Babes Love Baseball's Top 10 MLB Stories of 2010

It was a hell of a season. In case you've forgotten what was so great about it in the aftermath of yet another year when your team did not win the World Series, here is a list of the Top 10 things that we believe made the 2010 baseball season wonderful, memorable, and oftentimes hilarious. In no particular order.

10. Suffering from Over the Hill Syndrome, Ken Griffey Jr. nodded off in the clubhouse and slept right through a pinch hit appearance. A few weeks later, The Kid retired after 21 illustrious seasons in the game. [Not Now Kids, Grandpa's Trying to Nap]

9. The New York Yankees failed miserably at acquiring the studly Cliff Lee. High fives all around. [Cliff Lee Reunites with the Philadelphia Phillies]

Thoughts and Prayers with Marty Cordova's Daughter

Marty Cordova's daughter, 15-year-old Ashley McAdam, fell into a coma after the car she was a passenger in was hit by a truck as she and two friends pulled into school 12 days ago.

One can only imagine what her mother and father are going through during this awful time. We ask our readers to please send your positive thoughts and prayers their family's way.

Cordova, the 1995 American League Rookie of the Year with the Minnesota Twins, had this message for the public:

What I want is for people to see that this can happen to your own kids. Hug your kids, spend time with them. And pay attention when you’re behind the wheel of a car. Anything can happen.

You can show your support by making a donation or posting a message via the Facebook page set up by her friends and family below.

[Supporting Ashley McAdam on Facebook]

Brewers Add Takashi Saito to Bullpen

After acquiring Zack Greinke from the Kansas City Royals and Shaun Marcum from the Toronto Blue Jays this month, the Milwaukee Brewers have agreed to a one-year deal with right-handed relief pitcher Takashi Saito.

The 40-year-old Japanese righty was 2-3 with a 2.83 ERA in 56 appearances with the Atlanta Braves last season, adding to his 17-13 career record and 2.19 ERA spanning five major league seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston and Atlanta.

Sean Burnett, Arthur Rhodes Get Deals

The Washington Nationals and Sean Burnett have agreed to a two-year, $3.95 million contract, including a mutual option for 2013.

Acquired midseason in 2009 from the Pittsburgh Pirates, the left-handed reliever went 1-7 with three saves and a 2.14 ERA in 73 appearances last season. Burnett, 28, is a career 9-16 with four saves and a 3.80 ERA over four big league seasons.

Happy Bleeping Holidays from Ozzie Guillen

Hat Tip [Deadspin]

Nick Adenhart's Killer Gets 51 Years to Life in Prison

The man responsible for the deaths of the late Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and two of his friends in a terrible drunken driving crash last year was finally sentenced to 51 years to life in prison Wednesday.

Adenhart, a promising rookie, was killed on April 9, 2009 along with his friends 20-year-old Courtney Stewart and 25-year-old Henry Pearson, a close friend of Matt Clapp from Sharapova's Thigh. A fourth passenger, Jon Wilhite, suffered a separated spine but survived the crash.

Rich Harden Reunites with Athletics

The Oakland Athletics have brought Rich Harden back to his roots. The pitcher finalized a $1.5 million, one-year contract with the team Tuesday after passing his physical.

Harden, who went 5-5 with a 5.58 ERA in 20 appearances with the American League champion Texas Rangers, was designated for assignment immediately after the regular season ended due to control and injury issues. He kicked off the year as the team's no. 2 starter, but ended up walking 62 batters in 92 innings (sucking sound.)

Red Sox Finalize Bobby Jenks Deal

The Boston Red Sox have completed a two-year, $12 million deal with Bobby Jenks and the albino squirrel which resides on his chin.

Have no fear, Beantown Faithful. Jonathan Papelbon will remain the team's closer in 2011.

Jenks, a two-time All-Star with the Chicago White Sox, saved 27 games last season before losing his closing job due to forearm problems at the beginning of September.

The Red Sox have added some much-needed depth to a bullpen which owned the third-worst ERA in the American League last season, acquiring right-handers Matt Albers and Dan Wheeler as well.

Ricky Nolasco Gets Three More Years with Marlins

Ricky Nolasco has agreed to a $26.5 million, three-year contract with the Florida Marlins, according to an anonymous leaker close to negotiations. Of course, the deal won't be set in stone until the right-hander passes his physical.

While the team's ace, Josh Johnson, has a good three years remaining on the $39 million contract he signed last season, Nolasco's deal reinforces their rotation which already includes Anibal Sanchez, Chris Volstad and the recently acquired Javier Vazquez, who was inked to a $7 million, one-year deal earlier this month.

