clinch the National League pennant, defeating the New York Mets four games to three. Yadier Molina's two-run home run in the top of ninth inning ends a heart-rending seven-game series. The Cardinals, returning to the World Series after last appearing in 2004, will face the Detroit Tigers in the World Series; a rematch of the 1934 and 1968 series. October 26 – The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters win their fourth straight game over the Chunichi Dragons, winning the Japan Series 4–1. October 27 – The St. Louis Cardinals defeat the Detroit Tigers 4–2, winning the World Series 4–1. Their 83 regular-season victories is a new record for the fewest by a Series champion. November 2 - The 2006 American Gold Glove Awards were announced: Pitcher Kenny Rogers of Detroit Tigers, Catcher Ivan Rodriguez of Detroit Tigers, first base Mark Teixeira of Texas Rangers, second base Mark Grudzielanek of Kansas City Royals, third base Eric Chavez of Oakland Athletics, shortstop Derek Jeter of New York Yankees, outfielders Vernon Wells of Toronto Blue Jays, Ichiro Suzuki of Seattle Mariners and Torii Hunter of Minnesota Twins. November 15 – The Boston Red Sox file the highest bid, US$51.1 million, in the posting system and win the rights to negotiate with Seibu Lions pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. Matsuzaka has a gyroball among his arsenal of pitches and, while playing for champions Japan, was MVP at the 2006 World Baseball Classic. November 19 – The Chicago Cubs reportedly sign free agent Outfielder/Second Baseman Alfonso Soriano to an 8-year, $136 million deal. The signing is the largest in Cubs' history. December 13 – The Boston Red Sox and Daisuke Matsuzaka agree to a six-year, US$51.11 million contract, just ahead of the one-month deadline following the Red Sox' winning bid for the Japanese pitcher in the international posting system. December 26 – The Israel Baseball League reveals the names of the six inaugural teams: Bet Shemesh Blue Sox, Haifa Stingrays, Jerusalem Lions, Netanya Tigers, Petach Tikva Pioneers, Tel Aviv Lightning December 29 – The San Francisco Giants announce the signing of much sought-after lefty Barry Zito. The seven-year, $126 million contract is the largest ever for a pitcher, and includes a club option for 2014. Movies The Benchwarmers Everyone's Hero Deaths January January 1 – Paul Lindblad, 64, relief pitcher for the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics and two other American League clubs (1965 to 1978) who retired with 655