IN THE NEWS: Two days after signing C Joe Girardi, the Yankees send back-up catcher Jim Leyritz to the Angels in exchange for minor leaguers Ryan Kane and Jeremy Blevins. Leyritz, the Yankee with the longest tenure—5 years, 126 days—was vulnerable because of his $1.75 million yearly contract.
Following his most productive season with the Oakland A's, Terry Steinbach elects to take less money and return home. Like Dave Winfield, Paul Molitor, and Jack Morris before him, the Minnesota veteran signs with Twins.
IN THE NEWS: The Seattle Mariners acquire righty Scott Sanders, (9–5, 3.38 ERA) from the Padres for left-handed Sterling Hitchcock. Hitchcock was the ace of the Mariner staff after Randy Johnson went down with back surgery. He finished with a 13–9 record, but had a 5.35 ERA.
IN THE NEWS: The Tigers make their biggest trade since 1957, sending four players to Houston in exchange for five Astros. Detroit C Brad Ausmus, P Jose Lima, lefties C.J. Nitkowski and Trever Miller, and IF Daryle Ward go to the National League for starters Brian Hunter and Orlando Miller, Doug Brocail and Todd Jones, and a player to come later. Brocail, also involved in the 1994 12-player swap between San Diego and Houston, will be Detroit's Opening Day pitcher in April.
Montreal reliever Mel Rojas signs with the Cubs for a three-year $13.75 million contract. With Ugueth Urbina waiting in the wings, the Expos found the expensive Rojas expendable.
IN THE NEWS: The Cubs sign free agent P Kevin Tapani to a 3-year contract.
The Indians sign free agent P Mike Jackson to a 2-year contract.
The Blue Jays sign free agent P Roger Clemens (10-13) to a 3-year contract worth $24.75 million. The Red Sox' last minute offer falls short and The Rocket's flirtation with the Yankees comes to naught. The Sox are successful in retaining Tim Naehring, who was minutes away from signing with Cleveland.
The Pirates trade IF Jeff King and SS Jay Bell to the Royals for 3B Joe Randa and pitchers Jeff Granger, Jeff Martin, and Jeff Wallace.
IN THE NEWS: Red Sox veteran Mike Greenwell signs a one-year contract to play for the Hanshin Tigers. The Sox had designated him for assignment on October 15, so his leaving Boston after 10 years was inevitable.
IN THE NEWS: The Blue Jays send 1B John Olerud and his $5 million contract to the Mets for pitcher Robert Person. The move leaves 1B open for Joe Carter.
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