July 28-Aug. 2

Arizona Diamondbacks Traded: RHP Edwin Jackson to White Sox for RHP Dan Hudson and LHP David Holmberg Recalled: C John Hester Optioned to Triple-A: OF Cole Gillespie Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Will Harvil, RHP Wes Roemer

Atlanta Braves Draft pick signed: RHP Evan Danieli (24) Released: OF Willy Taveras Traded: RHP Jesse Chavez, LHP Tim Collins and OF Gregor Blanco to Royals for RHP Kyle Farnsworth and OF Rick Ankiel Traded: OF Mitch Jones to Pirates for cash Placed on restricted list: RHP Julio Surinach Recalled: SS Diory Hernandez Optioned to Triple-A: OF Wilkin Ramirez Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Vladimir Nunez Reinstated from DL: LHP Chase Shreve, C Matt Kennelly, SS Diory Hernandez Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Frank Lafreniere, C Orlando Mercado

The Braves worked out a trade for Wilkin Ramirez, whom the Tigers had designated for assignment. Atlanta will send either a player to be named or cash to Detroit. While Ramirez has seemingly been a prospect forever (#8 Tigers prospect), he's still just 24. The good: he's a solid defensive center fielder with plenty of power to his pull side. The bad: Ramirez does not make adjustments at the plate and sells out for power. He's batting .228/.292/.452 with 19 homers this season, having gone 1-for-7 to begin his Braves career. With 146 strikeouts, Ramirez has whiffed more times than all but one minor leaguer this season.

Baltimore Orioles Draft pick signed: RHP Clay Schrader (10) Traded: 3B Miguel Tejada and cash to Padres for RHP Wynn Pelzer Recalled: LHP Troy Patton, 3B Josh Bell Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Rick VandenHurk Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jose Duran, RHP Chorye Spoone Reinstated from inactive list: 1B Joel Guzman

The Orioles acquired Rick VandenHurk when they traded Will Ohman to the Marlins.

Boston Red Sox Released: RHP Kyle Rutter Traded: RHP Roman Mendez, 1B Chris McGuiness, a player to be named and cash to Rangers for C Jarrod Saltalamacchia Traded: RHP Ramon Ramirez to Giants for RHP Dan Turpen Recalled: LHP Dustin Richardson, OF Daniel Nava Added to 40-man roster: OF Ryan Kalish Optioned to Triple-A: C Jarrod Saltalamacchia Placed on 7-day DL: C Gustavo Molina Transferred to 60-day DL: RHP Randy Consuegra Reinstated from DL: RHP Casey Kelly Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Robert Coello

Selected by the Red Sox in the ninth round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Kalish (22), the fifth best prospect in the Boston system entering the season, was hitting .294/.382/.502 with 13 HR and 25 SB in 78 games between AA-AAA level.

Chicago Cubs Traded: LHP Ted Lilly and 2B Ryan Theriot to Dodgers for RHP Kyle Smit, RHP Brett Wallach and 2B Blake DeWitt Added to 40-man roster: RHP Casey Coleman, RHP Thomas Diamond Option transferred: RHP Marcos Mateo (Double-A to Triple-A), RHP Blake Parker (Triple-A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Ryan Buchter Reinstated from DL: RHP Marcus Hatley, LHP Scott Maine Reinstated from inactive list: LHP John Gaub

The Cubs removed Diamond, the 10th overall pick of the 2004 Draft, from the 40-man roster last offseason, not long after claiming him on waivers from the Rangers. The 27-year-old earned his back on with his strong pitching this year, and he struck out 10 Brewers in his big league debut on Aug. 3, allowing three runs on seven hits in six innings. Pitching for Triple-A Iowa, Diamond led the Pacific Coast League with 8.6 strikeouts per nine innings and a .218 opponent average (5-4, 3.16 ERA in 21 starts).

Both Casey Coleman's father and grandfather, both named Joe, pitched in the big leagues. The 23-year-old Casey, a 15th round pick in 2008, is a strike-throwing sinkerball type with a strong changeup and fringy breaking stuff. He struck out just 4.5 batters per nine in Triple-A, though his 1.9 groundout-to-flyout ratio helped him limit the damage (10-7, 4.07 ERA in 20 starts).

Chicago White Sox Signed: RHP Jon Adkins Traded: RHP Dan Hudson and LHP David Holmberg to Diamondbacks for RHP Edwin Jackson Recalled: RHP Lucas Harrell Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Lucas Harrell Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jimmy Ballinger, RHP Jeff Marquez, C Adam Ricks, OF Josh Kroeger Reinstated from DL: RHP Clevelan Santeliz, C Josh Phegley

Cincinnati Reds Added to 40-man roster: RHP Russ Springer Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Carlos Fisher Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Daryl Thompson, LHP Matt Fairel, OF Andrew Means, OF Felix Perez, OF Yorman Rodriguez Reinstated from DL: RHP Mike Henry, RHP Doug Salinas, SS Eric Eymann

Cleveland Indians Traded: RHP Jake Westbrook to Cardinals as part of three-team deal in which Cardinals sent OF Ryan Ludwick to Padres, and Padres sent RHP Corey Kluber to Indians and LHP Nick Greenwood to Cardinals Traded: 3B Jhonny Peralta to Tigers for LHP Giovanni Soto Recalled: RHP Jeanmar Gomez, RHP Jensen Lewis, 2B Luis Valbuena, OF Jordan Brown Added to 40-man roster: RHP Justin Germano Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jess Todd Placed on 7-day DL: OF Ezequiel Carrera Reinstated from DL: C Silvio Castillo

Colorado Rockies Removed from 40-man: 1B Brad Eldred (Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Wes Musick, LHP Greg Smith Reinstated from DL: RHP Al Alburquerque, RHP Andrew Johnston, OF Tyler Massey Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Nick Bierbrodt

Detroit Tigers Traded: LHP Giovanni Soto to Indians for 3B Jhonny Peralta Placed on suspended list: RHP Luis Marte Added to 40-man roster: OF Jeff Frazier Designated for assignment: OF Wilkin Ramirez Optioned to Triple-A: 2B Scott Sizemore Reinstated from DL: 3B Michael Bertram Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Luis Marte

What a year it's been for Jeff Frazier. He played in the Triple-A all-star game for Toledo and he still leads the International League with 56 extra-base hits a week after his callup to Detroit. At 27, going on 28, the future is now for Frazier, who batted .273/.316/.527 with 23 homers for the Mud Hens, but he probably lacks the plate patience or the defensive chops to avoid life as an up-and-down player.

Florida Marlins Traded: 3B Jorge Cantu to Rangers for RHP Omar Poveda and RHP Evan Reed Added to 40-man roster: 3B Hector Luna Removed from 40-man: RHP Kris Harvey (Double-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Alejandro Sanabia Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Jose Alvarez, C Kyle Skipworth Reinstated from DL: RHP Ryan Tucker, RHP Nic Ungs, 2B Jake Smolinski, OF John Raynor Placed on temporarily inactive list: 2B Danny Richar

Houston Astros Released: RHP Brad Thompson, 1B Tommy Everidge Traded: RHP Roy Oswalt and cash to Phillies for LHP J.A. Happ, SS Jonathan Villar and OF Anthony Gose Traded: OF Anthony Gose to Blue Jays for 1B Brett Wallace Traded: 1B Lance Berkman and cash to Yankees for RHP Mark Melancon and 2B Jimmy Paredes Added to 40-man roster: 1B Brett Wallace Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Mark Melancon, LHP Fernando Abad Placed on 7-day DL: 1B Koby Clemens Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Austin Lucas Transferred to 60-day DL: C Luis Alvarez Reinstated from DL: RHP Juan Mojica, 3B David Flores Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Yordany Ramirez Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Josh Banks, LHP Gabriel Garcia

Wallace (24) was selected by the Cardinals out of Arizona State University in the 1st round (No. 13 overall) of the June 2008 First-Year Player Draft... traded by the Cardinals, along with Clayton Mortensen and Shane Peterson, to the Oakland A's for outfielder Matt Holliday on July 24, 2009... dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays for Michael Taylor on December 15, 2009... Futures Game Selection in 2009 (.293 with 20 HR and 63 RBI between AA/AAA). The lefthanded hitter was hitting .301 with 18 HR and 61 RBI in 95 games at Las Vegas (PCL/AAA) and now takes the spot of Berkman at first base.

Kansas City Royals Draft pick signed: OF Brian Fletcher (18) Released: LHP Brandon Barrow Traded: RHP Kyle Farnsworth and OF Rick Ankiel to Braves for RHP Jesse Chavez, LHP Tim Collins and OF Gregor Blanco Traded: C Jeff Howell to Twins for future considerations Recalled: 1B Kila Ka'aihue Added to 40-man roster: RHP Greg Holland Option transferred: RHP Aaron Crow (Double-A to high Class A), C Manny Pina (Triple-A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Chris Dwyer

Reinstated from DL: OF Nick Van Stratten Reinstated from inactive list: 2B Irving Falu, OF Adrian Ortiz

A 10th round pick by the Royals in 2007, Holland (24) was 3-3-3 3.81 ERA in 56.2 relief innings (60 SO, 30 BB, 40 H) at Omaha (PCL/AAA).

The 12th pick in the ’09 draft, Aaron Crow simply was not ready for Double-A—in part because he didn't pitch much in the year prior to the draft. He declined to sign with the Nationals as an ’08 first-rounder and played independent ball instead. For Northwest Arkansas this season, Crow went 7-7, 5.66 in 22 starts, while striking out 90 and walking 59 in 119 innings. He should find the ride less bumpy with high Class A Wilmington.

Los Angeles Angels Signed: RHP Ryan Houston (Somerset (Atlantic)) Recalled: RHP Trevor Bell, RHP Bobby Cassevah Optioned to Triple-A: 2B Kevin Frandsen Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Daniel Cabrera, RHP Fabio Martinez, 1B Robb Quinlan, SS Carlos Colmenares, OF Cory Aldridge Reinstated from DL: RHP Daniel Cabrera, C Hank Conger, SS Michael Demperio

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: LHP Bobby Livingston Released: LHP Roberto Feliciano Traded: RHP James McDonald and OF Andrew Lambo to Pirates for RHP Octavio Dotel and cash Traded: RHP Kyle Smit, RHP Brett Wallach and 2B Blake DeWitt to Cubs for LHP Ted Lilly and 2B Ryan Theriot Granted free agency: LHP Jack Taschner Removed from 40-man: LHP Jack Taschner (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Travis Schlichting Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Charlie Haeger, RHP Claudio Vargas, LHP Cody White, C Esteban Lopez, 1B Dustin Yount, 2B Ramon Nivar, SS Christian Lara Reinstated from DL: RHP Tim Corcoran, RHP Luis Guerra, LHP Cody White, C J.D. Closser, C Keyter Collado, C Esteban Lopez, 1B Chris Jacobs, OF Trayvon Robinson

Milwaukee Brewers Released: 3B Justin Parker Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Chris Waters Reinstated from DL: LHP Tony Butler, SS Steven Braun Reinstated from inactive list: OF Dionis Hinojosa

Minnesota Twins Traded: LHP Joe Testa and C Wilson Ramos to Nationals for RHP Matt Capps and cash Acquired: C Jeff Howell from Royals for future considerations Recalled: SS Trevor Plouffe Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Nick Blackburn Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Mike Tarsi Reinstated from DL: RHP Steve Hirschfeld

New York Mets Released: RHP Ramon Ortiz, LHP Bobby Livingston Traded: 1B Mike Jacobs to Blue Jays for a player to be named Recalled: OF Jesus Feliciano Option transferred: RHP Jenrry Mejia (Double-A to high Class A), 1B Nick Evans (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Alonzo Harris, SS Juan Lagares

Reinstated from DL: RHP Jenrry Mejia, C Luke Montz, 2B Andy Green Reinstated from inactive list: 2B James Ewing

New York Yankees Released: 3B Chad Tracy Traded: RHP Mark Melancon and 2B Jimmy Paredes to Astros for 1B Lance Berkman and cash Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Juan Miranda, OF Colin Curtis Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Reegie Corona Reinstated from DL: RHP Amauri Sanit

Oakland Athletics Draft picks signed: OF Michael Choice (1) Released: RHP Jason Ray Added to 40-man roster: RHP Boof Bonser Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Cedrick Bowers, OF Travis Buck Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Justin Souza, OF Myrio Richard Reinstated from DL: LHP John Halama

Philadelphia Phillies Signed: 2B Keoni Ruth (Maui (Golden)) Released: RHP John Ennis, OF Chris Duffy Traded: LHP J.A. Happ, SS Jonathan Villar and OF Anthony Gose to Astros for RHP Roy Oswalt and cash Reinstated from DL: RHP B.J. Rosenberg, 1B Tagg Bozied

Pittsburgh Pirates Traded: RHP Octavio Dotel and cash to Dodgers for RHP James McDonald and OF Andrew Lambo Acquired: OF Mitch Jones from Braves for cash Recalled: RHP Daniel McCutchen, LHP Justin Thomas, 1B Jeff Clement, SS Argenis Diaz Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Joe Martinez, C Jason Jaramillo, SS Pedro Ciriaco, OF John Bowker Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Akinori Iwamura, SS Greg Picart Reinstated from DL: RHP Anthony Claggett, RHP Craig Hansen, RHP Kyle McPherson, OF Eric Fryer, OF Starling Marte

RHP Joe Martinez & OF John Bowker were acquired from the Giants for LHP Javier Lopez; SS Pedro Ciriaco came from the D’backs in a multiplayer deal.

St. Louis Cardinals Draft pick signed: RHP Seth Blair (1.5) Traded: OF Ryan Ludwick to Padres as part of three team deal in which Indians sent RHP Jake Westbrook to Cardinals, and Padres sent RHP Corey Kluber to Indians and LHP Nick Greenwood to Cardinals Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jason Novak, RHP Miguel Tapia, LHP Anthony Ferrara Reinstated from DL: C Ivan Castro

San Diego Padres Signed: RHP Mike Koplove Traded: RHP Corey Kluber to Indians and LHP Nick Greenwood to Cardinals as part of three-team deal in which Cardinals sent OF Ryan Ludwick to Padres, and Indians sent RHP Jake Westbrook to Cardinals Traded: RHP Wynn Pelzer to Orioles for 3B Miguel Tejada and cash Designated for assignment: OF Quintin Berry Optioned to Triple-A: OF Aaron Cunningham Option transferred: SS Lance Zawadzki (Triple-A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jason Adams, RHP Scott Munter, RHP Bryan Oland, OF Yefri Carvajal Reinstated from DL: RHP Stiven Osuna, RHP Jackson Quezada

While it's been a great year in the sense that Lance Zawadzki made his big league debut, it's also been a frustrating one in that the 25-year-old hasn't hit a lick in the minors. A .596 OPS for Triple-A Portland earned him a ticket to San Antonio, where he's off to a 4-for-22 (.182) start. Through 272 at-bats in all, Zawadzki was batting .227/.294/.300 with a pair of home runs and 10 doubles.

San Francisco Giants Signed: OF Carlton Salters Traded: RHP Dan Turpen to Red Sox for RHP Ramon Ramirez Optioned to Triple-A: 3B Ryan Rohlinger Reinstated from DL: RHP Danny Otero

The Giants tried out and signed 22-year-old Arkansas football receiver Carlton Salters. A Division I baseball prospect coming out of his Tallahassee high school in ’06, Salters last played the game as a redshirt freshman in ’07.

Seattle Mariners Draft pick signed: RHP Ben Versnik (38) Recalled: RHP Sean White, 3B Matt Tuiasosopo Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Justin Smoak Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Nolan Gallagher, LHP Ryan Feierabend, 1B Dennis Raben Reinstated from DL: RHP Terrence Parker, RHP Steven Shell Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Charles Kaalekahi, C Christian Carmichael

Tampa Bay Rays Draft pick signed: 1B Travis Flores (11) Released: RHP Brad Furdal Recalled: RHP Jeremy Hellickson Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeremy Hellickson Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Billy Cipriano, 3B Matt Sweeney Reinstated from DL: RHP Wilking Rodriguez, LHP David Newmann Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Brett Nommensen Reinstated from inactive list: OF Brett Nommensen

Texas Rangers Signed: RHP Chris Mobley (Southern Maryland (Atlantic)) Traded: RHP Omar Poveda and RHP Evan Reed to Marlins for 3B Jorge Cantu Traded: RHP Tanner Roark and RHP Ryan Tatusko to Nationals for 2B Cristian Guzman Traded: C Jarrod Saltalamacchia to Red Sox for RHP Roman Mendez, 1B Chris McGuiness, a player to be named and cash Recalled: RHP Brandon McCarthy Added to 40-man roster: 1B Mitch Moreland Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Doug Mathis, LHP Derek Holland, 1B Chris Davis Reinstated from DL: RHP Brandon McCarthy, RHP Justin Miller, OF Edward Alfonzo

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: 2B Christian Frias (NDFA—Rio Grande (Ohio)), OF Concepcion Rodriguez Draft pick signed: SS Shane Opitz (11) Released: RHP Adrian Martin, 1B Jonnathan Valdez, 2B Manuel Falcon, OF Johnny Roberts Traded: 1B Brett Wallace to Astros for OF Anthony Gose Acquired: 1B Mike Jacobs from Mets for a player to be named Recalled: OF Travis Snider Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Brad Mills Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Travis Garrett, LHP Daniel DeLucia, LHP Zach Jackson, 3B Randy Schwartz, OF Lance Durham

Reinstated from DL: RHP Alan Farina, RHP Shawn Hill, RHP Zach Outman Reinstated from inactive list: OF Dalton Pompey

Seeking a replacement Triple-A first baseman with the trade of Brett Wallace, the Blue Jays acquired Mike Jacobs, who hit 15 homers and slugged .475 in 86 games for Buffalo.

