12-01-1958 – Canadian-born RHP CLAUDE RAYMOND became a CHICAGO WHITE SOX winter draft selection and goes on to pitch in three AMERICAN LEAGUE games with them in 1959.

12-01-1962 – NEW YORK METS RHP BOB MILLER is traded to the LOS ANGELES DODGERS for IF TIM HARKNESS and IF LARRY BURRIGHT.

12-01-1976 – TOM CHEEK was appointed radio play-by-play announcer for TORONTO BLUE JAYS games, and he has never missed a single game over the team's 26 seasons through 2002.

12-01-1982 – After his release by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS, RHP KEN SCHROM
signed as a free-agent with the MINNESOTA TWINS, going on to post a 15-8 mark with a 3.71 ERA in 1983.

12-01-1999 – RHP GIOVANNI CARRARA signed as a free agent with the COLORADO ROCKIES.

12-01-2002 – LHP DAVID ARTHUR "DAVE" McNALLY died at the age of 59. He played his final season with the MONTREAL EXPOS in 1975 compiling a 3-6 record, with a 5.24 ERA over 12 games. Lifetime he was 184-119 with a 3.24 earned run average, winning 20 games four times in succession from 1968-1971 playing with the BALTIMORE ORIOLES from 1962-1974. With ANDY MESSERSMITH, they became baseball's first two legal free agents in 1975.

12-02-1968 – Two players, FLOYD WICKER and JUAN RIOS, are selected by the MONTREAL EXPOS at a draft meeting in San Francisco, then the team purchases five more players in a special selection for expansion clubs, DON HAHN, JON MOOCK, MICHAEL OATES, CARROLL SEMBERA, and ED SILVERMAN.

12-02-1971 – 1B JOHN MAYBERRY was traded to the KANSAS CITY ROYALS from the HOUSTON ASTROS where he had originally been their number draft pick in 1967, signed by EARL GILPIN and PAT GILLICK. Mayberry went on to hit 25 homers with 100 RBI in 1972.

12-02-1976 – The MONTREAL EXPOS released RHP CLAY KIRBY.

12-02-1979 – The TORONTO BLUE JAYS hosted the annual Baseball Winter Meetings, being the first year these meetings were held outside the United States since 1936.

12-02-1981 – FERNANDO VALENZUELA becomes the third consecutive LOS ANGELES DODGERS player to be chosen as the NATIONAL LEAGUE Rookie of the Year, beating out MONTREAL EXPOS OF TIM RAINES, who hit .304 with 71 stolen bases in only 313 at-bats.

12-02-1990 – IF LUIS SOJO, OF JUNIOR FELIX and C KEN RIVERS were traded to the CALIFORNIA ANGELS for OF DEVON WHITE, RHP WILLIE FRAZIER and RHP MARCUS MOORE.

12-02-1998 – RHP TODD STOTTLEMYRE signed as a free agent with the ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS.

12-03-1963 – The SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS traded OF FELIPE ALOU, LHP BILLY HOEFT, C ED BAILEY and IF ERNIE BOWMAN to the MILWAUKEE BRAVES for LHP BOB HENDLEY, RHP BOB SHAW and C DEL CRANDALL.

12-03-1969 – RHP JERRY ROBERTSON was traded to the DETROIT TIGERS by the MONTREAL EXPOS for RHP JOE SPARMA. ( see 5-14-1986 ).

12-03-1969 – 1B/OF FELIPE ALOU was traded by the ATLANTA BRAVES to the OAKLAND ATHLETICS for RHP JIM NASH.

12-03-1985 – OF JESSE BARFIELD was named as Toronto's Most Valuable Player of the Year, having slammed 27 home runs, driving in 84 runs while posting a .289 batting average.

12-03-1996 – Former MONTREAL EXPOS catcher JOHN ALVIN BATEMAN died at the age of 56 in Sand Spring, Oklahoma. He was the 6TH pick in the 1968 MLB expansion draft on 10-14-1968, appearing with the club from 1969-1972. After his MLB career ended he traveled with EDDIE FEIGNER and his group, known as THE KING & HIS COURT, the original four-man championship softball squad.

12-03-1999 – GARY HUGHES was named Director of Pro Scouting for the CINCINNATI REDS.

12-03-2002 – Canadian-born RHP CHRIS MEARS signed as a free agent with the DETROIT TIGERS after having been with the SEATTLE MARINERS organization since being drafted in June 1996.

12-04-1947 – Canadian-born OF JEFF HEATH was purchased by the BOSTON BRAVES from the ST. LOUIS BROWNS.

12-04-1974 -– OF KEN SINGLETON along with RHP MIKE TORREZ were acquired from the MONTREAL EXPOS by the BALTIMORE ORIOLES for LHP DAVE McNALLY, RHP BILL KIRKPATRICK and OF RICH COGGINS.

