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A Look Back At The First Week Of 2009

It's been a slow day for news and rumors, but if last year is any indication, we can expect an eventful coming week. Let's take a look back at the stories that dominated the hot stove a year ago, from January 1-7, 2009:

• Hard to believe it was only a year ago that Milton Bradley and the Cubs were putting the finishing touches on a three-year, $30MM contract. At the time, Bradley's health, as opposed to his personality or his production, was the biggest concern.
• Superstars Manny Ramirez and Jake Peavy dominated the rumor mill, as Ramirez considered contract offers and the Padres mulled trading their ace.
• Pat Burrell and the Rays agreed to a two-year deal worth $16MM. Like Bradley's contract, this one looks much worse now than it did then, though a strong 2010 from Pat the Bat would salvage some value for Tampa Bay.
• Let's add a couple more signings to the list of early 2009 moves that didn't work out as planned: The Athletics signed Jason Giambi to a one-year contract, while the Red Sox agreed to terms with John Smoltz.
• Earlier tonight, we suggested that a 2010 reunion for Johnny Damon and the Yankees doesn't appear likely. A year ago, it was Andy Pettitte who didn't seem likely to return to the Bronx, after the lefty rejected a contract offer from the team.
• Trevor Hoffman hadn't signed with the Brewers yet, but Milwaukee had emerged as the closer's top suitor, with the Dodgers also in the mix.
• Two pitchers that were on the market this winter were making headlines a year ago too. Jason Marquis was traded from the Cubs to the Rockies, while Carl Pavano signed a one-year deal with Cleveland.
• The Orioles signed Japanese import Koji Uehara to a two-year pact. Uehara was fairly effective in 12 starts for Baltimore before an elbow injury cut his rookie season short.
• The Reds signed Jerry Hairston Jr., who eventually won a World Series title later in the year with the Yankees.
  

With over 200 free agents still unsigned by our count, 2010 promises to kick off with plenty of hot stove action.

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