Puerto Rico native Christian Frias became the first player to sign out of NAIA Rio Grande (Ohio) University since Dustin Gibbs in ’07.

Washington Nationals Traded: RHP Matt Capps and cash to Twins for LHP Joe Testa and C Wilson Ramos Traded: 2B Cristian Guzman to Rangers for RHP Tanner Roark and RHP Ryan Tatusko Recalled: LHP John Lannan, LHP Atahualpa Severino, OF Justin Maxwell Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jordan Zimmermann, LHP Atahualpa Severino, C Wilson Ramos Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jason Jones Reinstated from DL: SS Ofilio Castro Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Michael Burgess Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Shane Erb, LHP Cory VanAllen, OF Michael Burgess

July 20-28

Arizona Diamondbacks Released: RHP Saul Rivera Traded: RHP Dan Haren to Angels for RHP Rafael Rodriguez, LHP Pat Corbin, LHP Joe Saunders and a player to be named Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Rafael Rodriguez Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Sammy de los Santos

Atlanta Braves Signed: OF Jonathan Pigott (NDFA—Florida) Released: 2B Alejandro Machado, OF Concepcion Rodriguez Optioned to Triple-A: OF Gregor Blanco, OF Nate McLouth Option transferred: OF Jordan Schafer (Triple-A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Caleb Brewer, SS Diory Hernandez, OF Kyle Rose Placed on 60-day DL: SS Jim Linger Reinstated from DL: OF Cody Johnson, OF Kyle Rose Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Erik Cordier Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Erik Cordier, RHP Frank Lafreniere, RHP Andrew Wilson

Concepcion Rodriguez (23) was signed by the Braves out of Panama in 2003. He was repeating the Southern League (AA) with a poor .220/.307/.283.

Nate McLouth hit just .168/.279/.265 in 185 at-bats as the Braves' regular in center field this season. But on the bright side, his demotion to Triple-A cleared the way for Atlanta to send down struggling Gwinnett center fielder Jordan Schafer, who hit a mere .201/.255/.254 with only one home run in 189 at-bats. The 23-year-old Schafer still has time to turn things around, but perhaps not an excessive amount of time.

Baltimore Orioles Released: OF Joey Gathright Recalled: LHP Troy Patton Removed from 40-man: 2B Scott Moore (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Troy Patton, C Craig Tatum, 3B Josh Bell Placed on 7-day DL: C Zach Booker, C Caleb Joseph, C Jason Stifler, 1B Tyler Townsend, SS Blake Davis, OF Jacob Julius, OF Jeff Salazar

Placed on 60-day DL: RHP David Baker Reinstated from DL: C Jason Stifler, 1B Brandon Snyder, OF Jeff Salazar Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Kyle Moore, 1B Joel Guzman Reinstated from inactive list: C Kyle Moore, SS Sammie Starr

Boston Red Sox Signed: LHP Mike Hacker (San Angelo (United)) Released: RHP Randor Bierd, LHP Kason Gabbard Acquired: 3B Jack Hannahan from Mariners for a player to be named or cash Removed from 40-man: RHP Fernando Cabrera (Triple-A), 1B Ryan Shealy (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Michael Bowden, C Dusty Brown, OF Daniel Nava Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Casey Kelly, RHP Santo Luis, RHP Adam Mills, C Juan Apodaca, 2B Argenis Reyes, OF Bubba Bell Placed on 60-day DL: LHP Nestor Lastreto Reinstated from DL: RHP Seth Garrison, RHP Ramon A. Ramirez Reinstated from inactive list: C Will Vazquez

Chicago Cubs Draft picks signed: RHP Bryce Shafer (49), OF Reggie Golden (2) Released: LHP Dustin Sasser Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Mitch Atkins, RHP Jeff Stevens Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Scott Maine, LHP John Mincone, 3B Josh Vitters, OF Jim Adduci Reinstated from DL: RHP Jeff Gray, LHP Jeff Antigua, LHP Dustin Sasser, OF Jason Dubois

Chicago White Sox Released: RHP Ryan Ouellette Voluntarily retired: SS Zach Kayne Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Greg Aquino, LHP Santos Rodriguez, OF Jordan Danks Reinstated from DL: RHP Ricky Brooks, RHP Branch Kloess, RHP Matt Long, OF Jordan Danks, OF Ken Williams Jr.

Cincinnati Reds Signed: RHP Jason Isringhausen Released: RHP Raul Rodriguez, OF Sean Danielson, OF Gary Matthews Jr. Recalled: RHP Carlos Fisher Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jose Arredondo Removed from 40-man: C Corky Miller (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Micah Owings Reinstated from DL: RHP Jose Arredondo, LHP Tzu-Kai Chiu Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Sean Danielson Reinstated from inactive list: OF Sean Danielson

Cleveland Indians Placed on restricted list: RHP Luis Morel Added to 40-man roster: RHP Josh Tomlin Designated for assignment: 3B Wes Hodges Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jensen Lewis, OF Michael Brantley Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Robert Aviles, RHP Yohan Pino Reinstated from DL: LHP Nick Hagadone

Selected by the Indians out of Texas Tech University in the 19th round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Tomlin (25) was 8-4 with a 2.68 ERA at Columbus (Int’l/AAA) with only 33 BB and 83 hits in 107.1 IP.

Colorado Rockies Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jhoulys Chacin Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Craig Baker, 1B Kiel Roling, OF Tyler Massey Reinstated from DL: RHP Parker Frazier, RHP Josh Sullivan Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Ching-Lung Lo Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Ching-Lung Lo, LHP Kurt Birkins, LHP Brandon Durden, LHP Christian Friedrich

Detroit Tigers Released: RHP Billy Buckner Placed on restricted list: 1B Cesar Nicolas Recalled: 2B Scott Sizemore Added to 40-man roster: 1B Jeff Larish, 2B Will Rhymes Designated for assignment: RHP Casey Fien Removed from 40-man: RHP Casey Fien (Triple-A) Option transferred: SS Audy Ciriaco (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Nate Newman, RHP Brendan Wise, 3B Michael Bertram, SS Audy Ciriaco Reinstated from inactive list: 2B Alden Carrithers

Nicolas tested positive for an amphetamine, thus the 50-game suspension and placement on the restricted list.

Florida Marlins Released: RHP Bobby Holmes Placed on restricted list: LHP Dan Jennings Placed on suspended list: LHP Dan Jennings Recalled: RHP Chris Volstad Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jorge Sosa, C Brad Davis, 1B Logan Morrison Designated for assignment: RHP Kris Harvey Removed from 40-man: 3B Mike Lamb (Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Ryan Tucker, RHP Tim Wood, SS Terrence Dayleg, SS Chris Wade Reinstated from DL: RHP Chris Leroux, RHP Jose Rosario, 3B Taylor Krick, OF Cameron Maybin, OF Lorenzo Scott Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Dan Jennings

A Marlins' fifth-round pick from Long Beach State in ’04, Brad Davis (.289/.350/.463 at New Orleans/AAA) got the call when big league backup Brett Hayes went on the disabled list. Davis collected two hits and threw out a basestealer in his debut, but minor league scouting reports suggest that you'll be seeing a lot more of the latter than the former. He's a solid catch-and-throw option if relegated to a backup role.

Houston Astros Signed: LHP Kristian Bueno, 3B Kody Kirkland (Southern Maryland (Atlantic)), SS Chris Lovett Released: RHP T.J. Burton, SS Michael Garciaparra Traded: LHP Tyler Lumsden to Padres for future considerations Recalled: LHP Fernando Abad Designated for assignment: LHP Polin Trinidad Removed from 40-man: RHP Casey Daigle (Triple-A), RHP Gary Majewski (Triple-A), LHP Polin Trinidad (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Chris Sampson, SS Oswaldo Navarro Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Sergio Perez, 2B Luis Maza, 3B David Flores, SS Marcos Cabral Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Dayan Diaz Transferred to 60-day DL: C Alfredo Gonzalez Reinstated from DL: RHP Juri Perez, RHP Raul Rivera, RHP Jose Trinidad, 1B Chris Shelton, SS Michael

Garciaparra Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Josh Banks, RHP T.J. Burton, RHP Casey Daigle, LHP Evan Grills Reinstated from inactive list: RHP T.J. Burton, RHP Casey Daigle, OF David Cook

Kansas City Royals Signed: RHP Chase Boruff (NDFA—Carson-Newman (Tenn.)), RHP Edwin Carl (NDFA—New Mexico) Traded: 3B Alberto Callaspo to Angels for RHP Sean O'Sullivan and LHP Will Smith Traded: OF Scott Podsednik to Dodgers for RHP Elisaul Pimentel and C Lucas May Recalled: RHP Bryan Bullington, OF Alex Gordon Removed from 40-man: RHP Anthony Lerew (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Victor Marte, C Lucas May Option transferred: OF Jarrod Dyson (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Eric Basurto, OF Shane Costa Reinstated from DL: RHP Chris Chavez

Los Angeles Angels Signed: RHP Ryan Vogelsong Draft pick signed: OF George Barber (43) Released: OF Julio Perez Traded: RHP Sean O'Sullivan and LHP Will Smith to Royals for 3B Alberto Callaspo Traded: RHP Rafael Rodriguez, LHP Pat Corbin, LHP Joe Saunders and a player to be named to Diamondbacks for RHP Dan Haren Added to 40-man roster: RHP Michael Kohn Removed from 40-man: OF Paul McAnulty (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Trevor Bell, RHP Matt Palmer Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Daniel Cabrera, RHP Jeremy Thorne, C Anel de los Santos, C Carlos Ramirez Reinstated from DL: SS Andrew Romine

The Angels called up 24-year-old strikeout machine Michael Kohn after the reliever breezed through the system in two years, striking out 13.6 batters per nine innings along the way. His strikeout rates shrunk just a little at each level of the minors—falling form 14.6 per nine in low Class A to 13.5 to 12.3 to 10.4 in Triple-A—as more experienced hitters proved capable of timing his short-arm delivery. Still, Kohn throws a solid heater and has made startling progress. The 2008 13th-rounder pitched just 13 relief innings in college, having spent most of his time at College of Charleston as a heavy-hitting first baseman. The righthander was 5-4-11 with 2.15 ERA between AA & AAA this season.

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: SS Juan Castro Draft pick signed: RHP Steve Matre (39) Released: OF Lenell McGee, OF Melvin Ray Traded: RHP Elisaul Pimentel and C Lucas May to Royals for OF Scott Podsednik Recalled: RHP Kenley Jansen Added to 40-man roster: LHP Jack Taschner Removed from 40-man: RHP Justin Miller (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: C A.J. Ellis Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Nathan Eovaldi, C J.D. Closser, OF Preston Mattingly Reinstated from DL: RHP Eric Thompson, LHP Juan Perez, 1B Clay Calfee, 2B Tony Delmonico, OF Lenell McGee

The Curacao native Jansen (22) was converted from catcher to pitcher in 2009 (his fifth as a pro) and owns the best fastball in the Dodgers’ system entering the season according to BA. In 45 relief innings between Class A Adv. & AA he had a 5-1-8 record with a 1.60 ERA and 78 SO, 23 BB and 28 hits. He played as a catcher for the Netherlands during the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Milwaukee Brewers Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Carlos Villanueva, OF Lorenzo Cain Option transferred: RHP Jeremy Jeffress (high Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Michael Fiers, RHP Andrew Sauter, C Michael Roberts, SS Steven Braun, SS Kyle Dhanani, SS Johnny Raburn Reinstated from DL: LHP Mike Ramlow, C Angel Salome, 2B Eric Farris, 3B Joey Paciorek, SS Kyle Dhanani

Minnesota Twins Released: RHP Kyle Necke Recalled: C Jose Morales Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeff Manship Option transferred: SS Estarlin de los Santos (high Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brad Tippett, LHP Ryan Mullins Reinstated from DL: RHP Brad Stillings, 2B Ramoncito Santana

New York Mets Signed: RHP Chad Cordero Draft pick signed: OF Matt den Dekker (5) Released: RHP Jose Bierd, LHP Angel Calero Placed on suspended list: C Albert Cordero, SS Jordany Valdespin Recalled: RHP Manny Acosta Added to 40-man roster: 3B Mike Hessman Removed from 40-man: RHP Fernando Nieve (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: 2B Justin Turner Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Samuel Martinez, LHP Derrick Ellison, C Kai Gronauer, 2B Andy Green Reinstated from DL: RHP Brant Rustich, 3B Zach Lutz, OF Valentino Pascucci Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Chad Cordero Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Chad Cordero, C Albert Cordero, SS Jordany Valdespin

New York Yankees Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jonathan Albaladejo Placed on 7-day DL: C Kyle Higashioka Reinstated from DL: RHP Jairo Heredia, OF Austin Krum Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Amauri Sanit

Oakland Athletics Draft pick signed: 2B Ryan Pineda (28) Released: 3B Christian Vitters Recalled: LHP Cedrick Bowers Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Cedrick Bowers Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Andrew Carignan, LHP John Halama, 2B J.C. Holt Reinstated from DL: RHP Dan Sattler, C Joel Galarraga, 2B Jemile Weeks, SS Christian Vitters, OF Mitch LeVier

Philadelphia Phillies Signed: RHP Tim Brown (Lincoln (American Association)), RHP Drew Erwin (NDFA—Nicholls State), 2B Cale Owen (NDFA—Flagler (Fla.)), OF Timo Perez, OF Bill Rice (NDFA—South Carolina-Aiken) Released: RHP Chad Poe Voluntarily retired: C David Doss Recalled: RHP Kyle Kendrick, LHP J.A. Happ Added to 40-man roster: RHP Vance Worley, OF Domonic Brown Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Drew Carpenter, RHP Vance Worley Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Alexander Concepcion, 2B Adam Buschini

Placed on 60-day DL: 3B Luis Paulino Reinstated from DL: RHP Ty Taubenheim, 2B Melvin Dorta, OF Leandro Castro, OF Bernardo Solarte

Worley (22), a 3rd round pick in 2008 out of Long Beach State, has earned Eastern League (AA) mid-season All-Stars selections both in 2009 & 2010.

An injury to Shane Victorino prompted the Phillies to promote Brown, their #1 prospect. Selected by the Phillies in the 20th round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, the left-handed hit .327 with 20 HR, 68 RBI, 17 SB, .391 OBP and .589 SLG in 93 games between AA & AAA level this season.

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: RHP Travis Chick (Camden (Atlantic)) Released: RHP Vinnie Chulk, RHP Hayden Penn Recalled: RHP Steven Jackson, C Jason Jaramillo Added to 40-man roster: LHP Wilfredo Ledezma Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Brad Lincoln Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Anthony Claggett, RHP Brandon Holden, RHP Kyle McPherson, LHP Dana Eveland, 1B Brian Myrow, OF Gorkys Hernandez Reinstated from DL: RHP Quinton Miller, 2B Shelby Ford, SS Doug Bernier Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Vinnie Chulk, RHP Diego Moreno, RHP Hayden Penn

The Pirates released Vinnie Chulk and Hayden Penn so that they could pursue careers in Japan.

Chulk signed with Hiroshima of the Central League, while Penn inked a contract with Chiba Lotte of the Pacific. Chulk has pitched for Toronto, San Francisco and Cleveland over his seven years in the big leagues. In 276 1/3 major league innings, all of which came out of the bullpen, the righty posted a 4.33 ERA and a 1.75 K/BB ratio. Chulk signed a minor league deal with Pittsburgh last December and had an uneven season at Triple-A Indianapolis; he had a 10.5 K/9 ratio but also a 4.96 ERA and 1.56 WHIP in 28 appearances.

Penn, drafted by the Orioles in the fifth round of the 2002 amateur draft, was a well-regarded prospect in Baltimore's system, ranked as the 81st-best prospect in the game by Baseball America in their pre-2006 listing. He was never able to translate that promise to the majors, however, as shown by his 9.51 career ERA over 33 games (15 of them starts) with Baltimore, Florida and Pittsburgh.

