National League
Arizona Diamondbacks Exercised the 2010 contract option RHP Brandon Webb.
Atlanta Braves Reinstated INF Danny Richar from the 60-day DL and assigned him outright off the roster, making him a free agent. Assigned 1B Kevin Barker outright off the roster and Barker elected free agency. Assigned OF Darnell McDonald outright off the roster. Assigned C Corky Miller outright off the roster and Miller agreed to a minor league contract with Louisville (IL). Signed RHP Justin Lehr to a one-year contract and assigned him outright to Louisville.
Colorado Rockies Declined 2010 contract options on LHP Alan Embree and C Yorvit Torrealba.
Florida Marlins Named Randy St. Claire pitching coach, Dave Collins first base/outfield coach, Josue Espada third base/infield coach and Reid Cornelius bullpen coach.
Los Angeles Dodgers Announced OF Manny Ramirez exercised his 2010 contract option.
Milwaukee Brewers Declined the 2010 contract option on RHP David Weathers.
New York Mets Declined the 2010 contract option on RHP J.J. Putz.
Philadelphia Phillies Exercised the 2010 contract option LHP Cliff Lee.
Pittsburgh Pirates Assigned RHP Virgil Vasquez and RHP Eric Hacker outright to Indianapolis (IL) and C Steve Lerud outright to Altoona (EL).
Washington Nationals Declined 2010 contract option on OF Austin Kearns.
American League
Chicago White Sox Declined the 2010 contract option on OF Jermaine Dye. Acquired INF-OF Mark Teahen from Kansas City for INF Chris Getz, INF Josh Fields and cash considerations.
Cleveland Indians Named Tim Belcher pitching coach.
Detroit Tigers Assigned INF Michael Hollimon outright to Toledo (IL). Assigned C Matt Treanor and OF Marcus Thames off the roster. Purchased the contract of RHP Jay Sborz from Toledo. Reinstated RHP Joel Zumaya and INF Jeff Larish from the 60-day DL.
Kansas City Royals Declined the 2010 contract options for OF Coco Crisp, C Miguel Olivo and RHP Yasuhiko Yabuta.
Los Angeles Angels Signed general manager Tony Reagins to a multiyear contract extension.
Minnesota Twins Acquired SS J.J. Hardy from Milwaukee for OF Carlos Gomez.
Toronto Blue Jays Sent C Kyle Phillips, LHP Davis Romero and LHP Bill Murphy outright to Las Vegas (PCL).
There are some out there that can remember the last time the Yankees and Phillies met in the World Series. To set the record straight, I am not one of them. And for that I’m grateful. Or so I thought until I looked at the box scores of the Series.
If you ever attended a game at Minneapolis’ Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome you’ve probably experienced the not-so-subtle shove in the back as you walk out the door. This gentle kick in the backside, a result of the different levels of air pressure on either side of the doorway, is just one of the building’s many quirks. The Twins and their fans may miss some of these quirks as they enhanced the Twins’ decided home-field advantage. At the same time, these oddities are why many are happy to leave the building to the Vikings.
Bud Selig was caught recently by the Los Angeles Times saying that for the five years before this one, Major League Baseball enjoyed “as much competitive balance as we’ve ever had.” Of course, that’s not saying much considering baseball’s historic lack of parity.
The Yankees’ 103 wins are impressive. Will that gaudy number carry them to another World Series title? It can’t and it won’t. In fact, I think the Yankees will be watching the Series on TV.
Baseball’s oldest veteran celebrates his 100th birthday today. Tony Malinosky’s career as a Brookly Dodger was a short one, but his loyalty has survived the many decades since a knee injury forced him out of the game.
Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda celebrated his 82nd birthday by visiting the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. He was on hand to witness the unveiling of a portrait of him, painted by New York artist Everett Raymond Kinstler.
The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a three-year major league contract with first-round draft pick Aaron Crow. The Associated Press reports that Crow, a hard-throwing right-hander, is guaranteed $3 million even if he doesn’t reach the majors.
As you may have noticed, my baseball muse has been missing in action. I hadn’t written anything since Major League Baseball’s signing day. Then something wonderful happened. My wife called.
Major League Baseball’s signing deadline has passed and the dust kicked up from the last-minute signing/spurning spree has settled, meaning its time to analyze what has transpired. Which teams made off like bandits? Which paid too much? In the case of college ball, which teams were hurt and which benefited from their players’ failure to sign a contract?
The International Olympic Committee Executive Board has chosen to eliminate baseball, softball and three other sports from the 2016 games in favor of golf and rugby. Yes, rugby. 