12-04-1984 – RHP MIKE MORGAN was selected by the SEATTLE MARINERS from the TORONTO BLUE JAYS in the Rule V draft.

12-04-1985 – Average salary for a TORONTO BLUE JAYS player was approximately $ 386000, according to the MLBPA, as Toronto players ranked 15TH among the 26 teams in terms of overall salary.

12-04-1996 – SS GUILLERMO MOTA was selected by the MONTREAL EXPOS from the NEW YORK METS in the Rule V draft, and was then converted to being a pitcher.

12-04-1997 – JERRY MANUEL was named as the 36TH Manager of the CHICAGO WHITE SOX.

12-05-1964 – Former MLB catcher EDMOND ARMAND (La RIVIERE) WINGO died at the age of 69 in Lachine Quebec. At the age of 24 he appeared in one game for the PHILADELPHIA ATHLETICS.

12-05-1974 – IF PETE MACKANIN and RHP DON STANHOUSE were traded by the TEXAS RANGERS to the MONTREAL EXPOS for OF WILLIE DAVIS.
12-05-1977 – WILLIE UPSHAW was the TORONTO BLUE JAYS first selection in the MLB draft from the NEW YORK YANKEES. In 1982 he became the TORONTO BLUE JAYS regular first baseman, crunching 21 home runs and driving in 71 runs.

12-05-1979 – 1B CHRIS CHAMBLISS and SS LUIS GOMEZ are traded by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS to the ATLANTA BRAVES in exchange for RHP JOEY McLAUGHLIN and OF BARRY BONNELL.

12-05-1983 – IF KELLY GRUBER was selected by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS from the CLEVELAND INDIANS in the MLB Winter Draft.

12-05-1988 – In a trade of lefties for lefties, LHP STEVE WILSON, LHP MITCH WILLIAMS, LHP PAUL KILGUS, IF CURTIS WILKERSON, IF LUIS BENITEZ and OF PABLO DELGADO were all traded to the CHICAGO CUBS by the TEXAS RANGERS in exchange for OF RAFAEL PALMEIRO, LHP JAMIE MOYER and LHP DREW HALL.

12-05-1989 – LHP JEFF FASSERO was selected by the CHICAGO CUBS from the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS in the Rule V draft.

12-05-1990 – After falling short of the division crown, PAT GILLICK reshapes the TORONTO BLUE JAYS by pulling off a blockbuster trade, as Toronto sends SS TONY FERNANDEZ and 1B FRED McGRIFF to the SAN DIEGO PADRES in exchange for 2B ROBERTO ALOMAR and OF JOE CARTER.

12-05-1992 – OF CURTIS PRIDE signs as a six-year free agent with the MONTREAL EXPOS.

12-06-1974 – The MONTREAL EXPOS trade 1B RON FAIRLY to the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS in exchange for IF RUDY KINARD and OF ED KURPIEL.

12-06-1976 – OF JOHN LOWENSTEIN and C RICK CERONE were acquired by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS from the CLEVELAND INDIANS in exchange for OF/DH RICO CARTY. He was reacquired by the Indians on 3-28-1977 for IF HECTOR TORRES.

12-06-1977 – The ST. LOUIS CARDINALS obtained OF JOHN SCOTT AND RHP PETE VUCKOVICH from the TORONTO BLUE JAYS in exchange for LHP TOM UNDERWOOD and RHP VICTOR CRUZ.

12-06-1977 – Long-time TORONTO BLUE JAYS batting practise pitcher JESUS FIGUEROA was originally drafted by the CHICAGO CUBS from the NEW YORK YANKEES on this date.

12-06-1978 – SS ALFREDO GRIFFIN came to Toronto along with OF PHIL LANSFORD from the CLEVELAND INDIANS, as relief pitcher VICTOR CRUZ went the other way.

12-06-1979 – JOEY McLAUGHLIN, BARRY BONNELL and PAT ROCKETT were obtained by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS in a trade with the ATLANTA BRAVES for LUIS GOMEZ and CHRIS CHAMBLISS. Chambliss never suited up in Toronto having been obtained from the NEW YORK YANKEES along with PAUL MIRABELLA and DAMASO GARCIA for TOM UNDERWOOD, RICK CERONE and TED WILBORN little more than a month before on 11-1-1979.

12-06-1982 – RHP JIM ACKER is selected by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS from the ATLANTA BRAVES in the MLB Winter draft.

12-06-1988 – RHP JEFF PARRETT and RHP FLOYD YOUMANS are traded by the MONTREAL EXPOS to the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES in exchange for RHP KEVIN GROSS.

12-06-1995 – Canadian-born RHP PAUL QUANTRILL was acquired by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS from the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES in exchange for 3B HOWARD BATTLE and LHP RICARDO JORDAN.