St. Louis Cardinals Draft pick signed: LHP Tyler Lyons (9) Released: RHP Gary Daley, SS Oliver Marmol, OF Mark Shorey Recalled: RHP P.J. Walters Added to 40-man roster: RHP Mike MacDougal Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Fernando Salas, RHP P.J. Walters, OF Allen Craig Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Evan MacLane, C Ivan Castro, 1B Curt Smith Reinstated from DL: RHP Casey Mulligan, LHP Anthony Ferrara, 2B Daniel Descalso Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Adron Chambers Reinstated from inactive list: OF Adron Chambers

The book on Daley coming out of Cal Poly read: big arm, poor command, no reliable offspeed pitch. In five years in the Cardinals system, the ’06 third-round pick grew to throw fringe-average breaking stuff at times, but his velocity backed up and sat mostly at 89-91 mph. Daley's command never budged, though—he ran up a 6.54 ERA while striking out 7.1 and walking 6.5 batters per nine innings as a pro. The 24-year-old made at least 10 starts in each season, but when it was all over he had been effectively shifted to the bullpen with Double-A Springfield, where he went 3-11, 6.70 this season, with an untenable 1.92 WHIP over 89 innings.

San Diego Padres Signed: SS Nick Green, OF Wily Mo Pena (Bridgeport (Atlantic)) Released: C Brett Basham, 3B Jon Alia Acquired: LHP Tyler Lumsden from Astros for future considerations Optioned to Triple-A: OF Luis Durango Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Craig Italiano Reinstated from DL: RHP Cesar Carrillo, OF Rico Noel Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Drew Miller

San Francisco Giants Recalled: RHP Joe Martinez, 3B Ryan Rohlinger Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Rafael Martinez, RHP Kyle Vazquez, LHP Eric Surkamp, LHP Dontrelle Willis, C Alex Burg Reinstated from DL: RHP Steve Edlefsen, RHP Brandon Medders, LHP Kelvin Marte

Seattle Mariners Draft picks signed: RHP Ben Versnik (38), OF Jabari Blash (8) Released: RHP Joe Nelson, 1B Hector Mercedes Traded: 3B Jack Hannahan to Red Sox for a player to be named or cash Voluntarily retired: RHP Jean Tome Recalled: LHP Luke French Placed on 60-day DL: OF James Wood Transferred to 60-day DL: RHP Josh Krist, RHP Leonardo Rodriguez Reinstated from DL: RHP Mumba Rivera, RHP Jean Tome, 1B Dennis Raben, SS Jeff Dominguez Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Marwin Vega, LHP Scott Ronnenbergh Reinstated from inactive list: C Hector Mercedes

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: 3B Junior Rodriguez (NDFA—Lee (Tenn.)) Draft picks signed: RHP Ian Kendall (5), RHP Parker Markel (39) Released: RHP Kevin Chavez, LHP Joey Dettrich Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Alex Colome, RHP Matt Gorgen, LHP David Newmann, C Alvin Colina, 1B Matt Fields Reinstated from DL: RHP Yorman Mayora, SS Omar Luna Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Jeremy Hellickson

Junior Rodriguez did not sign as the Red Sox's 46th round pick out of high school in the ’06 draft. The Miami native earned NAIA All-America honors as a senior at Lee (Tenn.).

Texas Rangers Draft pick signed: RHP Cody Buckel (2) Recalled: C Taylor Teagarden Placed on 7-day DL: SS Ralph Stoneburner Reinstated from DL: RHP Joe Van Meter, C Vin DiFazio, C Alberto Puello, 3B Esteban German, SS Matt West

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: OF Jason Lane (Southern Maryland (Atlantic)) Draft pick signed: 3B Kellen Sweeney (2) Recalled: LHP Brad Mills, 2B Mike McCoy Removed from 40-man: RHP Rei Gonzalez (Double-A) Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Marc Rzepczynski, 2B Mike McCoy Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Zach Outman, LHP Jo-Jo Reyes, C Alberto Quintana, 1B Brian Dopirak, 2B John Tolisano, SS Luis Sanchez

Reinstated from DL: LHP Zach Jackson, LHP Michael Kelly, C Yan Gomes, OF Daniel Perales Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Raul Chavez Reinstated from inactive list: C Raul Chavez

Washington Nationals Placed on restricted list: RHP Shane Erb, SS Pedro Lopez Recalled: RHP Luis Atilano, RHP Collin Balester, LHP Ross Detwiler Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Patrick Arnold, RHP A.J. Morris, RHP Zech Zinicola, LHP Jesse English, LHP Victor Garate, SS Ofilio Castro Reinstated from DL: RHP Jimmy Barthmaier, RHP Pat Lehman, SS Wilberto Ortiz, OF Edgardo Baez Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Cory VanAllen, OF Michael Burgess Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Glenn Gibson, OF Michael Burgess

July 14-20

Arizona Diamondbacks Draft pick signed: RHP Blake Cooper (12) Released: C Chris Davis Option transferred: RHP Bryan Augenstein (Triple-A to Double-A), LHP Leyson Septimo (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Bryan Augenstein Reinstated from DL: LHP Mike Belfiore, C Sean Coughlin, 1B Bryan Byrne Reinstated from inactive list: RHP T.J. Beam

Atlanta Braves Released: 2B Yoel Campusano, SS Amadeo Zazueta Recalled: LHP Mike Dunn Optioned to Triple-A: SS Brandon Hicks Option transferred: LHP Lee Hyde (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Ernesto Silva, C Matt Kennelly Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Reidy Escobar Transferred to 60-day DL: RHP Brett Butts, RHP James Parr, OF Adam Milligan Reinstated from DL: LHP Chad Rodgers Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Andrew Wilson, C Orlando Mercado Reinstated from inactive list: 2B Yoel Campusano, SS Luis Ramirez, SS Amadeo Zazueta, OF Geraldo Rodriguez

Yoel Campusano and Amadeo Zazueta, formerly of high Class A Myrtle Beach, served their 50-game drug suspensions and were shown the door.

Baltimore Orioles Signed: C Greyson Schram (NDFA—Concord (W.Va.)) Draft pick signed: LHP Matt Drummond (20) Released: RHP Pat McCrory, C Dennis Perez Recalled: 3B Josh Bell Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Frank Mata, RHP Chris Tillman Placed on 7-day DL: SS Mike Mooney Reinstated from DL: RHP Travis Keating, OF Mike Planeta

A finalist for Division II player of the year honors, Greyson Schram ultimately finished fifth in the voting. Erskine College (S.C.) outfielder Bryan Fogle won the inaugural Tino Martinez award.

Boston Red Sox Signed: RHP Tyler Lavigne (Normal (Frontier)), RHP Ryne Reynoso, C Roberto Reyes (NDFA—Lynn

(Mass.) English HS) Recalled: RHP Michael Bowden, C Dusty Brown Added to 40-man roster: RHP Fernando Cabrera Removed from 40-man: C Gustavo Molina (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Robert Manuel, LHP Felix Doubront Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Randy Consuegra Reinstated from DL: RHP Roman Mendez, C Dusty Brown, OF Jason Place Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Dennis Neuman, C Josue Peley, C Will Vazquez A product of Lynn (Mass.) English High, Roberto Reyes appears to be the summer's first nondrafted free agent out of high school.

Chicago Cubs Recalled: RHP Jeff Stevens Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Mitch Atkins Reinstated from DL: LHP Casey Lambert

Chicago White Sox Signed: RHP Ryan Kussmaul (Southern Illinois (Frontier)) Released: RHP Drew O'Neil Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Clevelan Santeliz, OF Miguel Negron Reinstated from DL: RHP Angel Garcia, LHP Santos Rodriguez, OF Alejandro De Aza

Reliever Drew O'Neil has not advanced past the Class A level since signing as Chicago's fourth-round pick in ’08. The erstwhile Penn State closer, now 24, sported a 2.03 WHIP and a 1-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 36 relief innings this season for low Class A Kannapolis and high Class A Winston-Salem.

Cincinnati Reds Signed: RHP Russ Springer Released: RHP Sean Watson Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Matt Maloney Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Juan Carlos Sulbaran, SS Eric Eymann Reinstated from DL: RHP Sam LeCure, OF Luis Terrero

Sean Watson, an ’06 second-round pick from Tennessee, had his moments as a member of the Reds organization. Unfortunately, those moments came mostly at the Class A level. Watson (25) struck out 135 batters in 126 innings in ’07, but because his conditioning and command were suspect, he subsequently earned a ticket to the bullpen. Watson appeared in 86 Double-A games, running up a 5.24 ERA with 9.6 strikeouts and 6.5 walks per nine innings.

Cleveland Indians Recalled: RHP Jeanmar Gomez, RHP Jensen Lewis, RHP Jess Todd Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeanmar Gomez Reinstated from DL: LHP Ryan Morris, OF Ezequiel Carrera, OF Donnie Webb

Signed by the Indians on April 4, 2005 out of Venezuela, Jeanmar Gomez threw a perfect game for Double-A Akron on May 21, 2009, the first in team history, earning All-Star and POY awards (10-4 3.43 ERA in 22 starts). He won his first Major League start before being optioned back to Columbus (Int’l/AAA).

Colorado Rockies Signed: C Josh Powers (NDFA—Sacramento State) Released: LHP Steve Junker, OF David Dinatale Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Andrew Johnston, LHP Christian Friedrich

Reinstated from DL: 1B Jeff Kindel, OF Cole Garner Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Kurt Birkins, LHP Brandon Durden, SS Eider Torres, OF Ryan Harvey Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Greg Reynolds, LHP Nick Bierbrodt

Detroit Tigers Draft pick signed: LHP Jack Duffey (28) Released: C Angel Flores, C Mike Rabelo Placed on suspended list: 2B Alden Carrithers Voluntarily retired: OF Jon Weber Recalled: RHP Casey Fien, RHP Armando Galarraga, RHP Rick Porcello Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Andy Oliver, LHP Daniel Schlereth Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Billy Buckner Transferred to 60-day DL: LHP Hua-Wei Lo, C Adolfo Reina Reinstated from DL: LHP Giovanni Soto, C Mike Rabelo, C Max St. Pierre, 1B Cesar Nicolas, SS Shawn Roof, OF Luis Castillo

Jon Weber leaves affiliated ball with a 100-game suspension hanging over his head. He failed three tests for a so-called drug of abuse. If Weber did not intend to play anyway, it's a curious move to retire rather than "serve" his suspension on the sidelines.

Florida Marlins Draft pick signed: RHP Jeremy Weber (45) Released: RHP Kyle Gunderson, RHP Kasey Olenberger, LHP Kelvin Ferreira, 1B Hunter Mense Recalled: OF Bryan Petersen Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jhan Marinez Removed from 40-man: LHP Dan Meyer (Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: 3B Taylor Krick Reinstated from DL: RHP Corey Madden, LHP John Lambert, SS Ernesto Manzanillo, OF Jeff Corsaletti Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Brett Sinkbeil

Signed by the Marlins as a non-drafted free agent in April 2006 out of the Dominican Republic, Marinez ranked the 10th best Florida prospect entering the season with the best fastball in the organization, according to Baseball America. He dominated opposing hitters this season with 60 SO in 40 IP (21 BB, 21 H) and a .162 opposing hitter avg. between A Adv. & AA. for a record of 1-1-10 1.80 ERA.

Houston Astros Released: RHP Erik Stiller, 2B Ramon Vazquez Placed on suspended list: LHP Chris Blazek Recalled: LHP Wesley Wright Added to 40-man roster: RHP Gary Majewski Reinstated from DL: RHP Daniel Sarisky, LHP Chris Blazek Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP T.J. Burton, SS Marcos Cabral, OF David Cook Reinstated from inactive list: RHP T.J. Burton, 2B Luis Maza, SS Marcos Cabral, OF Grant Hogue

Kansas City Royals Released: RHP Chris Hayes, C Sean McCauley, OF Jamar Walton Optioned to Double-A: RHP Henry Barrera Option transferred: OF Jarrod Dyson (high Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Chris Chavez, RHP Chris Hayes Reinstated from DL: RHP Chris Hayes, LHP Danny Duffy, LHP Edgar Osuna, C Sean McCauley, OF Shane Costa Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Adrian Ortiz Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Kevin Chapman

Los Angeles Angels Signed: OF Charlton Jimerson (Bridgeport (Atlantic)) Recalled: RHP Trevor Bell, RHP Sean O'Sullivan Optioned to Triple-A: OF Cory Aldridge Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Tommy Mendoza, C Hank Conger, SS Michael Demperio Reinstated from DL: RHP Bobby Mosebach, 3B Jon Townsend

Jimerson appeared in 48 games for Bridgeport in 2010, posting a .346 batting average with 10 home runs and 43 RBI in 182 at-bats. He led all Bridgeport batters with a .426 on-base percentage and a .626 slugging percentage. Last year, the former Major Leaguer made his Atlantic League debut as a member of the Newark Bears. He became one of the most dominant hitters in the league and won the league’s batting title by posting a .335 mark. The slugger also recorded 21 home runs, 62 RBI, and 38 stolen bases in 103 games played. He’ll report to Double-A Arkansas of the Texas League (AA).

Los Angeles Dodgers Released: RHP Kiko Calero Recalled: RHP James McDonald Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jon Link Placed on 7-day DL: C Keyter Collado, 1B Brenton Calfee, 2B Austin Yount, OF Trayvon Robinson Reinstated from DL: RHP Jesus Castillo, C Mike Rivera, C Jeremy Wise, 1B Steven Caseres, 1B Dustin Yount

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: 3B Chris Nowak Recalled: OF Lorenzo Cain Option transferred: RHP Josh Butler (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brandon Kintzler, LHP Mike Ramlow, 3B Steffan Wilson, OF Reggie Keen Reinstated from DL: RHP Amaury Rivas, C Martin Maldonado Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Efrain Nieves

Minnesota Twins Draft pick signed: RHP Derek Christensen (43) Released: RHP Trayvone Johnson, LHP Chris Armstrong Placed on restricted list: 3B Hyeong-rok Choi Recalled: RHP Jeff Manship Added to 40-man roster: RHP Anthony Slama Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Alex Burnett Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Nathan Fawbush Reinstated from DL: RHP Tom Stuifbergen, C Daniel Lehmann, OF Aaron Hicks, OF Brandon Roberts Reinstated from inactive list: OF Michael Harrington

Slama has been a dominant closer in his four years in the Twins organization (39th round pick in 2006), earning Florida State League (A Adv.) & Eastern League (AA) All-Star awards the last two seasons. This year, he has 17 saves and 1.71 ERA at Rochester (Int’l/AAA) with 64 SO in 52.2 IP, 24 BB, 30 H, .164 opponents Avg. He was selected for 2010 Futures Game in Anaheim.

New York Mets Recalled: 2B Justin Turner Optioned to Triple-A: SS Ruben Tejada Optioned to Double-A: 1B Nick Evans Option transferred: RHP Ryota Igarashi (high Class A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Scott Shaw, OF Valentino Pascucci Transferred to 60-day DL: RHP Tyler Howe Reinstated from DL: RHP Nick Carr, RHP Carlos Muniz, RHP Zach Von Tersch, 3B Mike Hessman

New York Yankees Released: RHP Dickson Marquez, 1B Kevin Smith Recalled: RHP Jonathan Albaladejo, LHP Boone Logan, 1B Juan Miranda Optioned to Triple-A: 2B Kevin Russo Placed on 7-day DL: C Ryan Baker Placed on 60-day DL: OF Taylor Anderson Reinstated from DL: RHP Kelvin Perez, C P.J. Pilittere, 1B Luke Murton

Albaladejo was only one of three Triple-A closers to receive big league callups in the wake of the Triple-A all-star game, in which he successfully recorded the save. The other two: Gwinnett's Mike Dunn (Braves) and Portland's Ernesto Frieri (Padres).

Oakland Athletics Released: RHP Jamey Wright Recalled: RHP Henry Rodriguez Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Dan Giese Placed on 60-day DL: C Josh Leyland Reinstated from DL: RHP Justin Friend, RHP Jason Ray, C Anthony Recker, OF Jermaine Mitchell

Philadelphia Phillies Signed: RHP Bradley Blanks (NDFA—South Carolina-Upstate), RHP Joe Esposito (Long Island (Atlantic)), RHP Mike McGuire (Sussex (Can-Am)), LHP Derrick Loop (Camden (Atlantic)) Released: RHP Ryan Vogelsong Recalled: RHP Drew Carpenter Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Kyle Kendrick, LHP Antonio Bastardo Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Eric Massingham, RHP Ty Taubenheim, LHP Matt Way, 1B Tagg Bozied, 2B Melvin Dorta, OF Leandro Castro Reinstated from DL: RHP Brian Gordon, LHP Brian Mazone

The Phillies signed Joe Esposito and Derrick Loop, two of the younger relievers from the Atlantic League all-star game. Esposito pitched in the Orioles system in ’09, while Loop spent the year with the Red Sox. Each was released at the end of spring training this year.

Pittsburgh Pirates Draft pick signed: OF Mel Rojas Jr. (3) Placed on suspended list: RHP Diego Moreno, RHP Jeff Sues Added to 40-man roster: C Erik Kratz Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Shelby Ford, SS Doug Bernier Reinstated from DL: RHP Jeff Sues, LHP Corey Hamman, SS Brian Friday Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Hayden Penn

In his second season at Indianapolis (Int’l/AAA) after seven years in the Blue Jays organization, Kratz made his Major League debut at 30. He earned All-Star selection this year by hitting .296/.396/.550 with 9 HR and 37 RBI in 56 games. He was an International League post-season All-Star in 2009.

