Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling is keeping busy this offseason: He wrote goodbye letters to some of his teammates, rode in the parade celebrating the team’s second World Series title in four years, and filed for free agency on his first full day back in Boston. “A one-year deal is all I’m looking for,” Schilling said in his weekly radio appearance while driving to Fenway Park for the parade.
Joe Girardi is back in pinstripes, taking over as New York Yankees manager from his mentor. Girardi was hired Tuesday, agreeing to a three-year contract to replace Joe Torre in New York’s dugout. “I think any of us would be somewhat surprised to get the job because it’s such an honor,” Girardi said. “I’m extremely excited and thrilled.
Geoff Jenkins’ $9 million option was declined Tuesday by the Milwaukee Brewers, making the left fielder eligible for free agency. Jenkins, drafted by the Brewers in first round in 1995, had played his entire career for Milwaukee and had been the longest tenured veteran on the team. He slumped badly the past two seasons, and hit .255 with 21 homers and 64 RBIs this year.
The Houston Astros re-signed catcher Brad Ausmus to a $2 million, one-year contract on Tuesday. Known for his fine defense, the 38-year-old Ausmus hit .235 with three home runs and 25 RBIs in 117 games with Houston last season. He committed four errors and ranked fourth among National League catchers with a .995 fielding percentage.
When the Red Sox needed a closer — even for their World Series championship parade — Jonathan Papelbon was their man. Papelbon donned a kilt and danced his trademark Irish jig to the roars of tens of thousands of fans Tuesday as the city celebrated Boston’s second World Series title in four years with a three-mile-long rolling rally from Fenway Park to City Hall Plaza.
Now that the New York Yankees have offered Joe Girardi their managerial job, it’s clear they’ve put the Joe Torre era behind them. What’s next for Torre? Even David Letterman wants to know, wondering Monday night whether Torre might be headed to Los Angeles. “Maybe Dodgers, maybe Angels?” Letterman asked.
The home run king is looking for a job. Barry Bonds filed for free agency Monday on the first possible day after the World Series ended with Boston’s sweep of the Colorado Rockies on Sunday night. That means the slugger’s tenure with San Francisco is now over. Giants owner Peter Magowan told him last month the club would not bring him back for a 16th season.
Major League Baseball had this message for Alex Rodriguez and agent Scott Boras: Shame on you. Boras announced during Game 4 of the World Series on Sunday night that A-Rod was opting out of the final three seasons of his contract with the New York Yankees. The timing left baseball officials livid, and Boras apologized Monday evening, just after Rodriguez filed with the players’ association and…
The Detroit Tigers made the first splash in baseball’s offseason as they addressed a pressing priority. Again. Detroit filled its No. 1 void Monday, acquiring shortstop Edgar Renteria and cash from the Atlanta Braves for two prospects. Shortly after reaching the World Series last season, the Tigers pulled off the first major move when they traded for Gary Sheffield.
The oldest son of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid was taken into custody again Tuesday after failing a drug test, prosecutors said. Garrett Reid was handcuffed and taken to the Montgomery County Prison on Tuesday after surrendering at a probation office. He declined to comment as he entered the office.