12-06-1999 – BOBBY RAMOS was appointed the Bullpen Coach for the ANAHEIM ANGELS.

12-07-1973 – The MONTREAL EXPOS sold 1B/OF FELIPE ALOU to the MILWAUKEE BREWERS, where his career ended after three games in 1974, finishing with .286 average, 206 home runs, 852 RBI and 2101 hits.

12-07-1973 – RHP REGGIE CLEVELAND, RHP DIEGO SEGUI and IF TERRY HUGHES were traded to the BOSTON RED SOX from the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS for RHP JOHN CURTIS, RHP MIKE GARMAN and RHP LYNN McGLOTHEN.

12-07-1977 – RHP BRYN SMITH, LHP RUDY MAY and RHP RANDY MILLER are acquired by the MONTREAL EXPOS in exchange for OF GARY ROENICKE, RHP JOE KERRIGAN and RHP DON STANHOUSE from the BALTIMORE ORIOLES.

12-07-2001 – OF ORLANDO MERCED signed as a free agent with the HOUSTON ASTROS.

12-07-1979 – OF RON LeFLORE is traded by the DETROIT TIGERS to the MONTREAL EXPOS for LHP DAN SCHATZEDER.

12-07-1981 – RHP JIM GOTT is selected by the BLUE JAYS from the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS in the MLB Rule V draft.

12-07-1983 – IF AL NEWMAN and RHP SCOTT SANDERSON were traded to the SAN DIEGO PADRES by the MONTREAL EXPOS in exchange for LHP GARY LUCAS.

12-07-1983 – The TORONTO BLUE JAYS signed SS ALFREDO GRIFFIN to a new 5-year contract estimated at $3 million.

12-07-1984 – HOWARD DEAN "HOWIE" REED, who pitched for the MONTREAL EXPOS, 1969-1971, died at the age of 47 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

12-07-1992 – RHP STAN SPENCER was selected by the FLORIDA MARLINS from the MONTREAL EXPOS in the MLB Rule V draft.

12-07-1992 – RHP BILL TAYLOR was selected by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS from the ATLANTA BRAVES in the MLB Rule V draft, then was returned on 4-3-1993.

12-07-1992 – The TORONTO BLUE JAYS sign free agent designated hitter PAUL MOLITOR.

12-07-1995 – OF OTIS NIXON signed as a free agent by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-07-1998 – GORDON LAKEY is named the Director of Major League Scouting by the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES.

12-07-1999 – The SEATTLE MARINERS sign free agent 1B JOHN OLERUD to a three-year contract.

12-07-1999 – IF/OF DELINO DeSHIELDS signed as a free agent with the BALTIMORE ORIOLES.

12-08-1977 – 1B/OF/DH RON FAIRLY was traded by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS to the CALIFORNIA ANGELS in exchange for C PAT KELLY and IB/OF BUTCH ALBERT.

12-08-1977 – OF GARY ROENICKE, RHP DON STANHOUSE and RHP JOE KERRIGAN were traded by the MONTREAL EXPOS to the BALTIMORE ORIOLES for LHP RUDY MAY, IF RANDY MILLER and RHP BRYN SMITH.

12-08-1977 – C BUCK MARTINEZ was traded by the KANSAS CITY ROYALS to the MILWAUKEE BREWERS for RHP GEORGE FRAZIER.

12-08-1980 – OF GEORGE BELL was selected by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS from the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES in the MLB Rule V draft.

12-08-1981 – FERGUSON JENKINS returned to the CHICAGO CUBS, after an absence of eight seasons, when he was signed following the re-entry draft after playing out his option with the TEXAS RANGERS.

12-08-1984 – To strengthen their bullpen, the TORONTO BLUE JAYS traded the popular ALFREDO GRIFFIN and DAVE COLLINS to the OAKLAND ATHLETICS for their ace reliever BILL CAUDILL.

12-08-1987 – IF REX HUDLER signed as a free agent with the MONTREAL EXPOS.

12-08-1992 – 3B KELLY GRUBER was traded to the CALIFORNIA ANGELS by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS in exchange for IF LUIS SOJO.

12-08-1998 – WAYNE MORGAN is named Special Assistant to the President, Baseball & General Manager/Director, International Scouting for the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-08-2000 – LHP JEFF FASSERO was signed as a free agent by the CHICAGO CUBS.

12-09-1975 – Former MLB OF JOHN GEOFFREY "JEFF" HEATH died at the age of 60 in Seattle, Washington. Over 14 seasons he compiled a .293 batting average with 194 home runs and 887 runs batted in over 4937 at-bats in 1383 games, and was for many years the greatest Canadian-born hitter in the major leagues.

12-09-1991 – C DARRIN FLETCHER was traded to the MONTREAL EXPOS from the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES for RHP BARRY JONES.