St. Louis Cardinals Released: RHP Shaun Garceau, OF Joey Hage, OF Devin Shepherd Recalled: RHP Fernando Salas, OF Allen Craig Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Evan MacLane Reinstated from DL: 3B Richard Racobaldo, OF Devin Shepherd Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Shaun Garceau

San Diego Padres Recalled: RHP Ernesto Frieri, OF Luis Durango

Optioned to Double-A: OF Quintin Berry Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Daniel Sarria, LHP Steve Garrison, C Mike Collins, SS Drew Cumberland Reinstated from DL: RHP Gary Poynter, RHP Daniel Sarria

The Padres claimed local product Quintin Berry on waivers and sent him to Double-A San Antonio. The Phillies made him a fifth-round pick out of San Diego State in ’06. Berry has swiped 197 bases at a 78 percent success rate in his five-year career. After leading the South Atlantic and then Florida State leagues with 55 and 51 steals, he narrowly missed out on his third consecutive stolen-base crown last year when Akron's Jose Constanza edged him 49 to 48 for the Eastern League lead.

In the midst of breakout year (.350, with 18 doubles, 4 triples, 7 HR, 41 RBI in 75 games between A Adv. & AA.), Drew Cumberland suffered a serious injury, as he had in each of the past two seasons. The Double-A shortstop slid into a wall while trying to make a catch and suffered a deep laceration of his left knee. He could be out for as 6-8 weeks, which is virtually the rest of the season at this point. It's possible that high Class A Lake Elsinore could still be alive in the California League playoffs at that point.

San Francisco Giants Signed: RHP Justin Schumer (NDFA—UNC Asheville), LHP Dontrelle Willis Draft pick signed: C Dan Burkhart (10) Recalled: OF Eugenio Velez Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Joe Martinez Reinstated from DL: LHP Joe Paterson, C Aaron Lowenstein

Seattle Mariners Signed: LHP Michael Vitale (NDFA—Montclair State (N.J.)) Draft picks signed: RHP Stephen Kohlscheen (45), RHP Stephen Landazuri (22) Released: RHP Mark Worrell Granted free agency: RHP Chad Cordero Added to 40-man roster: LHP Chris Seddon Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Chad Cordero, RHP Sean White Option transferred: RHP Anthony Varvaro (Double-A to Triple-A), LHP Edward Paredes (Double-A to Triple-A), 2B Dustin Ackley (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Chris Kirkland, RHP Mumba Rivera, SS Jeff Dominguez Reinstated from DL: RHP Aaron Jensen, RHP Kenn Kasparek, RHP Eric Valdez Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Yao Chang

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: OF Rocco Baldelli Draft pick signed: OF Deshun Dixon (10) Placed on restricted list: C Marcos Torres Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Carlos Hernandez, SS Omar Luna Reinstated from DL: LHP Brian Shouse, 3B Julio Cedeno Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Stepan Havlicek

Texas Rangers Released: 3B Lee Soto Placed on restricted list: OF Cristian Santana Recalled: RHP Doug Mathis Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Zach Osborne, LHP Juan Grullon, LHP Matt Hill, 3B Esteban German, SS Matt West, OF Endy Chavez, OF Daniel Lima Reinstated from DL: LHP Michael Ballard, SS Jonathan Roof, SS Luis Sardinas, OF Brandon Boggs, OF Jason Kudlock Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Andrew Doyle

Cristian Santana tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance and will sit out 50 games without pay.

Toronto Blue Jays Removed from 40-man: RHP Ronald Uviedo (Double-A), SS Nick Green (Triple-A) Granted free agency: SS Nick Green Optioned to Double-A: OF Travis Snider Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Zach Jackson, LHP Michael Kelly, OF Daniel Perales Reinstated from DL: RHP Casey Beck, 2B Matt Nuzzo, 3B Randy Schwartz, OF Jonathan Jones

Washington Nationals Released: RHP Jesse Estrada, OF Derrick Phillips Placed on restricted list: 1B Russ Moldenhauer, 3B Steve Souza, OF J.R. Higley Optioned to Triple-A: OF Justin Maxwell Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Evan Bronson, C Brian Peacock, SS Ofilio Castro, SS Wilberto Ortiz, OF Edgardo Baez, OF Chris Duncan Reinstated from DL: RHP A.J. Morris, LHP Evan Bronson, C Devin Ivany, 3B Luis Ordaz, SS Ofilio Castro, OF Rick Hughes, OF Connor Rowe Reinstated from inactive list: OF Michael Burgess

MLB dropped the hammer on Steve Souza and J.R. Higley when it announced that they received 50-game suspensions.

July 7-13 Arizona Diamondbacks Signed: LHP Rashad Tucker (NDFA—Missouri Baptist) Draft picks signed: RHP Jeremy Erben (22), RHP Kevin Munson (4), RHP Jeff Shields (7), 2B Niko Gallego (27), 3B Stephen Cardullo (24), SS Mike Freeman (11) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP T.J. Hose, RHP Brett Moorhouse, SS Chris Owings Reinstated from DL: RHP Scottie Allen, SS Jake Wald, OF Chris Rahl

Kevin Munson, a fourth-rounder from James Madison, began his pro career with low Class A South Bend, tossing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts.

In an aggressive assignment for a 27th-round pick, the Diamondbacks sent Niko Gallego straight to high Class A Visalia, where he began 1-for-12. But then as the son of a 13-year big league veteran, Gallego is no ordinary 27th-round pick. Like his father Mike, a utility infielder for the A's, Yankees and Cardinals, Niko attended UCLA.

Atlanta Braves Signed: C Shawn McGill (Lincoln (American Association)), OF Brendan Rowland (NDFA—Albany) Released: RHP Ryne Reynoso, 2B Travis Jones Traded: LHP Jo-Jo Reyes and SS Yunel Escobar to Blue Jays for LHP Tim Collins, SS Alex Gonzalez and SS Tyler Pastornicky Placed on military list: LHP Matt Fouch Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Luis De Luna, RHP Ernesto Silva, LHP Chase Shreve, C Chris Anderson, OF Josh Anderson, OF Bobby Hefflinger Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Reidy Escobar Reinstated from DL: RHP Steven Figueroa, LHP Alexis Pinto Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Frank Lafreniere

Matt Fouch, a 34th-round round pick this year, appeared in a combined six games for Rookie-level Danville and low Class A Rome, striking out 10 and walking one, before the Army recalled him to active duty. The Braves to not expect him back this season.

Baltimore Orioles Signed: RHP Jesse Rasner (NDFA—Nevada), LHP Cory Ast (NDFA—Colorado School of Mines) Draft picks signed: RHP Sebastian Vader (18), OF Blair Dunlap (43) Released: RHP Josh Goodin, RHP Chris Hervey, RHP Chris Schmitt Recalled: RHP Chris Tillman Optioned to Triple-A: 3B Josh Bell Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Josh Perrault, LHP Brandon Holloway, OF Mike Planeta, OF Robbie Widlansky Reinstated from DL: C Zach Booker, 1B T.J. Baxter

Boston Red Sox Signed: RHP Patrick Ryan (Bridgeport (Atlantic)), C Adalberto Ibarra, OF Juan Carlos Linares Added to 40-man roster: 1B Ryan Shealy Removed from 40-man: SS Niuman Romero (Triple-A) Placed on temporarily inactive list: 3B Jorge Jimenez

Among the Red Sox's signings are a pair of Cuban defectors: 22-year-old catcher Adalberto Ibarra, who signed for a reported $4.3 million, and outfielder Juan Carlos Linares, a slugger who may be 25 or 26 years old. Ibarra's agent indicated that the catcher will be added to the 40-man roster in short order.

Chicago Cubs Draft pick signed: RHP Dallas Beeler (41) Released: OF Runey Davis Recalled: RHP Mitch Atkins Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Marcus Hatley, RHP Tarlandas Mitchell, LHP Jeffry Antigua, 1B Brandon May Reinstated from DL: RHP David Cales, SS Jonathan Mota, OF Francisco Guzman Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP John Gaub Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Hunter Ackerman, C Luis Flores

Chicago White Sox Signed: RHP Raymond Copenhaver (NDFA—The Citadel), RHP Terance Marin (NDFA—Modesto (Calif.) JC), RHP Spencer Shelton (NDFA—Piedmont (Ga.)), OF Jeremy Reed Draft pick signed: 1B Andy Wilkins (5) Released: LHP Andrew Dobies Placed on restricted list: RHP Brett Bruening Recalled: RHP Dan Hudson, RHP Jeff Marquez Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeff Marquez Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Ricky Brooks, RHP Angel Garcia, LHP Santos Rodriguez, C Josh Phegley, OF Alejandro De Aza Reinstated from DL: RHP Charlie Shirek, OF Salvador Sanchez, OF Marcus Spencer

Cincinnati Reds Signed: OF Drew Poulk (NDFA—North Carolina State) Draft pick signed: RHP Pat Quinn (46) Released: RHP Jon Adkins, LHP Derrick Lowery Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Mark Serrano Reinstated from DL: SS Jake Kahaulelio, OF Sean Conner

Drafted as a first baseman last year from Young Harris (Ga.) JC, Derrick Lowery tried his hand at pitching before drawing his release. He gave up nine runs on 12 hits over 5 1/3 innings in the Rookie-level Arizona League.

Cleveland Indians Traded: SS Brian Bixler to Pirates for a player to be named or cash considerations Added to 40-man roster: C Chris Gimenez Option transferred: SS Carlos Rivero (short-season to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Nick Hagadone, C Alex Castillo

Colorado Rockies Draft pick signed: RHP Josh Slaats (5) Released: 2B Matt Sanders Added to 40-man roster: 1B Brad Eldred Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Esmil Rogers Placed on 7-day DL: C Jose Gonzalez Reinstated from DL: RHP Craig Baker Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Greg Reynolds Reinstated from inactive list: C Paul Phillips

A 6th round pick by the Pirates in 2002, the power-hitting Eldred (30) played 74 MLB games with Pittsburgh in 2005 & 2007. He was hitting .267 with 22 HR and 64 RBI in 71 games for Colorado Springs (PCL/AAA).

Detroit Tigers Signed: LHP Gilbert de la Vara (Yuma (Golden)) Draft pick signed: LHP Cole Nelson (10) Placed on restricted list: LHP Tyler Conn Added to 40-man roster: RHP Robbie Weinhardt Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Armando Galarraga Placed on 7-day DL: SS Shawn Roof Reinstated from DL: SS Audy Ciriaco, SS Cale Iorg Placed on temporarily inactive list: 1B Jordan Lennerton Reinstated from inactive list: 1B Jordan Lennerton

Selected by the Tigers in the 10th round of the 2008 Draft, Weinhardt (24) was 1-0 with a 1.98 ERA at Toledo (Int’l/AAA) in 27.1 relief innings (18 SO, 4 BB).

Florida Marlins Draft picks signed: RHP Austin Brice (9), LHP Rob Rasmussen (2) Released: RHP Armando Benitez Recalled: RHP Burke Badenhop Added to 40-man roster: LHP Dan Meyer Removed from 40-man: 3B Brian Barden (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Tim Wood Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Corey Madden, 3B Jake Smolinski Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Corey Goudeau Reinstated from DL: RHP Kasey Olenberger, SS Terrence Dayleg Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Robert Bono, RHP Brett Sinkbeil Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Robert Bono

The Marlins signed second-rounder Rob Rasmussen, from College World Series runner-up UCLA, and assigned him to low Class A Greensboro.

Houston Astros Signed: OF Ariel Ovando Released: LHP Nelson Payano Removed from 40-man: OF Yordany Ramirez (Triple-A)

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Juan Mojica, RHP Jose Trinidad, OF T.J. Steele Reinstated from DL: RHP Jared Wells, LHP Kilby Pena, SS Edwin Maysonet, OF Brian Pellegrini Placed on temporarily inactive list: 2B Luis Maza, OF Grant Hogue Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Erik Stiller

Ariel Ovando, a 16-year-old Dominican, signed for a bonus between $2.6 and $2.8 million, the most ever paid by the Astros to an amateur player.

Kansas City Royals Draft picks signed: LHP Kevin Chapman (4), OF Whit Merrifield (9) Placed on restricted list: RHP Luis Cota Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Tim Melville, RHP Nick Wooley, SS John Alfaro, OF Nick Van Stratten Reinstated from DL: RHP Devon Lowery Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Mario Santiago, LHP Kevin Chapman, 2B Irving Falu

Kevin Chapman, a fourth-rounder from Florida, went straight to high Class A Wilmington, joining first-rounder Christian Colon. Chapman worked around three hits to throw a scoreless inning of relief in his debut.

Ninth-rounder Whit Merrifield struck the final hit in 2010 College World Series, a walk-off single to give South Carolina the walk-off win in 12 innings. The Omaha Royals will continue to play at Rosenblatt Stadium, but it was the final CWS hit in that park.

Los Angeles Angels Signed: C Kevin Arendse (NDFA—Utah Valley), SS Mitch Blackburn (NDFA—San Diego State) Released: RHP Adam Clerici Voluntarily retired: RHP Taylor Wilding Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Daniel Davidson, 3B Jon Townsend Reinstated from DL: C Ikko Sumi, 1B Jeremy Cruz, 2B Ryan Mount, 2B Nate Sutton

Los Angeles Dodgers Released: OF Tommy Giles, OF Timo Perez Placed on suspended list: RHP Florencio Bustillos Recalled: RHP Jon Link Optioned to Triple-A: RHP John Ely Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jesus Castillo, C Esteban Lopez, 1B Dustin Yount Reinstated from DL: RHP Seth Etherton, C Esteban Lopez, 1B John Lindsey, SS Ramon Jean, OF Stetson Banks, OF Preston Mattingly

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: OF Geoff Jenkins Draft pick signed: RHP Greg Holle (11) Voluntarily retired: OF Geoff Jenkins Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jeff Bennett, RHP Amaury Rivas, OF Angel Salome, OF Logan Schafer Reinstated from DL: RHP Adrian Rosario, RHP Trey Watten, OF Logan Schafer Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Chris Cody, OF Adam Stern

Minnesota Twins Draft pick signed: LHP Logan Darnell (6) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brad Stillings, C Danny Lehmann, C Dan Rohlfing, OF Aaron Hicks Reinstated from DL: RHP Tom Stuifbergen

New York Mets Signed: LHP Chase Huchingson (NDFA—Central Arkansas)

Released: RHP Stephen Clyne, RHP Emary Frederick, LHP Jimmy Johnson Recalled: 1B Nick Evans Optioned to Triple-A: OF Jesus Feliciano Optioned to high Class A: RHP Ryota Igarashi Placed on 7-day DL: 1B D.J. Wabick Reinstated from DL: LHP Jimmy Johnson, OF Brahiam Maldonado

Stephen Clyne spent 17 games in Double-A last season, finishing with a 7.31 ERA with more walks (20) than strikeouts (17). But otherwise he has topped out with high Class A St. Lucie, for whom he allowed 31 baserunners in 14 innings this season. The Mets' third-round pick in ’07, Clyne signed as a fifth-year senior from Clemson for about $100,000, easily the lowest bonus paid to any player in the top three rounds.

New York Yankees Signed: 1B Chad Tracy Placed on restricted list: RHP Yobanny Reyes Reinstated from DL: RHP John Van Benschoten

Oakland Athletics Draft pick signed: LHP Ryan Hughes (16) Released: RHP Michael Madsen, RHP Beau Vaughan, LHP Paul Oseguera Added to 40-man roster: RHP Ross Wolf Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Tyson Ross Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Rob Gilliam, OF Jermaine Mitchell Reinstated from DL: RHP Chris Mederos, RHP Jason Ray, RHP Henry Rodriguez, RHP Brett Tomko, C Yusuf Carter Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Justin Souza

The A's plucked Beau Vaughan from the Rangers system in last December's minor league Rule 5 draft. The 29-year-old pitched well for Double-A Midland (2.92 ERA, 3-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio) but hit a wall with Triple-A Sacramento. That's been the story of Vaughan's career—his ERA in Double-A is nearly two full runs lower than his Triple-A mark, and his walks, hits and home runs allowed are appreciably better at the lower level.

