, Jr. is on hand for groundbreaking ceremonies on a new downtown stadium. It’s tentatively named the “Ballpark at Union Station” where the former train depot was located. The stadium is funded in a number of ways and the sale of naming rights will be part of the process. 

ByTom

1997 – Five years to the day after officially acquiring the ballclub, owner Drayton McLane, Jr. is on hand for groundbreaking ceremonies on a new downtown stadium. It’s tentatively named the “Ballpark at Union Station” where the former train depot was located. The stadium is funded in a number of ways and the sale of naming rights will be part of the process. 

The Orioles trade Storm Davis to the Padres for catcher Terry Kennedy and minor leaguer Mark Williamson. After getting off to a 2-7 start with an ERA of 6.18 with San Diego, the right-hander will be dealt to Oakland in August for players to named later.

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The Orioles trade Storm Davis to the Padres for catcher Terry Kennedy and minor leaguer Mark Williamson. After getting off to a 2-7 start with an ERA of 6.18 with San Diego, the right-hander will be dealt to Oakland in August for players to named later.