12-09-1991 – RHP MIKE MORGAN signed as a free agent with the CHICAGO CUBS.

12-09-1991 – RHP MIGUEL BATISTA was selected by the PITTSBURGH PIRATES from the MONTREAL EXPOS in the MLB Rule V draft, then was returned on 4-23-1992. 12-09-1996 – RHP TOM DAVEY was selected by the BALTIMORE ORIOLES from the TORONTO BLUE JAYS in the MLB Rule V draft, then was reacquired per the draft guidelines on 3-20-1997.

12-09-1996 – RHP JAYSON DUROCHER was selected by the CHICAGO WHITE SOX from the MONTREAL EXPOS in the MLB Rule V draft, then was reacquired per the draft guidelines on 3-31-1997.

12-09-1996 – C BENITO SANTIAGO signed as a free agent with the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-09-1982 – The TORONTO BLUE JAYS obtained OF DAVE COLLINS, RHP MIKE MORGAN and 1B FRED McGRIFF from the NEW YORK YANKEES in exchange for relievers RHP DALE MURRAY and RHP TOM DODD.

12-09-1983 – LHP BRYAN CLARK was traded to the TORONTO BLUE JAYS from the SEATTLE MARINERS in exchange for OF BARRY BONNELL.

12-09-1985 – GORDON LAKEY is named as a Special Assignment Scout by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-09-1987 – RHP MIKE MORGAN is acquired by the BALTIMORE ORIOLES from the SEATTLE MARINERS in exchange for RHP KEN DIXON.

12-09-1979 – RHP BILL ATKINSON is purchased by the CHICAGO WHITE SOX from the MONTREAL EXPOS.

12-10-1910 – Manager ED BARROW of the MONTREAL ROYALS the past season, was named President of the EASTERN LEAGUE.

12-10-1950 – The JERSEY CITY GIANTS franchise in the INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE is transferred to become the OTTAWA GIANTS, then are known as the OTTAWA A's from 1952-1954.

12-10-1976 – 1B ANDRE THORNTON was traded to the CLEVELAND INDIANS by the MONTREAL EXPOS for RHP JACKIE BROWN.

12-10-1980 – MIKE KOZAK was appointed as Assistant Trainer of the MONTREAL EXPOS, a position he held through the 2001 season, before joining the FLORIDA MARLINS as their Trainer in the 2002 season.

12-10-1982 – 3B DAVE BAKER was acquired by the MINNESOTA TWINS from the TORONTO BLUE JAYS in exchange for RHP DON COOPER.

12-10-1985 – RHP JEFF PARRETT is selected from the MILWAUKEE BREWERS by the MONTREAL EXPOS in the MLB Rule V draft.

12-10-1985 – C BUCK MARTINEZ turned author with the release of his book about playing with the TORONTO BLUE JAYS, entitled "FROM WORST TO FIRST."

12-10-1991 – The expansion FLORIDA MARLINS obtain an agreement to join the Central Division of the GULF COAST LEAGUE, to begin in June 1992 with CARLOS TOSCA being named as the Manager of that team.

12-09-1996 – RHP MICHAEL JOHNSON was selected by the SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS then traded to the BALTIMORE ORIOLES, from the TORONTO BLUE JAYS, in the Rule V Draft.

12-10-1997 – RHP DAVE VERES was traded by the MONTREAL EXPOS to the COLORADO ROCKIES for OF TERRY JONES and RHP MARK MANGUM.

12-10-1998 – C BENITO SANTIAGO signed as a free agent with the CHICAGO CUBS.

12-10-1998 – LHP RANDY JOHNSON signed as a free agent with the ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS.

12-10-1998 – Canadian-born C ANDY STEWART signed as a free agent with the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES.

12-10-2000 – OF DEREK BELL signed as a free agent with the PITTSBURGH PIRATE
 
12-11-1981 – The PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES offered 6 players for the TORONTO BLUE JAYS top pitcher, DAVE STIEB. Of course, the front office said 'NO' to the deal.

12-11-1991 – OF DAVE MARTINEZ, RHP SCOTT RUSKIN and IF WILLIE GREENE are traded by the MONTREAL EXPOS to the CINCINNATI REDS for RHP JOHN WETTELAND and RHP BILL RISLEY.

12-11-1996 – C CRAIG A. WILSON and IF ABRAHAM NUNEZ were traded to the PITTSBURGH PIRATES by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS to complete an earlier trade from 11-14-1996.

12-11-2000 – OF JAYSON WERTH was acquired by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS from the BALTIMORE ORIOLES in exchange for LHP JOHN BALE.

12-11-2000– OF ENDY CHAVEZ was selected by the KANSAS CITY ROYALS in the MLB Rule V annual draft.