Philadelphia Phillies Removed from 40-man: C Dane Sardinha (Triple-A), SS Brian Bocock (Triple-A) Designated for assignment: OF Quintin Berry Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Mike Zagurski Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brian Gordon, LHP Brian Mazone, C Joel Naughton, 1B Kelly Dugan Reinstated from DL: C Marco Davalillo

Pittsburgh Pirates Draft picks signed: RHP Kevin Kleis (27), RHP Logan Pevny (49), RHP Bryton Trepagnier (41) Acquired: SS Brian Bixler from Indians for a player to be named or cash considerations Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Dan McCutchen, LHP Justin Thomas, C Jason Jaramillo Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Oscar Verdugo, LHP Corey Hamman, SS Jonathan Barrios, OF Justin Bencsko, OF Gavi Nivar Reinstated from DL: RHP Brett Lorin, OF Cole White Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Vinnie Chulk

St. Louis Cardinals Released: OF Tyler Bighames Recalled: LHP Evan MacLane Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Andrew Brown, OF Michael Swinson

Reinstated from DL: RHP Matt Frevert, C Robert Stock, 1B Mark Hamilton Reinstated from inactive list: OF Tyler Bighames

San Diego Padres Signed: C Ross Brayton (NDFA—Cal Poly), LHP Josh Spence (9) Released: RHP Kendall Korbal, 1B Manuel Nuno, SS Nick D'Amico, OF Ty Wright Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Cesar Carrillo, RHP Jorge Reyes, OF Rico Noel Placed on 60-day DL: C Justin Echevarria Reinstated from DL: OF Everett Williams

San Francisco Giants Signed: RHP Reese McCulley (NDFA—Linfield (Ore.)) Draft pick signed: SS Bobby Haney (22) Recalled: RHP Joe Martinez Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Mark Christman, RHP Steve Edlefsen, RHP Seth Rosin, LHP Joe Paterson, C Jesus Navarro, C Nestor Rojas, 1B Michael Ambort, 3B Drew Biery, SS Brandon Crawford, OF Roger Kieschnick Reinstated from DL: RHP Zach Wheeler, 3B Drew Biery, SS Sharlon Schoop Placed on temporarily inactive list: 3B Ryan Rohlinger Reinstated from inactive list: 3B Ryan Rohlinger

Seattle Mariners Released: RHP Steve Palazzolo, LHP Billy Traber, C Luis Oliveros, OF Welington Dotel Traded: RHP Mark Lowe and LHP Cliff Lee to Rangers for RHP Blake Beavan, RHP Josh Lueke, 1B Justin Smoak and 2B Matt Lawson Recalled: LHP Luke French Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Luke French Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jean Tome, C Jose Yepez, 1B Dennis Raben Transferred to 60-day DL: RHP Rich Dorman, SS Cesar Fuentes Reinstated from DL: RHP Ryan Moorer, RHP Mumba Rivera, C Luis Oliveros, 1B Joe Dunigan, 3B Edilio Colina, OF Ryan Royster

In his sixth pro season, the Dominican-born Dotel (24) was hitting .241/.291/.389 in 34 games at Clinton (MID/A).

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: 3B Tanner Biagini (NDFA—Virginia Military Institute) Draft pick signed: 2B Ryan Brett (3) Released: LHP Genaro Galan, 3B Chris Nowak Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Wilking Rodriguez Reinstated from DL: RHP Tyree Hayes, RHP Albert Suarez, 3B Julio Cedeno Reinstated from inactive list: SS Omar Luna

A 19th round pick by the Devil Rays in 2004, Nowak (27) topped AAA level with 78 games between 2008-2009 seasons. This year, he was playing at Montgomery (SL/AA) with a hitting line of .248/.361/.342, with 7 HR, 33 RBI and 8 SB in 64 games. He was a Baseball America High Class A All-Star in 2006 when hit .308, with 45 doubles, 11 HR, 103 RBI, 93 runs and 17 stolen bases at Visalia.

Texas Rangers Draft pick signed: OF Josh Richmond (12) Traded: RHP Blake Beavan, RHP Josh Lueke, 1B Justin Smoak and 2B Matt Lawson to Mariners for RHP Mark Lowe and LHP Cliff Lee Recalled: LHP Matt Harrison, 1B Chris Davis Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Doug Mathis, RHP Pedro Strop

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Wilmer Font, LHP Michael Ballard, LHP Matt Hill, 1B Chad Tracy, 3B Mitch Hilligoss, OF Brandon Boggs Reinstated from DL: RHP Danny Gutierrez, RHP Tim Steggall, LHP Robbie Ross, 3B Jonathan Greene, 3B Lee Soto, SS Marcus Lemon, OF Craig Gentry, OF James Tomlin

Toronto Blue Jays Draft pick signed: LHP Sean Nolin (6) Released: OF Edward Suero Traded: LHP Tim Collins, SS Alex Gonzalez and SS Tyler Pastornicky to Braves for LHP Jo-Jo Reyes and SS Yunel Escobar Designated for assignment: RHP Ronald Uviedo Optioned to Double-A: LHP Jo-Jo Reyes Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Casey Beck, RHP Alan Farina, RHP Asher Wojciechowski, C Yan Gomes, 2B Matt Nuzzo, 3B Randy Schwartz Reinstated from DL: RHP Robert Ray, RHP Ronald Uviedo, LHP Brad Mills, C A.J. Jimenez, C Sean Ochinko, 1B Yudelmis Hernandez, OF Brad Glenn Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Brad Mills

Washington Nationals Draft picks signed: LHP Matt Grace (8), SS Rick Hague (3) Released: C Gianison Rosa Placed on restricted list: LHP Chris Manno Recalled: OF Justin Maxwell Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Luis Atilano Placed on 7-day DL: SS Steve Souza, OF Connor Rowe Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Nathan Karns Transferred to 60-day DL: RHP Michael Guerrero Reinstated from DL: 3B Adam Fox, SS Wilberto Ortiz Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Michael Burgess

Aruba-born Gianison Rosa signed last year as the organization's 26th-round pick from Carroll High in Southlake, Texas. He also signed with the surname Boekhoudt, which he changed to Rosa this season.

June 27-July 6

Arizona Diamondbacks Signed: RHP Andrew Berger (NDFA—Lehigh) Draft pick signed: 2B Raoul Torrez (21) Recalled: LHP Jordan Norberto Added to 40-man roster: RHP Barry Enright Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Carlos Rosa Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Scottie Allen, LHP Mike Belfiore, C Sean Coughlin, 1B Bryan Byrne, SS Jake Wald, OF Chris Rahl Reinstated from DL: RHP Kyler Newby, OF Cyle Hankerd

A second-round pick in ’07, Barry Enright got the call from Double-A to fill in for Edwin Jackson after his 149-pitch no-hitter. In 14 starts for Mobile, the 24-year-old Enright went 4-1, 2.88 with strong peripherals—8.0 strikeouts and 1.4 walks per nine innings.

Mike Belfiore, a supplemental first-round selection in ’09, has not pitched since June 19 as he recovers from a strained forearm. Arizona is in the process of making him a starter after his distinguished career as a reliever for Boston College.

Atlanta Braves Signed: RHP Nate Russ (NDFA—Montevallo (Ala.)), OF Willy Taveras Draft picks signed: RHP Frank LaFreniere (47), 3B Joe Leonard (3) Released: 2B Robert Brooks, 2B Juan Gonzalez, SS Chris Lovett, OF Luis Contreras Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Cristhian Martinez Option transferred: RHP Jeff Lyman (Triple-A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Steven Figueroa, RHP Arodys Vizcaino, LHP Mariano Gomez, OF Cody Johnson, OF Kyle Rose Reinstated from DL: RHP Kyle Cofield, RHP Dustin Evans, RHP Jeff Lyman, RHP Zeke Spruill, LHP Brett Oberholtzer, C Meng Tsai Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Steve Kent

Arodys Vizcaino, a key piece to last offseason's Javier Vazquez trade, will miss at least six weeks as he recovers from a partial ligament tear in his elbow. The 19-year-old phenom boasted a 66-to-9 strikeout-to-walk ratio this season, during which he advanced to high Class A Myrtle Beach.

Baltimore Orioles Recalled: 3B Josh Bell Removed from 40-man: RHP Cla Meredith (Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: 3B Tyler Kolodny, 3B Tyler Stampone Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Chad Thall, 1B David Anderson Placed on temporarily inactive list: 1B David Anderson

Boston Red Sox Signed: RHP Mark Holliman (Winnipeg (Northern)), LHP Rich Hill, LHP Matt Phillips (NDFA—Cal State Dominguez Hills), 2B Argenis Reyes (New Jersey (Can-Am)) Draft picks signed: RHP Tyler Lockwood (25), C Zach Kapstein (44) Traded: SS Angel Sanchez to Astros for C Kevin Cash Granted free agency: RHP Boof Bonser Recalled: RHP Robert Manuel, LHP Felix Doubront Added to 40-man roster: C Kevin Cash, C Gustavo Molina, SS Niuman Romero Removed from 40-man: RHP Boof Bonser (Triple-A), LHP Fabio Castro (Triple-A), 2B Tug Hulett (Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jordan Flasher, RHP T.J. Large, RHP Ramon A. Ramirez Reinstated from DL: RHP Randor Bierd, LHP Armando Zerpa, C Mark Wagner

Argenis Reyes, a former Indians prospect, last played in the majors in 2008 & 2009 with the Mets (58 games).

Chicago Cubs Draft picks signed: OF Dustin Geiger (24), OF Matt Szczur (5) Released: LHP Drew Rundle Recalled: RHP Justin Berg, RHP Jeff Stevens, LHP James Russell Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeff Stevens Placed on 7-day DL: RHP David Cales, SS Jonathan Mota, OF Jason Dubois, OF Francisco Guzman Reinstated from DL: RHP Manolin de Leon, RHP Marcos Mateo, LHP Drew Rundle, SS Matt Matulia

Drew Rundle pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings in the Rookie-level Arizona League this season, recording strikeouts for three of his four outs. He walked two and allowed two hits. But pitching was only a last resort for Rundle, 21, whom the Cubs signed as a 14th-round pick in ’06 for a well-over-slot $500,000. For perspective, only one third-round pick that year got as much as Rundle—the Nationals' Stephen King, who recently returned from a 50-game drug suspension. In four seasons as a position player, mostly a corner outfielder, Rundle batted just .227/.338/.380 with 16 home runs 258 games. Even as an amateur, he seemed like an imperfect fit as a center fielder, and he never did develop the power to profile on a

corner. Rundle showed promise with short-season Boise in ’08, batting .292/.393/.563 in 53 games, but that success proved to be short lived. He peaked at the high Class A level, appearing in 18 games for Daytona over the years and batting .170/.250/.234.

Chicago White Sox Signed: RHP Ricky Marshall (NDFA—Austin Peay State) Draft pick signed: SS Brad Salgado (38) Released: 3B Javier Colina Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Randy Williams Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Branch Kloess, OF Kenny Williams Jr. Reinstated from DL: LHP Andrew Dobies

Cincinnati Reds Signed: RHP Joel Ernst (NDFA—Wake Forest) Draft picks signed: RHP Wes Mugarian (5), 1B Jaren Matthews (32) Released: RHP Mike Konstanty Recalled: LHP Matt Maloney, LHP Travis Wood Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Daniel Ray Herrera Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Sam LeCure Reinstated from DL: RHP Nick Christiani, RHP Daniel Guerrero, RHP Daryl Thompson, OF Andrew Means Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Scott Carroll

Selected by the Reds in the second round of the 2005 Draft, Wood entered the season as the 7th best Cincy prospect with the best changeup in the organization according to Baseball America. The lefty was pitching well at Louisville (Int’l/AAA): 5-6, 3.12 ERA in 15 starts, with 97 SO in 98 IP. Wood is doing even better with the Reds: he took a perfect game into the 9th Vs. Philadelphia in just his third MLB start and owns a 2.03 ERA in four starts, with 23 SO in 26.2 IP, 9 BB, 12 hits (Updated 07/19/2010).

Cleveland Indians Draft pick signed: LHP Kyle Petter (34) Released: 3B Brian Buscher Recalled: OF Michael Brantley Removed from 40-man: RHP Shane Lindsay (Double-A) Reinstated from DL: RHP Trey Haley, LHP Eric Berger, 1B Beau Mills, 3B Brian Buscher

Colorado Rockies Draft pick signed: LHP Kraig Sitton (7) Recalled: RHP Esmil Rogers, OF Dexter Fowler Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Franklin Morales, SS Chris Nelson Placed on 7-day DL: SS Daniel Mayora, OF Cole Garner, OF Brian Rike Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Nick Schnaitmann, LHP Nick Bierbrodt, C Paul Phillips Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Chris Balcom-Miller, RHP Nick Schnaitmann, OF Chris Frey

Detroit Tigers Signed: RHP Jeff Barfield (NDFA—Florida) Draft picks signed: LHP Alex Burgos (5), C John Holaday (6), 2B Corey Jones (7) Released: RHP Ruddy Lugo, OF Luis Salas Voluntarily retired: RHP Nolan Moody, 1B Elvin Soto Recalled: LHP Daniel Schlereth Added to 40-man roster: RHP Casey Fien Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Casey Fien, LHP Fu-Te Ni Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Giovanni Soto, LHP Jade Todd, SS Cale Iorg Reinstated from DL: RHP Sean Finefrock, RHP Robbie Weinhardt, 2B Scott Sizemore

Florida Marlins Released: LHP Anillins Martinez Added to 40-man roster: 2B Donnie Murphy Removed from 40-man: RHP Scott Strickland (Triple-A), LHP James Houser (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Chris Volstad Option transferred: RHP Kris Harvey (high Class A to Double-A), RHP Ryan Tucker (Triple-A to high Class A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Alvaro Estevez, LHP John Lambert, SS Ernesto Manzanillo, OF Cameron Maybin Transferred to 60-day DL: SS Rigoberto Silverio Reinstated from DL: RHP Dan Mahoney, RHP Ryan Tucker, SS Javier Guzman

The Marlins selected Anillins Martinez from the Indians in last December’s minor league Rule 5 draft. He appeared in 17 games for low Class A Greensboro, recording 21 strikeouts and 16 walks over 27 innings (5.33 ERA). Cleveland signed him in June 2004 out of Venezuela.

Murphy (27) had 127 major league games under his belt (.191/.265/.342) with Kansas City & Oakland (last in 2008). He was hitting .277 with 12 HR and 35 RBI in 57 games at New Orleans (PCL/AAA).

Houston Astros Draft picks signed: RHP Jason Chowning (28), RHP Paul Gerrish (42) Released: 2B Drew Meyer Acquired: C Edwin Bellorin from Royals for cash considerations Traded: C Kevin Cash to Red Sox for SS Angel Sanchez Recalled: OF Jason Bourgeois Added to 40-man roster: RHP Casey Daigle Designated for assignment: OF Yordany Ramirez Removed from 40-man: RHP Josh Banks (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: OF Jason Bourgeois Reinstated from DL: RHP Sergio Perez, 2B Jose Vallejo, OF Collin DeLome Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Erik Stiller, RHP Henry Villar Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Henry Villar, C Carlos Mojica

Kansas City Royals Draft picks signed: RHP Parker Bangs (31), RHP Jordan Propst (49) Released: RHP Jake Theis, OF Joe Dickerson Traded: C Edwin Bellorin to Astros for cash considerations Option transferred: RHP Brian Anderson (to Rookie-level Arizona League), C Manny Pina (Double-A to Triple-A), OF Jarrod Dyson (Triple-A to high Class A) Reinstated from DL: RHP Luis Cota, OF Jarrod Dyson Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Matt Mitchell, OF Joe Dickerson

Los Angels Angels Signed: RHP Eric Junge (Lancaster (Atlantic)), 2B Drew Meyer, SS Luis Figueroa Draft picks signed: RHP Cam Bedrosian (1), C Hampton Tignor (36), OF Kole Calhoun (8), OF Chevez Clarke (1) Released: RHP Marco Albano, C Nolan Brannon, 1B Tyler Mann Voluntarily retired: RHP Brian Wilson Recalled: RHP Rich Thompson Added to 40-man roster: OF Cory Aldridge, OF Paul McAnulty Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Trevor Bell, RHP Sean O'Sullivan, 1B Robb Quinlan Placed on 7-day DL: 1B Jeremy Cruz, SS Andrew Romine, SS Adam Younger Reinstated from DL: RHP Gabe DeHoyos, 3B Dillon Baird

Eric Junge, 33, returns to affiliated ball for the first time since his release by the Yankees in June ’07. He's already tossed 13 innings for Triple-A Salt Lake. In the interim, the Bucknell product pitched for Lancaster and Bridgeport of the independent Atlantic League, and he spent the ’08 season in Japan, where he ran up a 6.97 ERA over 11 relief appearances for Orix.

The Angels also signed recently released infielders Drew Meyer and Luis Figueroa and installed them as starters at second base and shortstop for Salt Lake. The Bees infield depth had been thinned by injuries to Gary Patchett, Hainley Statia and Freddy Sandoval.

Minor league free agent signs Paul McAnulty, 29, and Cory Aldridge, 31, put in their Triple-A time and were rewarded with promotions to Anaheim when the Angels went searching for offense. Unfortunately, McAnulty, in his first taste of the big leagues since ’08, has started out 1-for-18 (.056), while Aldridge, in making his big league debut after 14 seasons in the minors, has started 1-for-13 (.077). McAnulty was hitting .344 with 18 HR and 53 RBI in 73 games between AA & AAA. Aldridge was .309/.367/.510 in 67 games at Salt Lake (PCL/AAA).