Zack Greinke Joins Milwaukee Brewers

Acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers in a six-player trade this weekend, Zack Greinke has finally shaken the dust of Kansas City off his cleats.

The Brewers received the right-hander along with shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt and some cash in exchange for shortstop Alcides Escobar and center fielder Lorenzo Cain -- two Major League ready players. The Royals were also allowed two decent pitching prospects, rightys Jeremy Jeffress and Jake Odirizzi.

Injured Russell Martin Gets $4 Million from Yankees

Russell Martin may need knee surgery, but the New York Yankees signed him to a one-year, $4 million deal anyway.

Yes, the 27-year-old catcher has a bum knee, but somehow managed to pass his team physical and end up with a job and $4 million. Luckily for both parties involved, the surgery is minor enough that he'll be ready to roll by Spring Training after going under the knife this Monday.

Yankees Sign Mark Prior to Minor League Deal

Okay, the New York Yankees are just playing with their money at this point, right? I mean really. Mark Prior? Show offs.

Apparently, the former Chicago Cubs ace is on the comeback trail, as the Yankees offered him a minor league contract this week. Prior will make $750,000 if he manages to make it back to the big leagues, and $750,000 more if he reaches certain pitching milestones.

It's been quite a while since the right-hander was relevant. He went 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA in 2003, an All-Star season with the Cubs in which he finished third in National League Cy Young Award voting. Man, those were the days.

After that, the 30-year-old Prior endured a laundry list of injuries and hasn't thrown from a major league mound since 2006, a season before the Cubs cut ties with him once and for all. Since then, he's undergone surgery and pitched one shut-out inning for the AAA Oklahoma Redhawks.

Good luck buddy!

[New York Daily News]

Jay Bruce Gets Six-Year Deal from Reds

The Reds have agreed to a $51 million deal with Jay Bruce to keep the outfielder in Cincinnati for the next six years, including a club option for 2017 with an eight-team no trade clause.

The 23-year-old slugger established himself as one of the National League's top right fielders while aiding in the Reds capture of the NL Central title. Last season, he hit .281 with 25 home runs and 70 RBI over 148 games.

Cliff Lee Reunites with the Philadelphia Phillies

Turns out Cliff Lee is not a contract whore after all.

Upon several days of secret deliberation, MLB's most wanted has finally made up his damn mind. He's returning to the City of Brotherly Love to reunite with the team who gave him a World Championship just two seasons ago. The team who -- out of the clear blue Monday night -- offered him a five-year, $120 million contract.

The Philadelphia Phillies.

While the Phillies' deal is considerably less than the funds the New York Yankees had proposed, or what the Texas Rangers offered in an attempt to convince him to stay in Arlington, apparently it was enough.

Sources around midnight were saying the deal was worth only $100 million, but that number increased into something a little more believable by morning.

This One is for the Ladies

This one goes out to all of our female readers, and anyone else who enjoys objectifying ballplayers, of course.

Be patient: due to it's awesomeness, this video may take a few seconds to load. Just refresh the page if you can't keep your pants on. Happy Holidays!

Phillies Make Cliff Lee Auction Interesting

While the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees wait around for Cliff Lee to either accept or reject their handsome multi-million, multi-year contracts, there's one more team who wants in on the sweepstakes.

An old flame: the Philadelphia Phillies.

Word has it, Lee's former team wants to reunite with the All-Star. However, an anonymous source close to negotiations has made it clear the Phillies will never give him seven years, and aren't likely to offer even six. Smart folks.

Last Wednesday, the Yankees handed Lee a juicy proposal worth up to $140 million over seven years. A day later, the Rangers horned in on New York's cross hairs with a similar deal.

Dodgers, Angels and Braves Tie Up Loose Ends

The Los Angeles Dodgers have given Tony Gwynn, Jr. a one-year deal worth $675,000.

The 28-year-old outfielder, who played for the San Diego Padres last season, became a free agent when his Hall of Fame father's former team failed to offer him a 2011 contract.

He's not all bad, though. Gwynn, a career .276 pinch hitter, swiped a career-high 17 bases in 21 attempts over 117 games with the Padres last year.

Cliff Lee Must Be Wooed

Ever heard the expression, "Never bring a knife to a gun fight?"