12-11-2001 – 2B ROBERTO ALOMAR, LHP MIKE BACSIK and OF DANNY PEOPLES are traded to the NEW YORK METS by the CLEVELAND INDIANS in exchange for OF ALEX ESCOBAR, OF MATT LAWTON, RHP JERROD RIGGAN, LHP BILLY TRABER and IF EARL SNYDER.

12-12-1917 – ED BARROW quit as President of the INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE when club owners voted to cut his salary from $7500 to $2500.

12-12-1975 – The MONTREAL EXPOS traded 1B BOB BAILEY, who had been with the team from 1969, to the CINCINNATI REDS for RHP CLAY KIRBY.

12-12-1975 – The NEW YORK METS traded 1B/OF/DH RUSTY STAUB to the DETROIT TIGERS for LHP MICKEY LOLICH.

12-12-1979 – Canadian-born RHP BILL ATKINSON, who compiled a career mark of 11-4 and a 3.43 ERA as a reliever with the MONTREAL EXPOS, was purchased conditionally by the CHICAGO WHITE SOX.

12-12-1980 – The TORONTO BLUE JAYS traded IF BOB BAILOR to the NEW YORK METS for RHP ROY LEE JACKSON.

12-12-1980 – IF TONY BERNAZARD was traded from the MONTREAL EXPOS to the CHICAGO WHITE SOX in exchange for LHP RICH WORTHAM.

12-12-1980 – RHP PETE VUCKOVICH, C TED SIMMONS and RHP ROLLIE FINGERS are traded by the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS to the MILWAUKEE BREWERS for OF SIXTO LEZCANO, OF DAVID GREEN, RHP LARY SORENSEN and LHP DAVE LaPOINT.

12-12-1996 – OF MOISES ALOU is signed as a free agent by the FLORIDA MARLINS.

12-12-1996 – C PAT BORDERS is signed as a free agent by the CLEVELAND INDIANS.

12-12-1997 – OF HENRY RODRIGUEZ was traded to the MONTREAL EXPOS by the CHICAGO CUBS in exchange for RHP MIGUEL BATISTA.

12-13-1977 – BOB BAILOR was named the TORONTO BLUE JAYS top player during their first season, after batting .310, being the highest overall average ever achieved by a first-year expansion player.

12-13-1991 – PAUL BEESTON was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer for the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-13-1996 – RHP ROGER CLEMENS signs a four-year free agent contract with the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-13-1998 – RHP JOEY HAMILTON was acquired by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS from the SAN DIEGO PADRES in exchange for RHP WOODY WILLIAMS, RHP CARLOS ALMANZAR and OF PETER TUCCI.

12-13-1999 – RHP CHRIS REITSMA is selected from the BOSTON RED SOX by the TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS in the Rule V Draft, becoming the second Canadian-born member of the team after OF RICH BUTLER (1998-1999).

12-13-2000 – Canadian-born RHP DAVID WAINHOUSE signed as a free agent with the CHICAGO CUBS.

12-14-1945 – Canadian-born OF JEFF HEATH was traded by his CLEVELAND INDIANS to the WASHINGTON SENATORS for OF GEORGE CASE.

12-14-1976 – TORONTO BLUE JAYS season ticket sales reached 6805 to set a MLB record for total sales by a first-year expansion club, eclipsing previous high by the 1969 KANSAS CITY ROYALS.

12-14-1978 – OF JERRY WHITE and IF RODNEY SCOTT were traded to the MONTREAL EXPOS by the CHICAGO CUBS in exchange for OF SAM MEJIAS.

12-14-1980 – C/OF/1B ELSTON HOWARD, who batted .330 with 22 home runs, 21 doubles and a league leading 16 triples for the TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS in 1954, died at the age of 49 in New York City. Over 14 seasons he compiled a .274 lifetime MLB batting average, 167 home runs and 1471 hits.

12-14-1995 – LHP AL LEITER is signed as a free agent by the FLORIDA MARLINS.

12-14-1998 – RHP DAN SMITH is claimed off waivers by the MONTREAL EXPOS from the TEXAS RANGERS

12-14-2000 – Canadian-born RHP AARON MYETTE was acquired by the TEXAS RANGERS from the CHICAGO WHITE SOX for SS ROYCE CLAYTON.

12-14-2000 – 3B FERNANDO TATIS and RHP BRITT REAMES are traded to the MONTREAL EXPOS by the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS in exchange for LHP STEVE KLINE and RHP DUSTIN HERMANSON.

12-15-1962 – Canadian-born RHP RON TAYLOR was traded by the CLEVELAND INDIANS to the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS.

12-15-1978 – RHP REGGIE CLEVELAND was traded by the TEXAS RANGERS to the MILWAUKEE BREWERS for RHP ED FARMER and 1B GARY HOLLE.

12-15-1980 – DAMASO GARCIA was selected as the TORONTO BLUE JAYS Rookie of the Year, after hitting .278 with 46 RBI and 13 stolen bases.