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: LHP Adam Dedeaux (NDFA—Southern California), LHP Jack Taschner, OF Trent Oeltjen Draft pick signed: 3B Matt Kirkland (12) Released: RHP Hyang-Nam Choi, RHP Jesus Colome, RHP Paul Koss, RHP Jordan Pratt, RHP Sung-Wei Tseng, 1B Kyle Orr Recalled: RHP Travis Schlichting, OF Xavier Paul Removed from 40-man: RHP Charlie Haeger (Triple-A), RHP Cory Wade (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Ramon Troncoso Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Florencio Bustillos, RHP Seth Etherton, RHP Fredy Quintero, C Mike Rivera, C Jeremy Wise, 1B Steven Caseres, 1B Chris Jacobs, 3B Jeff Hunt, SS Chin-lung Hu, SS Ramon Jean, OF Stetson Banks Reinstated from DL: RHP James McDonald, RHP Sung-Wei Tseng, LHP Geison Aguasviva, C Keyter Collado, 1B Clay Calfee, 1B Kyle Orr, 1B Dustin Yount, 2B Austin Yount, OF Andres Perez

Just about everybody hits in the Rookie-level Pioneer League, one of the highest-scoring circuits in the minors. So it had to come as distressing news to the Dodgers that Kyle Orr, their fourth-round selection in ’06, could manage just an empty .224 average with Ogden during the ’08 and ’09 seasons. Huge lefthanded power was supposed to be Orr's calling card, but he slugged just .377 and connected for eight home runs in 85 games with the Raptors. And at age 19 and 20, he was age appropriate for the level of competition. Orr, signed for $435,000 as Canada's best draft-eligible talent in the ’06 draft, went 0-for-2 this season in the Rookie-level Arizona League. He had been rehabbing an Achilles' tendon injury during the first half of the season. Orr, 21, quickly signed on with hometown Victoria, B.C., of the independent Golden League.

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: RHP Darren Byrd (Fargo-Moorhead (Northern)), C Steven Felix (NDFA—Troy) Released: LHP Kristian Bueno, OF Trent Oeltjen Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jeremy Jeffress Removed from 40-man: C Angel Salome (high Class A) Optioned to low Class A: RHP Jeremy Jeffress Option transferred: RHP Jeremy Jeffress (low Class A to high Class A), OF Lorenzo Cain (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Trey Watten Placed on 60-day DL: C Michael Melillo, OF Chad Stang Transferred to 60-day DL: OF Juan Barrini Reinstated from DL: RHP Damon Krestalude, LHP Kristian Bueno, C Ben Johnson Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Chris Cody, OF Adam Stern

For a couple of once well-regarded Brewers prospects, life is . . . strange. Despite no imminent big league callup, Jeremy Jeffress earned a spot on the 40-man roster, while Angel Salome, a catcher who just this spring figured in the organization's future plans, lost his footing on the 40-man for reasons not entirely related to his performance this season. Jeffress, 22, returned to action on June 13 following his return from a 100-game drug suspension. Twice he has failed a test for recreational drug use, and a third test would result in a lifetime ban—from the minor leagues anyway. So the Brewers added him to their 40-man roster, making him a "big league" player and making him exempt from the minor league testing program. Jeffress' high-wire act as a reliever in Class A certainly did not merit the promotion. The ’06 first-round pick had worked around 6.1 walks per nine innings by striking out 14.8 per nine for, most recently, high Class A Brevard County. Under normal circumstances, the Brewers would have added Jeffress to the 40-man this November in order to shield him from the Rule 5 draft. Salome's case is equally bizarre. The Southern League's batting champ in ’08, the boxy catcher struggled to return to a baseball state of mind following the birth of his child in April. He left the Triple-A Nashville club abruptly, and when he returned he sought an assignment to extended spring training. The Brewers sent him to Brevard County instead, so that he could at least DH and get into game shape. At about this time, Salome announced that he wanted to convert from catcher to the outfield. He appeared in four games in right field for the Manatees but has not played since July 5.

Minnesota Twins Draft pick signed: RHP Nathan Fawbush (21) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Liam Hendriks, LHP Spencer Steedley, OF Brandon Roberts Placed on 60-day DL: LHP Matt Bashore Transferred to 60-day DL: SS Jairo Perez Reinstated from DL: LHP Spencer Steedley, C Alex Soto

Matt Bashore, an ’09 supplemental first-rounder, had Tommy John surgery, as reported by Twins correspondent Phil Miller.

New York Mets Signed: RHP Brian Bruney, C Michael Barrett Draft pick signed: SS Donnie Tabb (43) Recalled: LHP Raul Valdes Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jenrry Mejia, LHP Jimmy Johnson, OF Brahiam Maldonado, OF Jason Pridie Reinstated from DL: OF Kirk Nieuwenhuis, OF Jason Pridie Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Hamilton Bennett, OF Charlie Hinojosa Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Scott Shaw, LHP Hamilton Bennett, LHP Angel Calero, OF Charlie Hinojosa

New York Yankees Draft pick signed: LHP Kramer Sneed (32) Released: RHP Paul Bush, 2B Jeff Natale, OF Carlos Urena Added to 40-man roster: RHP Dustin Moseley Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Boone Logan, OF Chad Huffman Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Grant Duff, RHP Jairo Heredia, RHP Tim Norton, C P.J. Pilittere, 1B Luke Murton, OF Austin Krum Reinstated from DL: RHP Paul Bush, RHP Brett Marshall, LHP Manny Banuelos, 1B Juan Miranda, 1B Luke Murton Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Craig Heyer

Signed by the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent on July 2, 2006 out of the Dominican Republic for reportedly $350,000, Urena (20) was hitting .182/.182/.273 in 6 games at Staten Island (NYPL/A-), after three seasons in the Dominican Summer League. He profiled as a power hitter at the time of signing.

Oakland Athletics Signed: RHP Boof Bonser, SS Brandon Pinckney Draft pick signed: C John Nester (39) Released: 2B Jeremy Wells, OF Shane Keough Recalled: RHP Clay Mortensen, OF Matt Carson Added to 40-man roster: OF Matt Watson Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Clay Mortensen Optioned to Double-A: RHP Jeff Lyman Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Justin Souza

The A's claimed Jeff Lyman, a 23-year-old reliever, on waivers from the Braves. Apparently, Atlanta simply wanted to create space on its 40-man roster for the upcoming trade deadline.

Philadelphia Phillies Draft picks signed: RHP David Buchanan (7), RHP Garett Claypool (11), LHP Bryan Morgado (4) Released: OF Willy Taveras Recalled: SS Brian Bocock Added to 40-man roster: 3B Greg Dobbs, 3B Cody Ransom Optioned to Triple-A: LHP J.A. Happ Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jarred Cosart, OF Brian Gump Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Mike Nesseth Transferred to 60-day DL: RHP Mauricio Romero, LHP Ryan Sasaki, C Ryan Gugel, C Osmel Reyes, OF Zach Collier, OF Gauntlett Eldemire, OF Fabio Murakami Reinstated from inactive list: C Kevin Nelson, SS Fidel Hernandez

The Phillies shut down Jarred Cosart for 2-3 weeks as he recovers from a right elbow strain. The injury cost him a shot to pitch in Sunday’s Futures Game.

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: C Jordan Newton (New Jersey (Can-Am)) Draft picks signed: RHP Casey Sadler (25), RHP Jason Townsend (31), 1B Matt Curry (16) Released: OF Melbin de la Cruz Removed from 40-man: LHP Dana Eveland (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Charlie Morton Option transferred: RHP Ramon Aguero (high Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jeff Sues, C Tony Sanchez, OF Eric Fryer, OF Cole White

The Pirates will be cautious in easing Tony Sanchez back into action. He hit the disabled list after suffering a fractured jaw, the result of being hit in the face by a pitch. It was his second beaning of the month. On June 3, he suffered concussion-like symptoms after taking a pitch to the batting helmet.

In four starts out of 10 this season, Charlie Morton has gone six innings and allowed three earned runs or fewer. But illustrating that perhaps the standard of the quality start—a 4.50 ERA—is not too lax after all, he has surrendered 35 earned runs in 19 1/3 innings in his other six starts this season. So even with occasional good work, Morton’s ERA stands at 9.35. His strikeout (7.3 per nine innings) and walk (3.3) ratios are respectable—the culprit is that rate of 2.5 home runs per nine innings.

St. Louis Cardinals Signed: RHP Mike MacDougal, LHP Renyel Pinto Draft picks signed: RHP Dyllon Nuernberg (23), LHP John Gast (6), OF Corderious Dodd (17) Placed on restricted list: OF Tyler Bighames Recalled: RHP Fernando Salas, SS Tyler Greene, OF Jon Jay Removed from 40-man: RHP Josh Kinney (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Fernando Salas

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Mark Diapoules, LHP Anthony Ferrara, C Robert Stock, 2B Daniel Descalso, SS Jason Stidham, OF Paul Henley Reinstated from DL: C Roberto Espinoza, 1B Andrew Brown Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Cory Rauschenberger

San Diego Padres Signed: RHP Jason Adams Draft pick signed: C Thomas Medica (14) Released: C Eric Munson Recalled: OF Aaron Cunningham Optioned to Triple-A: OF Aaron Cunningham Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Daniel Sarria, OF Everett Williams Reinstated from DL: C Eric Munson, 2B Josh Barfield

The Padres signed 25-year-old Jason Adams, the younger brother of their very own big league reliever Mike. The younger Adams originally signed with the Cardinals out of Navarro (Texas) JC as a nondrafted free agent in July ’06. He pitched well for Rookie-level Johnson City but earned his release following the season. Adams latched on with Southern Illinois of the independent Frontier League in ’07 but had Tommy John surgery after making just three appearances. He did not pitch professionally in either of the past two seasons.

San Francisco Giants Draft pick signed: LHP Gaspar Santiago (28) Traded: C Bengie Molina to Rangers for RHP Michael Main and RHP Chris Ray Optioned to Triple-A: 3B Ryan Rohlinger Reinstated from DL: RHP Addison Proszek, LHP Craig Clark, C Matt Klimas, 2B Nick Noonan, 3B Michael Sandoval

Seattle Mariners Signed: RHP Mark Worrell, LHP Kody Kurowski (NDFA—Cal State Dominguez Hills), LHP Matt Petiton (NDFA—Tulane) Draft pick signed: 1B Mickey Wiswall (7) Released: RHP Mike Koplove Removed from 40-man: C Eliezer Alfonzo (Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Aaron Jensen, RHP Kenn Kasparek, RHP Josh Krist, RHP Ryan Moorer, RHP Leonardo Rodriguez, 3B Edilio Colina, OF Jarrett Burgess, OF Julio Morban Reinstated from DL: RHP Nolan Gallagher, C Trevor Coleman, 3B Mario Martinez Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Yao Wen Chang, C Guillermo Quiroz Reinstated from inactive list: C Guillermo Quiroz

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: LHP J.R. Betts-Robinson (NDFA—Oklahoma), LHP Brian Shouse Draft pick signed: LHP Jimmy Patterson (18) Released: 1B Eli Sonoqui Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Yorman Mayora, RHP Dale Thayer, LHP Brian Shouse, 3B Julio Cedeno Reinstated from DL: RHP Dale Thayer, RHP Virgil Vasquez, LHP Carlos Hernandez, 1B Eli Sonoqui, 2B Elliot Johnson, OF Dustin Biell Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP R.J. Swindle, SS Omar Luna Reinstated from inactive list: LHP R.J. Swindle

Texas Rangers Traded: RHP Michael Main and RHP Chris Ray to Giants for C Bengie Molina Placed on suspended list: RHP Kyle Ocampo Recalled: RHP Omar Beltre, RHP Doug Mathis, RHP Pedro Strop

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Omar Beltre, LHP Matt Harrison, C Max Ramirez Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Joe Van Meter, LHP Robbie Ross, SS Leury Garcia, SS Marcus Lemon, OF Craig Gentry, OF Jason Kudlock, OF James Tomlin Reinstated from DL: RHP Johnny Gunter, C Emerson Frostad, 1B Matt Brown, OF Endy Chavez, OF Jared Prince

Toronto Blue Jays Draft pick signed: LHP Jay Johnson (26) Released: RHP Kenny Rodriguez, SS Luis Figueroa Placed on restricted list: OF Dalton Pompey Granted free agency: OF Jeremy Reed Recalled: LHP Marc Rzepczynski Added to 40-man roster: 3B Edwin Encarnacion Removed from 40-man: OF Jeremy Reed (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: 2B Jarrett Hoffpauir Option transferred: RHP Rei Gonzalez (Triple-A to Double-A), SS Adeiny Hechavarria (high Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Ronald Uviedo, C A.J. Jimenez, C Sean Ochinko, OF Brad Glenn, OF Jonathan Jones, OF Chris Lubanski, OF Moises Sierra Reinstated from DL: RHP Randy Boone, RHP Dumas Garcia, RHP Kenny Rodriguez, C Alberto Quintana, 2B Jon Del Campo, SS Luis Sanchez, OF John Roberts

Kenny Rodriguez (25) defected from Cuba while competing in Ecuador for the Cuban National B Team in Aug. 2006. Signed a Minor League contract with the Blue Jays on July 8, 2007. The right-hander was pitching poorly for Dunedin (FSL/A Adv.): 3-1 8.57 ERA in 6 games (3 starts).

Washington Nationals Signed: RHP Jimmy Barthmaier, RHP Orlando Hernandez, LHP Ryan Demmin (NDFA—Minnesota State), LHP Randy Mower (NDFA—St. Joseph's) Released: RHP Mike MacDougal, 1B Josh Whitesell Placed on restricted list: LHP Glenn Gibson Voluntarily retired: C Ty Weeden Recalled: RHP Craig Stammen Optioned to Triple-A: C Carlos Maldonado Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jimmy Barthmaier, RHP Orlando Hernandez, LHP Mitch Clegg, C Devin Ivany, 3B Adam Fox Reinstated from DL: RHP Marcos Frias, LHP Jesse English, LHP Chuck James Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Tom Milone, 1B Josh Whitesell, 2B Seth Bynum

June 22-27

Arizona Diamondbacks Signed: RHP Corey Davisson (NDFA—Evansville) Draft picks signed: RHP Casey Upperman (47), RHP Mike Bolsinger (15), LHP Cody Wheeler (5) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Kyler Newby, OF Cyle Hankerd Reinstated from DL: C Sean Coughlin, 2B Victor Estevez

Atlanta Braves Released: C Matt Kramer, 2B Erick Epifano, SS Randy Gress, OF Calvin Culver Removed from 40-man: C Clint Sammons (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Craig Kimbrel, SS Diory Hernandez Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jeff Lyman, LHP Alexis Pinto, LHP Andy Otero, LHP Chad Rodgers, C Meng Tsai Reinstated from DL: C Orlando Mercado, 1B Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg, 3B Eric Duncan

Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP David Francis, RHP Matt Small, LHP Steve Kent Reinstated from inactive list: RHP David Francis

Baltimore Orioles Draft picks signed: RHP Travis Strong (39), LHP Cameron Roth (29), C Joe Velleggia (40), C Riley Hornback (12), C Tanner Murphy (22), OF Chris Clinton (23), OF Trent Mummey (4) Traded: RHP Ross Wolf to Athletics for OF Jake Fox Recalled: RHP Brad Bergesen Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Chris Tillman Designated for assignment: RHP Cla Meredith Option transferred: SS Pedro Florimon (Double-A to high Class A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brandon Erbe, RHP Randy Henry, C Jason Stifler, C Zach Booker, 1B T.J. Baxter Transferred to 60-day DL: RHP Jeancarlos Reyes Reinstated from DL: RHP Andy Mitchell, C Justin Dalles, 1B Tyler Townsend, SS Pedro Florimon, OF L.J. Hoes

Boston Red Sox Signed: RHP Jay Broughton (Calgary (Golden)), C Trey Lucas (NDFA—Austin Peay State) Draft picks signed: RHP Jacob Dahlstrand (10), RHP Jason Garcia (17), OF Henry Ramos (5) Traded: LHP Fabian Williamson to Athletics for OF Eric Patterson Recalled: LHP Fabio Castro, SS Angel Sanchez, OF Josh Reddick Placed on 7-day DL: C Carson Blair, C Dusty Brown, OF Jason Place Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Jennell Hudson, RHP Kyle Stroup Reinstated from DL: OF Ryan Kalish Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Robert Manuel, OF Josh Reddick Reinstated from inactive list: OF Jason Place

As they did with Jake Fox, the A's made room on their roster this spring for the out-of-options Eric Patterson. But with the impending return of Coco Crisp, not to mention Patterson's .204/.255/.408 line in 103 at-bats, Oakland decided to cut bait and designate the left fielder for assignment. The Red Sox offered up 21-year-old lefty Fabian Williamson, whom they had acquired from the Mariners in a similar DFA trade involving David Aardsma. Williamson is your standard-fare, three-pitch lefty who sits in the mid- to high 80s and keeps batters off balance with his curveball. His strikeout rate slipped from 8.7 per nine innings in low Class A last year to 5.5 with high Class A Salem this season.