That may be what Texas Rangers owner Chuck Greenburg is doing with his team's "multiple substantial" offers to Cliff Lee in an attempt to keep him in Arlington. At one point, they asked him what it would take for him to stay. Unfortunately, Clifton Lee must be wooed.

So Greenburg, along with assistant general manager Thad Levine and co-chairman Ray Davis, met with Lee, the pitcher’s wife and his agent, Darek Braunecker, at Braunecker’s office Thursday night. While Greenburg refused to divulge the details, he called his team "highly competitive." But are they competitive enough?

Smokin' Hot Stove: Twins and Orioles

Hot Stove time! The Minnesota Twins have traded shortsop J.J. Hardy and utility infielder Brendon Harris to the Baltimore Orioles for right-handed relievers James Hoey and Brett Jacobson.

This seems like a decent deal for all parties involved, except for female Twins fans who fell madly in lust with Hardy's sparkly baby blue eyes last season.

Chicago White Sox Give Paul Konerko $37.5 Million

When Paul Konerko heard the news of Adam Dunn's signing with his Chicago White Sox, he thought:

Okay. Well, that was a fun 12 years. It's a him-or-me situation.

In fact, it almost ruined his vacation in Mexico.

Boston Red Sox Dish $142 Million for Carl Crawford

Carl Crawford has officially signed the richest contract of any outfielder in the history of the game.

The All-Star left fielder and the Boston Red Sox reached a preliminary agreement late Wednesday night on a $142 million, seven-year contract, which is subject to a physical, of course. The average annual value of the deal -- $20,285,714 -- is the seventh highest among current players and 10th-largest in baseball history.

Chicago Cubs Reach Deal with Carlos Pena

It looks like the Chicago Cubs have found a new first baseman.

The Cubs continued negotiations with Carlos Pena's superagent Scott Boras late into the night on Tuesday, with the expectations of finalizing a deal Wednesday morning. The contract is said to be worth $10 million over one year.

Whatever the price, they're definitely in the market after trading Derrek Lee to the Atlanta Braves back in August.

Smokin' Hot Stove: Wigginton, Putz and Correia

The stove was smoldering during Day 2 of the Winter Meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

The Colorado Rockies agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with Ty Wigginton Tuesday, according to an anonymous source close to negotiations.

The 33-year-old utility player, who is capable of playing all over the infield, earned his very first spot on the American League All-Star roster last year with the Baltimore Orioles. He hit .248 with 22 homers and 76 RBI on the season.

A day after the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired right-handed relievers David Hernandez and Kam Mickolio from the Baltimore Orioles for third baseman Mark Reynolds, J.J. Putz signed on with the team for two years and $10 million.

Who Doesn't Want Cliff Lee on Their Team?

Judging from our recent Winter Meeting Wish List collaboration, damn near everyone wants Cliff Lee for the Holidays.

There are a few wild rumors floating around this morning about the Washington Nationals offering the former Texas Rangers ace a pile of money to help save their organization, which is likely not even close to the truth.

Though we have no clue where the 2008 Cy Young Award winner will end up, we can be sure he's looking for a long-term deal around seven years.

This brings us to this awesome dramatic reenactment via PM Sports. Enjoy!

Winter Meetings Wish List

Happy Hot Stove everyone!

Clearly, my only wish is for Joe Mauer to realize he's madly in love with me and propose, so I don't need to resort to getting on one knee with a Rolex. As far as the Winter Meetings go, we're unbiased. We love the rumors, the trades, the drama, etc.

Anyways... We've compiled a Wish List for this season's Winter Meetings consisting of our Twitter followers, Facebook friends, and a few baseball bloggers' hopes and dreams for their respective MLB teams. See if you can spot a pattern... Enjoy!

First, some tweets from our baseball-loving pals on Twitter...

@DannyPace: "My wishlist is for the Braves to unload Kawakami. I'd also like to get rid of Mclouth but don't think it'll happen."

@JessicaLovesCrew: "PITCHING! Ol' Dougie is already on it."

(Editor's note: Jessica loves baseball, beer and having fun. A girl after our own hearts.)

@TwinkieTown: "An iPad!!!! I hear there's an app that lets Jason Kubel hit left-handed pitching."

Smokin' Hot Stove: Adrian Gonzalez

Jayson Werth and Derek Jeter aren't the only guys to become (even more) filthy-stinkin' rich this week.

The Boston Red Sox acquired Adrian Gonzalez over the weekend from the San Diego Padres in a trade for right-hander Casey Kelly, first baseman Anthony Rizzo, outfielder Reymond Fuentes and a player to be named later. The deal was slowed while Theo Epstein attempted to sign Gonzalez to a long-term contract, but the general manager is "very confident" they'll come to terms.