12-15-1993 – Canadian-born IF/OF MATT STAIRS is signed to a minor league contract by the MONTREAL EXPOS.

12-15-1995 – C CHARLIE O'BRIEN signed as a free agent with the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-15-1995 – LHP GABE WHITE was traded to the CINCINNATI REDS by the MONTREAL EXPOS in exchange for IF JHONNY CARVAJAL.

12-15-1997 – RHP MIKE MORGAN signed as a free agent with the MINNESOTA TWINS.

12-15-1999 – OF RYAN THOMPSON was signed to a minor league contract by the NEW YORK YANKEES.

12-15-2000 – IF KEVIN WITT was signed as a minor league free agent by the SAN DIEGO PADRES.

12-15-2000 – OF RYAN THOMPSON was signed to a minor league contract by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-16-1980 – The NEW YORK METS signed free-agent 1B/OF RUSTY STAUB of the TEXAS RANGERS.

12-16-1982 – The NEW YORK METS traded RHP CHARLIE PULEO to the CINCINNATI REDS for RHP TOM SEAVER.

12-16-1983 – Toronto announced it would still try to get WILLIE MAYS AIKENS from the KANSAS CITY ROYALS despite a 3-month prison sentence and a year suspension facing him for a drug offense.

12-16-1992 – C BENITO SANTIAGO signed as a free agent with the FLORIDA MARLINS.

12-16-1997 – RHP JAKE WESTBROOK and RHP JOHN NICHOLSON were acquired by the MONTREAL EXPOS from the COLORADO ROCKIES in exchange for IF MIKE LANSING.

12-16-1997 – ISRAEL ALCANTARA signed as a six-year minor league free agent with the TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS.

12-16-1999 – C MIKE MATHENY was signed as a free agent by the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS.

12-17-1979 – The TORONTO BLUE JAYS sold SS ANDRE ROBERTSON to the NEW YORK YANKEES for an undisclosed sum.

12-17-1989 – C ERNIE WHITT and OF KEVIN BATISTE are traded by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS to the ATLANTA BRAVES in exchange for RHP RICK TRLICEK.

12-17-1996 – RHP MIGUEL BATISTA was claimed off waivers by the CHICAGO CUBS from the MONTREAL EXPOS.

12-17-2003 – MARY "BONNIE" BAKER died at the age of 84 in St. Marys, Ontario. She played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL), later becoming the only woman manager of a team, the KALAMAZOO LASSIES, and was reportedly the basis for the character played by GEENA DAVIS in the popular 1992 film "A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN".

12-18-1969 – Canadian-born IF/OF PETE WARD is traded to the NEW YORK YANKEES from the CHICAGO WHITE SOX for LHP MICKEY SCOTT.

12-18-1980 – ALVIS WOODS was voted the most improved TORONTO BLUE JAYS player. He had hit a career high 15 homers, drove in 47 runs and batted an even .300 during the recently completed schedule of games.

12-18-1992 – OF ROB DUCEY signed as a free agent with the TEXAS RANGERS.

12-18-1995 – RHP BILL RISLEY and IF MIGUEL CAIRO were traded to the TORONTO BLUE JAYS by the SEATTLE MARINERS in exchange for RHP PAUL MENHART and RHP EDWIN HURTADO.

12-18-1997 – Canadian-born RHP RHEAL CORMIER signed as a free agent with the CLEVELAND INDIANS.

12-18-2001 – LHP GABE WHITE and RHP LUKE HUDSON were acquired from the COLORADO ROCKIES by the CINCINNATI REDS in exchange for IF POKEY REESE and LHP DENNYS REYES.

12-18-2002 – The HOUSTON ASTROS signed free agent 2B JEFF KENT to a two-year, $18.2 million contract, with a $9 million option for 2005.

12-19-1979 – C RICK CERONE, who was traded to the NEW YORK YANKEES in November, was picked as the TORONTO BLUE JAYS most improved player, after hitting .239 with 61 runs batted in.

12-20-1981 – Commentator on telecasts of MONTREAL EXPOS games on CBC since the club's inception in 1969, GUY FERRON passed away on this day after a lengthy illness.

12-19-1983 – OF JORGE ORTA was traded to the KANSAS CITY ROYALS by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS for 1B/DH WILLIE MAYS AIKENS.

12-20-1983 – 24-year-old CF LLOYD MOSEBY reached an agreement with the TORONTO BLUE JAYS, signing a new 5-year contract.

12-19-1985 – RHP BILL GULLICKSON and C SAL BUTERA are traded by the MONTREAL EXPOS to the CINCINNATI REDS in exchange for C DANN BILARDELLO, RHP JOHN STUPER, RHP ANDY McGAFFIGAN and RHP JAY TIBBS.

12-19-2000 – DAVE ENGLE was appointed the Hitting Coach for the NEW YORK METS.