Red Sox pro scouting director Allard Baird signed Jay Broughton away from the Golden League, where the Ball State product went 2-2, 4.01 with 23 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings. Interestingly enough, former Red Sox's indy find Morgan Burkhart served as Broughton's manager with Calgary.

Chicago Cubs Draft picks signed: RHP Colin Richardson (14), C Micah Gibbs (3) Released: 3B Bobby Wagner Added to 40-man roster: RHP Brian Schlitter Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeff Stevens Option transferred: RHP Rafael Dolis (high Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Melvin Rosa, LHP Drew Rundle, OF Dong-Yub Kim, OF Manuel Pestana Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Hunter Ackerman

The Cubs acquired Brian Schlitter from the Phillies in August ’08 when they unloaded Scott Eyre. Schlitter, 24, in his fourth pro season, ran up a solid 31-to-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 33 innings for Triple-A Iowa (12 Sv, 4.09 ERA). In fact, the Cubs have leaned hard on the Iowa bullpen this season, making use of Justin Berg, Andrew Cashner, Jeff Gray, James Russell and Jeff Stevens in addition to Schlitter.

Chicago White Sox Signed: LHP Stephen Huff (NDFA—Austin Peay State) Draft picks signed: RHP Kevin Moran (9), LHP Chris Sale (1) Released: RHP Chris Zagyi, C Dylan Tonneson Traded: C Jared Price to Athletics for SS Michael Richard Added to 40-man roster: LHP Erick Threets Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Dan Remenowsky, OF A.J. Casario, OF Marcus Spencer Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Danny Wiltz Reinstated from DL: C Josh Phegley

Chris Sale signed for $1.656 million and earned a ticket straight to high Class A Winston-Salem. That's one rung higher than the route taken by Chicago first-rounders Jared Mitchell (’09) and Gordon Beckham (’08) when they signed out of college.

Cincinnati Reds Signed: OF Gary Matthews Jr. Draft picks signed: RHP Kevin Arico (10), RHP Lucas O'Rear (13) Released: LHP Daryl Harang, 2B Chris Burke, OF Ayeudi Felipe Recalled: LHP Bill Bray Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Sam LeCure Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Nick Christiani, SS Miguel Rojas Placed on 60-day DL: 3B Miguel Chacoa Reinstated from DL: OF Danny Dorn Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Scott Carroll

Cleveland Indians Draft pick signed: RHP Owen Dew (21) Traded: 1B Russell Branyan and cash or a player to be named to Mariners for SS Juan Diaz and OF Ezequiel Carrera Recalled: RHP Joe Smith, LHP Aaron Laffey, 1B Matt LaPorta Designated for assignment: RHP Shane Lindsay Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jensen Lewis, 2B Luis Valbuena, OF Ezequiel Carrera Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Eric Berger, OF Ezequiel Carrera Reinstated from DL: RHP Zach Putnam

Colorado Rockies Draft picks signed: RHP Russell Brewer (31), SS Josh Rutledge (3) Released: LHP Damian Moss Removed from 40-man: RHP Juan Rincon (Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Michael Marbry, RHP Sean Jarrett Reinstated from DL: OF Brian Rike Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Sean Jarrett

Detroit Tigers Draft picks signed: RHP Jordan Pratt (16), RHP Patrick Cooper (14) Released: 1B Ron Bourquin, OF Ben Johnson, OF Josh Burrus Placed on restricted list: RHP Nolan Moody Recalled: RHP Jay Sborz Added to 40-man roster: LHP Andy Oliver Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jay Sborz Option transferred: RHP Jacob Turner (low Class A to high Class A) Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Scott Sizemore, SS Audy Ciriaco Reinstated from DL: RHP Brayan Villarreal, 3B Bryan Pounds

Ron Bourquin batted .237/.366/.390 in 59 at-bats since returning from his 50-game drug suspension.

Jacob Turner, the high school first-rounder last year who signed a big league deal & Best Tigers prospect entering the season, made quick work of low Class A, going 2-3, 3.67 in 11 games for West Michigan. He struck out 51 and walked nine in 54 innings.

Andy Oliver, the club's second-round pick in 2009, put the entire minor leagues behind him, going 6-4, 3.61 in 14 starts for Double-A Erie, while notching 70 strikeouts in 77 innings. He’s the 4th best prospect in the Tigers system according to Baseball America.

Burrus was a 1st Round (29th overall) pick by the Braves in the 2001 Draft (Signing Bonus: $1,125,000). He spent 7 years in the Braves system (topping AAA for 5 games). The right-handed hitter played Indy ball in 2008 (Atlantic City/Can-Am) & 2009 (Lincoln/American Association). This year he was hitting .207/.293/.355 with 7 HR and 8 SB in 59 games at Erie (Eastern League/AA).

Florida Marlins Signed: RHP Armando Benitez (Newark (Atlantic)) Draft pick signed: RHP Jeremy Heatley (22) Released: LHP Hunter Jones, OF Chris Dunn Placed on disqualified list: RHP Daniel Gil Added to 40-man roster: RHP Alejandro Sanabia, RHP Jose Veras, LHP James Houser Removed from 40-man: RHP Jorge Sosa (Triple-A) Option transferred: RHP Jay Buente (Triple-A to Double-A), RHP Jose Ceda (low Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jay Buente, RHP Kasey Olenberger, RHP Ryan Tucker, SS Javier Guzman, SS Terrence Dayleg Placed on 60-day DL: LHP Forrest Moore Reinstated from DL: 3B Paul Gran, OF Chad Cregar Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Ryan Tucker

Hunter Jones signed with the Red Sox as a non-drafted free agent in 2005. The lefty pitched well in five seasons, making his Major league debut in 2009 (11 G, 12.2 IP, 9.24 ERA). Acquired by the Marlins in the Jeremy Hermida trade, he was 0-5 4.17 ERA in 10 games (7 starts) at New Orleans (PCL/AAA). He also made 3 scoreless appearances with the Marlins this season.

Selected by the Marlins in the 32nd round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Sanabia was 5-1 2.03 ERA in 14 starts at Jacksonville (SL/AA) with 65 SO in 84.1 IP, 16 BB, 59 H.

Houser was a 2nd round pick in 2003 by Tampa Bay. He played seven seasons in the organization (topping AAA in 2009).

Houston Astros Signed: 2B Mike Affronti, 2B Ramon Vazquez Draft picks signed: RHP Vincent Velasquez (2), LHP Evan Grills (10) Acquired: 1B Tommy Everidge from Mariners for future considerations Acquired: 2B Luis Maza from Phillies for future considerations Placed on restricted list: LHP Gabriel Garcia, OF Devon Torrence Granted free agency: OF Cory Sullivan Recalled: 3B Chris Johnson, SS Oswaldo Navarro Added to 40-man roster: RHP Josh Banks, C Jason Castro, OF Jason Bourgeois Removed from 40-man: RHP Casey Daigle (Triple-A), C Kevin Cash (Triple-A), OF Cory Sullivan (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Wesley Wright Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jared Wells, RHP Juri Perez, RHP Raul Rivera, RHP Sergio Perez, LHP Kilby Pena, C Alfredo Gonzalez, C Luis Alvarez

Placed on 60-day DL: RHP B.J. Hyatt, OF Kellen Kiilsgaard Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Erick Abreu, C Carlos Mojica Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Erick Abreu

Kansas City Royals Signed: RHP J.J. Leaper Draft picks signed: SS Christian Colon (1), SS Mike Antonio (3) Released: RHP Jorge Campillo, LHP Adam Bostick Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Edgar Osuna, C Juan Graterol, OF Damon Hollins Reinstated from DL: RHP Jairo Cuevas, RHP Jorge Campillo, LHP Brandon Barrow Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Matt Mitchell

The fourth overall pick this year, Christian Colon signed quickly for $2.75 million and reported to high Class A Wilmington, where he's went 0-for-12 to begin his career.

Kansas City allowed Adam Bostick to serve out his 50-game drug suspension but released him as soon as it ended.

Los Angeles Angels Signed: RHP Joe Melioris (NDFA—Polk (Fla.) CC) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jon Bachanov, RHP Kevin Nabors, 2B Ivan Contreras, 2B Nate Sutton, 2B Ryan Mount, SS Gary Patchett Reinstated from DL: C Anel de los Santos, SS Adam Younger

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: RHP Jesus Colome, LHP Jack Taschner Draft picks signed: RHP Logan Bawcom (17), OF Bobby Coyle (10) Placed on restricted list: OF Prentice Redman Recalled: RHP Jon Link Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jon Link, RHP Travis Schlichting, SS Chin-lung Hu Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Andres Santiago, RHP Eric Thompson, RHP Sung-Wei Tseng, RHP Tim Corcoran, LHP Cody White, LHP Geison Aguasviva, C Esteban Lopez, C Keyter Collado, 1B Brenton Calfee, 1B Dustin Yount, 1B Kyle Orr Reinstated from DL: LHP Jordan Roberts, 3B Pedro Baez Reinstated from inactive list: OF Andrew Lambo

Jesus Colome and Jack Taschner join the growing list of recently discarded pitchers who have signed on to pitch at Triple-A Albuquerque, a list that includes Luis Ayala, Kiko Calero and Claudio Vargas. The Isotopes have used an astounding 35 pitchers so far this season, though that includes rehab stints by Vicente Padilla and George Sherrill as well as position players like Timo Perez and Ramon Nivar getting into the act.

Prentice Redman will sit for 50 games after testing positive for an amphetamine. Too bad. He was having a great year at Albuquerque (PCL/AAA): .332/.402/.551 with 10 HR in 61 games.

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: LHP Tony Butler Draft picks signed: RHP Jimmy Nelson (2), RHP R.J. Johnson (36), LHP Thomas Keeling (18) Released: RHP Brian Bruney, LHP A.J. Murray Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Casey Baron, LHP Tony Butler, C Martin Maldonado, 3B Wayne Dedrick, OF Juan Barrini Reinstated from DL: RHP Mike McClendon, OF Drew Anderson

Tony Butler grew up in Oak Creek, Wis., just outside Milwaukee, which made him a natural target for the Brewers following his release by the Orioles. He played for the low Class A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in ’07, while with the Mariners, and he could be headed back to Appleton later this season.

Minnesota Twins Signed: 2B D'Angelo Jimenez (Yucatan (Mexican)) Draft picks signed: RHP Nathan Fawbush (21), RHP Nick Alloway (35), SS Niko Goodrum (2), OF Nate Roberts (5) Released: RHP Hernan Colmenarez Placed on restricted list: 2B Yancarlo Franco Added to 40-man roster: OF Jason Repko Removed from 40-man: 3B Brendan Harris (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeff Manship Placed on 7-day DL: SS Jairo Perez Reinstated from DL: RHP Bobby Lanigan, RHP Brad Tippett, RHP Bruce Pugh

The Twins signed D'Angelo Jimenez, who had been playing in the Mexican League. The 32-year-old, who always displayed strong on-base skills, last appeared in the majors in 2007 with Washington, hitting .245/.379/.373 in 128 plate appearances.

Repko was released by the Dodgers prior the beginning of the season. He was hitting .281/.368/.412 in 60 games at Rochester (Int’l/AAA) with 6 HR and 10 SB.

New York Mets Traded: RHP Clint Everts to Blue Jays as player to be named in trade for OF Jorge Padilla Placed on suspended list: RHP Scott Shaw Recalled: RHP Bobby Parnell, C Josh Thole Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Raul Valdes Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Dan McDonald, RHP Jake Goldberg, RHP Michael Johnson, RHP Nick Abbott, RHP Trey Rackel, RHP Tyler Howe, RHP Zach Von Tersch, LHP Brian Valenzuela, LHP Steve Matz, C Omir Santos, 3B Eric Campbell, SS Luis Rivera Transferred to 60-day DL: RHP Nick Abbott, LHP Brian Valenzuela, LHP Steve Matz Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Angel Calero Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Angel Calero

New York Yankees Draft picks signed: RHP Dustin Hobbs (21), C Tyler Austin (13), OF Jake Anderson (7) Released: RHP Brad Rulon Removed from 40-man: C Chad Moeller (Triple-A) Option transferred: RHP Andrew Brackman (high Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Kelvin Perez, 1B Juan Miranda Reinstated from DL: RHP Adam Warren, RHP Ben Watkins, RHP Jose Ramirez

Oakland Athletics Released: 2B Mike Affronti Traded: OF Jake Fox to Orioles for RHP Ross Wolf Traded: OF Eric Patterson to Red Sox for LHP Fabian Williamson Traded: SS Michael Richard to White Sox for C Jared Price Placed on 7-day DL: C Anthony Recker Reinstated from DL: SS Jason Christian, OF David Thomas

Philadelphia Phillies Signed: RHP Juan Sandoval Draft picks signed: RHP Jake Borup (23), C Cameron Rupp (3), SS Stephen Malcolm (8)

Released: RHP Josh Fogg Traded: 2B Luis Maza to Astros for future considerations Acquired: OF Chris Aguila from Blue Jays for future considerations Voluntarily retired: OF Winder Torres Recalled: LHP Mike Zagurski Added to 40-man roster: RHP Nelson Figueroa Removed from 40-man: 3B Greg Dobbs (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Scott Mathieson Placed on 7-day DL: LHP David Noles, OF Gauntlett Eldemire, OF Tyson Gillies Reinstated from DL: C Paul Hoover, SS Jeremy Barnes Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Kevin Nelson

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: 2B Yung Chi Chen Draft picks signed: RHP James Archibald (36), 1B Justin Howard (24) Released: RHP Jimmy Barthmaier Recalled: RHP Daniel McCutchen, RHP Steven Jackson Added to 40-man roster: LHP Justin Thomas Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Steven Jackson, 2B Akinori Iwamura Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jeff Inman, C Milver Reyes, 1B Justin Howard, OF Wes Freeman Reinstated from DL: RHP Diego Moreno, SS Jose de los Santos Reinstated from inactive list: OF Cole White

A former Mariner (4th round/2005), Justin Thomas paced all Triple-A International League relievers with 0.78 walks per nine innings for Indianapolis (3-0-3, 1.30 ERA in 34.2 IP with 34 SO, only 3 BB and 19 hits). His .157 opponent average ranked second. The Pirates claimed him on waivers last October.

St. Louis Cardinals Signed: RHP Ricky Martinez (NDFA—Nova Southeastern (Fla.)) Draft pick signed: OF Reggie Williams Jr. (10) Released: LHP Rich Hill Placed on restricted list: RHP Shaun Garceau Recalled: RHP Adam Ottavino Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Fernando Salas Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Matt Frevert, RHP Pete Parise, 3B Rich Racobaldo Reinstated from DL: RHP Miguel Tapia, RHP Trey Hearne, C Nick Derba, SS Luis Mateo, OF Mark Shorey Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Cory Rauschenberger Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Cory Rauschenberger, RHP Shaun Garceau

Birds of a feather flock together. Not only did the Cardinals come to terms with 10th-rounder Reggie Williams Jr., son of the former big leaguer of the same name, but they also signed Ricky Martinez, the son of Dennis "El Presidente" Martinez, who won 245 games in 23-year career. These days, Dennis serves as pitching coach for Double-A Springfield.

San Diego Padres Released: OF Matt Vern Acquired: C Kyle Phillips from Blue Jays for future considerations Placed on restricted list: RHP John Hussey Optioned to Triple-A: C Dusty Ryan Placed on 7-day DL: RHP John Hussey, 2B Josh Barfield Placed on 60-day DL: RHP James Needy Reinstated from DL: RHP Jeremy McBryde Reinstated from inactive list: OF Matt Vern

San Francisco Giants Signed: C Mike Murray (NDFA—Wake Forest) Draft picks signed: RHP Brett Bochy (20), RHP Mark Christman (13), RHP Ryan Bean (17), C Eric Sim (27), C Joe Staley (8), OF Chuckie Jones (7), OF Devin Harris (48) Released: SS Angel Berroa Recalled: LHP Madison Bumgarner Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Joe Martinez, 2B Emmanuel Burriss Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brandon Medders, RHP Brett Bochy, C Aaron Lowenstein, 2B Nick Noonan Reinstated from DL: SS Juan Ciriaco

Seattle Mariners Signed: RHP Bryan Leigh (NDFA—Massachusetts), RHP Jarett Attard (NDFA—Cal Poly Pomona), RHP Joe Nelson, RHP Lance Abbott (NDFA—Sacramento State) Traded: SS Juan Diaz and OF Ezequiel Carrera to Indians for 1B Russell Branyan and cash or a player to be named Traded: 1B Tommy Everidge to Astros for future considerations Added to 40-man roster: RHP David Pauley Optioned to Triple-A: C Adam Moore, 1B Mike Carp Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Mumba Rivera, 3B Jharmidy DeJesus Reinstated from DL: OF Ezequiel Carrera, OF Maximo Mendez Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Andy Baldwin Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Andy Baldwin

Pauley (27) had a 3.68 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) at Tacoma (PCL/AAA) with a complete game, but for the lack of run support his record was 1-6 at the time of his promotion.