Lance Berkman Heads Back to the NL Central

Contrary to the recent Oakland Athletics rumors, Lance Berkman is joining a team he has a history of crushing during his career.

The former Houston Astros slugger agreed to a one year deal worth $8 million on Saturday with the St. Louis Cardinals, who have watched him bat .313 against them with 39 homers and 118 RBI over 154 career games.

As If Derek Jeter Could Ever Leave the Bronx

It was inevitable. After all of the back and forth negotiations between Derek Jeter, his agent Casey Close, and the New York Yankees brass, we just knew this would end with the shortstop in pinstripes, earning a decent living.

Maybe dressing up as elves and dancing the jig helped move things along a little.

Jayson Werth's Beard Leaves Phillies for Nationals

Jayson Werth has hit the free agency jackpot.

According to Buster Olney and Tim Kurkjian, the former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder agreed to a seven year, $126 million contract with the Washington Nationals this weekend.

Ron Santo Will Be Missed

When we think of Ron Santo, one word comes to mind: Courage.

He passed away Thursday in a hospital in Arizona at the age of 70.

The former Chicago Cubs star third baseman and longtime broadcaster, a revered figure for not just the North Side, but across the entire country, died from complications of bladder cancer, according to WGN Radio, where Santo served as the Cubs color commentator.

Santo played for the Chicago Cubs from 1960 to 1973 before spending his final season in the big leagues with the cross-town White Sox. He hit 342 career home runs, won five Gold Glove Awards and made the All Star team on nine occasions.

He enjoyed four seasons in which he batted at least .300 with 30 home runs from 1964 to 1967, and had a playing streak of 390 consecutive games before being hit in the cheekbone by a Jack Fisher pitch in June 1966.

Talks Between Jeter and Yankees Heat Up

Don't look now, but the New York Yankees have raised the stakes.

The club has reportedly increased their offer in an attempt to keep All-Star shortstop Derek Jeter in pinstripes, according to an anonymous leaker near negotiations.

While Jeter's agent, Casey Close, has declined to comment, co-owner Hank Steinbrenner had this to say:

The ball’s in Derek’s court now, and his agent. It’s up to them. We don’t know how happy they are. We’ll see... There’s no possible way anybody could criticize us for what we’ve offered.

Yeah, those ungrateful money-grubbing bastards. When you're talking millions and millions of dollars, what the hell is the difference?

Adam Dunn Reportedly Signs with White Sox

All the good "Dunn Deal" puns have been used, so I'm just gonna lay this one out for you.

According to Ken Rosenthal and just about everyone else on Twitter, Adam Dunn has agreed to join the Chicago White Sox on a four-year, $56 million deal.

The free agent first baseman, who spent the last two seasons with the Washington Nationals before declining arbitration, is probably grinning ear-to-ear with the thought of smashing longballs out of U.S. Cellular Field, a notorious hitter's park.

Jamie Moyer is Hardcore... and Old School

April 8: Felix Hernandez is born in Venezuela.

April 29: Roger Clemens sets the record for the most strikeouts in a game, fanning 20 batters.

October 27: Bill Buckner etches his name in the memory of baseball fans everywhere with the image of an easy grounder hit by Mookie Wilson rolling right through his legs to help the New York Mets pull even with the Boston Red Sox in Game 6 of the World Series.

The year was 1986, Jamie Moyer's rookie season with the Chicago Cubs. Yes, I realize some of you weren't even born yet.

My point: Moyer underwent Tommy John surgery on Wednesday. The kicker: he's actually planning on pitching again once it heals, a comeback set for two seasons from now. He will be 49 years old.

Juan Uribe Leaves Giants for Rival Dodgers

Juan Uribe has done the unthinkable.

The second baseman finalized a three-year, $21 million deal Tuesday with his old team's most hated rival: the Los Angeles Dodgers. Uribe was offered arbitration to the tune of $20 million over three years last week by the San Francisco Giants, but it wasn't enough to keep their Championship team in tact.

Troy Tulowitzki is Good Through 2020

Troy Tulowitzki and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a giant new contract Tuesday that will pay him an extra $132 million over seven seasons through 2020 and $157.75 million over the next decade.

The All-Star shortstop had already been guaranteed $25.75 million through 2013 under the $31 million, six-year contract he agreed to back in January 2008.