12-19-2001 – OF MOISES ALOU was signed as a free agent with the CHICAGO CUBS.

12-20-1983 – 24-year-old CF LLOYD MOSEBY reached an agreement with the TORONTO BLUE JAYS, signing a new 5-year contract.

12-20-1994 – Canadian-born RHP DAVID WAINHOUSE signed as a free agent with the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-20-1995 – The HOUSTON ASTROS acquired IF SEAN BERRY from the MONTREAL EXPOS in exchange for RHP DAVE VERES and C RAUL CHAVEZ.

12-20-1994 – Canadian-born RHP DAVID WAINHOUSE signed as a free agent with the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-20-1995 – The HOUSTON ASTROS acquired IF SEAN BERRY from the MONTREAL EXPOS in exchange for RHP DAVE VERES and C RAUL CHAVEZ.

12-20-1996 – Then TORONTO BLUE JAYS traded 1B JOHN OLERUD and his $5 million contract to the NEW YORK METS for RHP ROBERT PERSON, leaving the door open for JOE CARTER to play first base.

12-20-1999 – DAVE STEWART saw his title adjusted to Assistant General Manager and Director, Player Personnel for the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-20-1999 – TIM McCLEARY was appointed Vice President, Baseball Operations & Assistant General Manager for the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-20-1999 – BOB NELSON was named Director, Minor League Operations for the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-20-1999 – DAVE STEWART saw his title adjusted to Assistant General Manager and Director, Player Personnel for the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-20-1999 – TIM McCLEARY was appointed Vice President, Baseball Operations & Assistant General Manager for the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-20-1999 – BOB NELSON was named Director, Minor League Operations for the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-20-2001 – RHP JOSE SILVA was acquired by the CINCINNATI REDS from the PITTSBURGH PIRATES in exchange for RHP BEN SHAFFAR.

12-20-2001 – RHP JOSE SILVA was acquired by the CINCINNATI REDS from the PITTSBURGH PIRATES in exchange for RHP BEN SHAFFAR.

12-20-2002 – Canadian-born 2B DANNY KLASSEN signed as a free agent with the DETROIT TIGERS.

12-20-2002 – Canadian-born 2B DANNY KLASSEN signed as a free agent with the DETROIT TIGERS.

12-21-1977 – LHP ROSS GRIMSLEY signed as a free-agent with the MONTREAL EXPOS, then became their first 20-game winner, reaching this milestone on the last day of the season in 1978, with a 20-11 mark, a 3.05 ERA and 19 complete games.

12-21-1986 – TOM HENKE celebrated his 29TH birthday. Brought up to the TORONTO BLUE JAYS on 7-27-1985, registered 13 saves in 15 opportunities during the season.

12-21-1995 – 2B ROBERTO ALOMAR was signed as a free agent by the BALTIMORE ORIOLES.

12-21-1999 – RHP FRANK CASTILLO signed as a free agent with the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-21-2000 – OF TIM RAINES signed as a free agent with the MONTREAL EXPOS.

12-21-2001 – IF KEVIN WITT was signed as a minor league free agent by the CINCINNATI REDS.

12-21-2001 – OF ANTHONY SANDERS was signed as a minor league free agent by the CINCINNATI REDS.

12-21-2001 – RHP ROBERT MARQUEZ was signed as a six-year minor league free agent by the MILWAUKEE BREWERS.

12-21-2001 – OF RYAN THOMPSON was signed to a minor league contract by the MILWAUKEE BREWERS.

12-22-1981 – JOHN SILVERMAN was appointed Equipment Manager of the MONTREAL EXPOS, a position he held through the 2001 season, before joining the FLORIDA MARLINS. He worked the summers of 1969 through 1973 as a clubhouseman at JARRY PARK, then from 1977 through 1980 was the Equipment Manager for the TORONTO BLUE JAYS before rejoining the EXPOS in 1981 as Assistant Equipment Manager.

12-22-1984 – Toronto purchased designated hitter JEFF BURROUGHS from the OAKLAND ATHLETICS. With the TEXAS RANGERS in 1974, he had been named the AMERICAN LEAGUE MVP.

12-22-1993 – OF TIM RAINES signed as a free agent with the CHICAGO WHITE SOX.

12-22-1998 – OF ROB DUCEY signed as a free agent with the PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES.

12-22-1999 – RHP JAKE WESTBROOK was acquired by the NEW YORK YANKEES from the MONTREAL EXPOS in exchange for RHP HIDEKI IRABU.

12-22-1999 – LHP JEFF FASSERO signed as a free agent with the BOSTON RED SOX.

12-22-2000 – PETE MACKANIN was named the Manager of the HICKORY CRAWDADS by the PITTSBURGH PIRATES.

