IN THE NEWS: Cubs OF Jerome Walton wins the National League Rookie of the Year Award, collecting 22 of 24 first-place votes to defeat teammate Dwight Smith. They are the first NL teammates to finish 1-2 in the voting since the Phillies Jack Sanford and Ed Bouchee in 1957. Walton is the first Cub to win rookie honors since Billy Williams, in 1961.
IN THE NEWS: Twenty-five-year-old Bret Saberhagen becomes the 4th pitcher ever to win the American League Cy Young Award twice, getting 27 of a possible 28 first-place votes for his 23-6, 2.16 ERA season. He also won the award in 1985.
IN THE NEWS: Nick Esasky, who became one of the major leagues’ most coveted free agents after hitting .277 with 30 HRs and 108 RBI for the Red Sox last season, signs a 3-year contract with Atlanta Braves. Esasky lives in Marietta, Georgia.
IN THE NEWS: Brewers centerfielder Robin Yount edges the Rangers Ruben Sierra to win his 2nd American League MVP Award. Yount, who won as a SS in 1982, hit .318 last season with 21 home runs and 103 RBI.
IN THE NEWS: Twins OF Kirby Puckett re-signs with the club for $9 million over three years, making him the first ML player ever to sign a contract that calls for an average salary of $3 million per year. More will follow.