IN THE NEWS: New York Supreme Court Justice Richard Lane issues a preliminary injunction barring the Yankees from playing their season-opening series against the Tigers in Denver. The club had sought to move the games because it feared off-season renovations to Yankee Stadium would not be completed for the April 11th-13th series.
IN THE NEWS: For the 3rd time in eight years, George Steinbrenner hires Billy Martin as Yankee manager. Martin replaces Clyde King, who will move to the front office.
One of the few good players to be drafted and also sign in the January free agent draft is Ellis Burks, picked on the first round by the Red Sox. The Yankees pick and sign a Canseco -- Ozzie Canseco -- with their 4th pick.
IN THE NEWS: Brooks Robinson and Juan Marichal are elected to the Hall of Fame by the BBWAA. Robinson becomes the 14th player elected in his first year of eligibility.
IN THE NEWS: Bob Horner agrees to a 4-year contract with the Atlanta Braves that will pay him up to $6 million, including $400,000 in bonuses if he keeps his weight below 215 pounds.
IN THE NEWS: The Dodgers trade veteran 3B Ron Cey to the Cubs for minor leaguers Vance Lovelace and Dan Cataline. Cey will play 518 games at third for the Cubs, the most since Ron Santo.
Ozzie Smith becomes baseball's first $1 million shortstop, signing a 3-year contract with the Cardinals.