12-22-2000 – C JIMMY GONZALEZ signed with the MONTREAL EXPOS as a six-year minor league free agent.

12-23-1998 – C MIKE MATHENY was signed as a free agent with the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.

12-23-1990 – OF IVAN CALDERON and RHP BARRY JONES were traded by the MONTREAL EXPOS to the CHICAGO WHITE SOX in exchange for OF TIM RAINES, RHP JEFF CARTER and RHP MARIO BRITO.

12-23-1980 – Free-agent 3B ROY HOWELL signed a multi-year contract with the MILWAUKEE BREWERS. He still holds the TORONTO BLUE JAYS single game RBI mark with 9, set against the NEW YORK YANKEES at YANKEE STADIUM on Saturday, 9-10-1977 !!!

12-23-1975 – Arbitrator PETER SEITZ announces a landmark decision in favour of the MLBPA, allowing pitchers ANDY MESSERSMITH and DAVE McNALLY to declare themselves free agents, and is immediately fired by JOHN GAHERIN, Chairman of the MLB owners Players Relations Committee. McNally, who had retired on 6-08-1975 will not return to the major leagues, finishing with a 184-119 record.

12-24-1987 – RHP ARNULFO ACEVEDO "NINO" ESPINOSA, who appeared in one game for the TORONTO BLUE JAYS in 1981, was killed in an automobile accident in Villa Altagracia, in the Dominican Republic.

12-24-1978 – Relief specialist VICTOR CRUZ turned 20 years old, having set a club record with 9 saves in 1978, compiling a fine 7-3 won-loss record, a sterling 1.72 ERA, with 51 strikeouts in 47 innings pitched, to be named as the TORONTO BLUE JAYS Rookie of the Year.

12-24-1959 – The MILWAUKEE BRAVES sign Dominican Republic star OF RICO CARTY.

12-26-1983 – The TORONTO BLUE JAYS were voted Canada's top sports team by Canadian sportswriters and broadcasters.

12-26-1996 – The NEW YORK METS acquired 1B JOHN OLERUD from the TORONTO BLUE JAYS in exchange for RHP ROBERT PERSON.

12-26-2000 – 2B MICKEY MORANDINI signed as a free agent with the TORONTO BLUE JAYS.
12-27-1995 – THOMAS WILLIAM OSCAR JUDD died at the age of 87 in Ingersoll, Ontario. From 1941-1948 this Canadian-born LHP went 40-51 with a 3.90 ERA with the BOSTON RED SOX and PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES. He was considered to be a very good hitter with a lifetime .262 batting average, and was often used as a pinch hitter.

12-28-1995 – OF TIM RAINES was traded by the CHICAGO WHITE SOX to the NEW YORK YANKEES for a player to be named.

12-28-1999 – Canadian-born RHP KIRK McCASKILL was signed as a free agent by the CHICAGO WHITE SOX.

12-28-1981 – LHP PAUL MIRABELLA was traded by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS to the CHICAGO WHITE SOX for LHP DAVE GEISEL.

12-28-1981 – 1B GREG "BOOMER" WELLS was traded by the TORONTO BLUE JAYS to the MINNESOTA TWINS for OF HOSKEN POWELL.

12-29-1991 – Free agent Canadian-born RHP KIRK McCASKILL signed a three year contract with the CHICAGO WHITE SOX. An All-American in ice hockey at the University of Vermont, he was runner up for the HOBEY BAKER Award, given to the college player of the year, in 1981, then played professionally with the SHERBROOKE JETS in the AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE in 1983-1984.

12-29-1985 – For the second time in their history, the TORONTO BLUE JAYS were voted Canada's top team by sportswriters and broadcasters.

12-30-1980 – Toronto's sportswriters voted JOHN MAYBERRY as the TORONTO BLUE JAYS Player of the Year, after he set club marks by blasting 30 home runs and collecting 82 runs batted in.

12-31-1999 – LAWRENCE DONALD "LARRY" BEARNARTH who was a pitching coach with the MONTREAL EXPOS in 1976
and 1985-1991 died of a heart attack at the age of 58 in Seminole, Florida.

12-31-1915 – JAMES EDWARD "TIP" O'NEILL died at the age of 57 in Montreal, Quebec. He compiled a 16-16 record with a 3.39 ERA pitching for the NEW YORK GOTHAMS in 1883 and the ST. LOUIS BROWNS of the AMERICAN ASSOCIATION in 1884, but was noted more for his hitting career over 10 seasons where he compiled a .326 batting average with 757 runs batted in through 1054 games and 4255 at-bats with the GOTHAMS, BROWNS, CHICAGO PIRATES of the PLAYERS LEAGUE, which lasted only one season, and the CINCINNATI REDS. - Commentator on telecasts of MONTREAL EXPOS games on CBC since the club's inception in 1969, GUY FERRON passed away on this day after a lengthy illness.