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: RHP D.J. Johnson (NDFA—Western Oregon State), RHP Yorman Mayora, C Marcos Torres (NDFA—Felician (N.J.)) Draft picks signed: RHP George Jensen (46), RHP Merrill Kelly (8), LHP Brandon Henderson (15), LHP C.J. Riefenhauser (20) Placed on restricted list: LHP Stepan Havlicek Voluntarily retired: RHP Woods Fines Recalled: OF Matt Joyce Optioned to Triple-A: C Dioner Navarro Reinstated from DL: RHP Woods Fines, SS Shawn O'Malley Reinstated from inactive list: SS J.J. Furmaniak

Texas Rangers Draft pick signed: RHP Andres Perez-Lobo (23) Released: C Toby Hall, 1B Wes Bankston Removed from 40-man: RHP Warner Madrigal (Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Andrew Laughter, RHP Brandon McCarthy, RHP Tim Steggall, C Alberto Puello, 2B Jason Ogata, 3B Lee Soto, SS Luis Sardinas, OF Edward Alfonzo, OF Jared Prince Reinstated from DL: RHP Omar Beltre, LHP Kasey Kiker, LHP Michael Ballard, C Toby Hall, OF Cody Podraza

Toronto Blue Jays Draft pick signed: LHP Art Charles (20) Acquired: RHP Clint Everts from Mets as player to be named in trade of OF Jorge Padilla Traded: C Kyle Phillips to Padres for future considerations Traded: OF Chris Aguila to Phillies for future considerations Placed on restricted list: LHP Tyler Ybarra Recalled: 2B Jarrett Hoffpauir

Removed from 40-man: 3B Edwin Encarnacion (Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Bobby Bell, RHP Dumas Garcia, RHP Scott Richmond, C Alberto Quintana, 2B Jon Del Campo, OF Johnny Roberts Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Denny Valdez, RHP Felix Moreno, LHP Kenllie Santana, SS Nick Bidois Reinstated from DL: C Kyle Phillips, 2B Justin McClanahan, OF Aaron Mathews, OF Moises Sierra

Washington Nationals Released: C Dan Killian, 3B Alexander Romero, OF Jesus Morales Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Austin Garrett, LHP Yunior Novoa, SS Wilberto Ortiz, OF Rick Hughes Placed on 60-day DL: C Ricardo Martinez Reinstated from DL: RHP Carlos Martinez, LHP Jack Spradlin, SS Ofilio Castro Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Tom Milone

June 14-21

Arizona Diamondbacks Signed: RHP Robbie Andrews (NDFA—Virginia Commonwealth), RHP Trey Watt (NDFA—Pacific Lutheran (Wash.)), C Richie Rowland (NDFA—Campbellsville (Ky.)) Draft picks signed: RHP Victor Lara (34), 2B Michael Weber (28), SS Zach Walters (9) Released: RHP Abe Woody Traded: OF Conor Jackson to Athletics for RHP Sam Demel Added to 40-man roster: RHP Sam Demel Recalled: OF Cole Gillespie Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Cesar Valdez, 2B Ryan Roberts Option transferred: RHP Daniel Stange (Triple-A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Victor Estevez, OF Byron Wiley

Demel (24) was selected by the Athletics in the 3rd round in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft out of Texas Christian University. He was 2-0-6 and 1.26 ERA in 28.2 relief innings (28 SO, 9 BB) at Sacramento (PCL/AAA) when Arizona acquired him.

Atlanta Braves Signed: OF Josh Anderson Draft picks signed: RHP Dan Jurik (25), RHP Kyle Mertins (28), LHP Matt Fouch (34), C Cory Brownsten (15), 1B William Beckwith (21), 2B Jarred Frierson (36), 2B Phil Gosselin (5), 3B Joey Terdoslavich (6) Placed on restricted list: SS Luis Ramirez Recalled: RHP Jesse Chavez Added to 40-man roster: RHP Chris Resop Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jesse Chavez Placed on 7-day DL: C Orlando Mercado Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Wei Huang, RHP Daniel Lopez Reinstated from DL: LHP Chris Masters

The Braves opted to reward Chris Resop with a 40-man roster spot rather than lose him to an opt-out clause, which he could have exercised on June 15. With Triple-A Gwinnett, he went 5-2, 1.84 in 13 starts, while recording 81 whiffs and 27 walks in 73 innings. The 27-year-old Resop had made just six career starts entering the season.

Baltimore Orioles Signed: RHP Aaron Swenson (NDFA—Youngstown State), OF Marcus Jones Draft picks signed: RHP Tim Adleman (24), RHP Scott Copeland (21), C Austin Goolsby (26), C Joe Oliveira (15), 2B Austin Knight (37), 3B Adam Gaylord (31), SS Auburn Donaldson (35), SS Michael Rooney (30), SS Sammie Starr (34), OF Jeremy Nowak (13) Released: RHP Jorge Almanzar, RHP Vito Frabizio, C David Calderon, OF Lance West Traded: RHP Ryan Ouellette to White Sox for future considerations Placed on restricted list: C Freuny Parra Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Andy Mitchell, RHP Ryan Palsha, RHP Jeancarlos Reyes, LHP Cameron Coffey, LHP Aaron Wirsch, 1B Brandon Snyder Reinstated from DL: RHP Randy Henry, OF Joey Gathright Placed on temporarily inactive list: SS Sammie Starr

Boston Red Sox Signed: RHP Scott Swinson (NDFA—Lee (Tenn.)), 1B Ryan Shealy Draft picks signed: RHP Keith Couch (13), RHP Mike Gleason (34), RHP Garrett Rau (12), C Jayson Hernandez (41), 1B Trygg Larsson-Danforth (49), 2B Kolbrin Vitek (1), SS James Kang (45), SS Nick Robinson (39), OF Bryce Brentz (1.5), OF Luke Yoder (40) Granted free agency: RHP Joe Nelson Recalled: LHP Felix Doubront Added to 40-man roster: RHP Robert Manuel Removed from 40-man: RHP Joe Nelson (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Felix Doubront Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Randor Bierd, RHP Doug Wogee, LHP Michael Bugary, OF Ryan Westmoreland Reinstated from DL: RHP Alex Wilson, LHP Felix Doubront

Chicago Cubs Signed: 3B Jake McAloose (NDFA—Old Dominion) Draft picks signed: RHP Ryan Hartman (16), RHP Austin Reed (12), RHP Eric Rice (25), RHP Hayden Simpson (1), LHP Hunter Ackerman (4), LHP Eric Jokisch (11), C Chad Noble (37), 1B Ryan Cuneo (20), 2B Pierre LePage (13), SS Elliot Soto (15) Released: RHP Francisco Acosta Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Mitch Atkins Placed on 7-day DL: C Mark Johnson Reinstated from DL: RHP Marcus Hatley Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Francisco Acosta

Chicago White Sox Signed: OF J.D. Ashbrook (NDFA—Morehead State) Draft picks signed: RHP Brett Bruening (42), RHP Stephen McCray (16), RHP Doug Murray (19), RHP Jacob Petricka (2), RHP Addison Reed (3), RHP Patrick Schatz (49), LHP Jarrett Casey (32), LHP Peter Gehle (27), LHP Robert Young (31), C Jose Ramos (20), SS Tyler Saladino (7), OF Dusty Harvard (34), OF Jordan Keegan (24), OF Randall Thorpe (18) Acquired: RHP Ryan Ouellette from Orioles for future considerations Traded: LHP Wes Whisler to Marlins for future considerations Recalled: 1B Dayan Viciedo Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Matt Long, OF Salvador Sanchez Reinstated from DL: RHP Leroy Hunt, OF Alejandro De Aza

Prior to his callup, Viciedo batted .290/.329/.525 with 14 home runs in 238 at-bats for Triple-A Charlotte. However, those numbers are a tad misleading, in light of Charlotte's cozy home dimensions. Viciedo hit 10 of his 14 bombs at home, while slugging nearly 200 points higher, .628 to .432.

Cincinnati Reds Signed: OF Jeff Taylor (NDFA—Lynchburg (Va.)) Draft picks signed: RHP Andrew Hayes (11), RHP Josh Smith (21) Placed on restricted list: 2B Mauricio Pimentel, OF Ryan Doran, OF Will Stramp Recalled: RHP Jordan Smith Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Enerio Del Rosario Option transferred: LHP Philippe Valiquette (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Daniel Guerrero, RHP Mike Henry, RHP Josh Ravin, LHP Tzu-Kai Chiu, LHP Luca Panerati, SS Alex Buchholz, SS Jake Kahaulelio, OF Luis Terrero Reinstated from inactive list: C Kevin Coddington

Jeff Taylor Jr. fulfilled a promise to his dying father when he signed his contract with the Reds. Nearly 14 months ago, Jeff Sr. perished after being struck by a line drive while he threw batting practice at Lynchburg (Va.) College. Despite the tragic events, Jeff Jr. had an outstanding senior season, batting .371 with 39 stolen bases in 41 attempts. Cincinnati assigned him to AZL Reds (Rookie).

Selected by the Reds in the sixth round of the 2006 Draft, Smith (24) was in AA Southern League for the third consecutive season. He had a 5.28 ERA in 28.2 IP, but with only 8 BB, pitching for the first time out of the pen.

Italian lefty Panerati (20) is on the Dayton Roster (MWL/A).

Cleveland Indians Signed: RHP Clayton Ehlert (NDFA—Texas A&M), RHP Ryan Gardner (NDFA—Santa Barbara (Calif.) CC), RHP Casey Gaynor (NDFA—Rutgers), RHP Matt Speake (NDFA—Southern Arkansas), LHP J.D.

Reichenbach (NDFA—Elon), 1B Andrew Kinney (NDFA—Southwest Minnesota State), OF Anthony Gallas (NDFA—Kent State) Draft picks signed: 2B Logan Thompson (33), 3B Tyler Cannon (12), SS Nick Bartolone (6), OF Jordan Casas (40), OF Henry Dunn (50), OF Aaron Siliga (17) Traded: 3B Adam Davis to Pirates for future considerations Optioned to Triple-A: LHP David Huff Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Santo Frias, RHP Curtis Haley, RHP Enriquez Pacheco, RHP Danny Salazar, RHP Francisco Valera, 1B Nate Recknagel, 3B Brian Buscher, OF Donnie Webb

Colorado Rockies Draft picks signed: LHP Matt Crocker (12), OF Russell Wilson (4) Recalled: SS Chris Nelson Added to 40-man roster: RHP Juan Rincon Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Parker Frazier, RHP Will Harris, RHP Josh Sullivan Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Brad Corley, RHP Trevor Gibson, RHP Aaron Weatherford Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Chris Balcom-Miller, RHP Sean Jarrett Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Kurt Birkins

Detroit Tigers Signed: RHP Steve Crnkovich (NDFA—Tennessee), RHP Dan Gentzler (NDFA—Maryland), RHP Patrick Lawson (NDFA—Charlotte), RHP Tim Mowry (NDFA—Western Michigan), LHP Lance Baxter (NDFA—South Alabama), OF Ryan Enos (NDFA—Dallas Baptist), OF Jon Weber Draft picks signed: RHP Tyler Clark (24), RHP Jeff Ferrell (26), RHP Drew Gagnier (17), RHP Matt Little (31), RHP Brennan Smith (33), RHP Tyler White (20), LHP Logan Hoch (30), C Rob Brantly (3), C Patrick Leyland (8), 1B Clay Jones (32), 1B Tony Plagman (9), OF Bo McClendon (39), OF James Meador (21), OF P.J. Polk (13), OF Jeff Rowland (19), OF Les Smith (27) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Rick Porcello Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Sean Finefrock, RHP Melvin Mercedes, LHP Hua-Wei Lo, C Adolfo Reina, OF Luis Castillo Reinstated from DL: C John Murrian

Florida Marlins Signed: RHP Kevin Cravey, RHP Bobby Holmes (NDFA—Holy Cross), RHP Steven Stein (NDFA—Western Oklahoma State JC), C Aaron Dudley (NDFA—Toledo), 1B Brian McConkey (NDFA—UC Riverside), OF Jeff Corsaletti Draft picks signed: RHP Corey Goudeau (18), RHP Mike Ojala (25), LHP Grant Dayton (11), 1B Viosergy Rosa (29), OF James Wooster (12) Acquired: LHP Wes Whisler from White Sox for future considerations; C John Otness from Dodgers for future considerations Placed on restricted list: 1B Adam Kam Recalled: RHP Tim Wood Added to 40-man roster: RHP Scott Strickland, 3B Mike Lamb Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jay Buente, RHP Chris Leroux, OF Cameron Maybin Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Chris Leroux, RHP Daniel Mahoney, RHP Chris Shafer, SS Rigoberto Silverio, OF Jeff Corsaletti Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Bryan Berglund, RHP Ketnold Noel, RHP Tommy Peale, RHP Wilfredo Rojas, RHP Tyler Topp, LHP Jared Eskew, LHP Stephen Richards Reinstated from DL: OF Kevin Mattison, OF Marcell Ozuna Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Kris Harvey

Adam Kam offers a lesson on how not to make a positive impression as a recent draft pick. A 50th-round selection last year, he signed in mid-August, in time to appear in only one Gulf Coast League game. Then in January he failed a test for a performance-enhancing substance and was handed a 50-game suspension.

According to our records, 22-year-old righthander Kevin Cravey pitched for Texas A&M in ’08, but we can find no amateur or pro record for either ’09 or ’10. The Marlins assigned him to the GCL following his signing on June 17.

Houston Astros Signed: RHP Austin Lucas (NDFA—Jacksonville State), RHP Matison Smith (NDFA—Lamar), C Ryan McCurdy (NDFA—Duke), C Marcus Nidiffer (NDFA—Kentucky), 1B Ryan Ditthardt (NDFA—Troy), 3B Rafael Valenzuela (NDFA—Arizona) Draft picks signed: RHP Mike Foltynewicz (1), C Kenny Diaz (49), OF Kellen Kiilsgaard (30) Released: 3B Rayner Contreras Option transferred: SS Wladimir Sutil (Double-A to Triple-A)

Placed on 7-day DL: SS Michael Garciaparra Placed on 60-day DL: 3B Erik Castro Reinstated from DL: RHP Tanner Bushue, RHP Dan Meszaros, RHP Matt Nevarez

Kenny Diaz, a 49th-round pick from Puerto Rico, is that rare draftee who begins his career in the Dominican Summer League.

Kansas City Royals Signed: LHP Zach Brown Draft picks signed: RHP Matt Ridings (41), C Alexander Marquez (29) Placed on restricted list: OF Santos Cabrera Added to 40-man roster: RHP Anthony Lerew Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Chris Nicoll, RHP Cole White, LHP Brandon Barrow, LHP Danny Duffy, LHP Mike Montgomery, C Sean McCauley Reinstated from DL: LHP Adam Bostick, C Manny Pina Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Adam Bostick

The Padres selected Zach Brown from The Citadel in the 27th round of the ’07 draft. But after the outfielder batted just .224 in his first 312 at-bats, San Diego converted him to the mound with low Class A Fort Wayne in ’08. Brown made just three appearances that season before being released the following spring training.

Los Angeles Angels Signed: RHP Seth Fowler (NDFA—St. Leo (Fla.)), RHP Ty Kelley (NDFA—Auburn), C Tyler Sanford (NDFA—New Orleans) Draft picks signed: RHP Brian Diemer (6), RHP Donnie Roach (3.5), RHP Daniel Tillman (2), RHP Chad Yinger (48), LHP Alex Burkard (49), LHP Max Russell (4), 1B Ryan Rivers (35), 2B Mike Sodders (31), 3B Michael Bolaski (23), 3B Thomas Nichols (16), 3B A.J. Schugel (25), SS Ryan Broussard (18), SS Jesus Campos (24), SS Taylor Lindsey (1.5), SS Wendell Soto (3), OF Brandon Decker (27), OF Drew Heid (9) Released: RHP Tim Schoeninger, RHP Ryan Woods, C Jeremy Gillan, OF Jeff Jones Placed on restricted list: OF Jake Locker Recalled: RHP Sean O'Sullivan, 1B Robb Quinlan Removed from 40-man: OF Michael Ryan (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Robb Quinlan Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Gabe DeHoyos, C Ikko Sumi Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Brian Wilson, LHP Starlin Feliz Reinstated from DL: RHP Tim Schoeninger

The Angels selected Washington product Jake Locker in the 10th round of the ’09 draft, but he has not yet played for the organization. He'll head back to school this fall to quarterback the Huskies for one final season. Los Angeles controls Locker's baseball rights for six years, so that's why they placed him on the restricted list.

Ryan Woods signed as a nondrafted free agent last winter, but the Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) product did not pitch for the organization.

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: RHP Pete Budkevics (NDFA—Long Island-C.W. Post (N.Y.)) Draft picks signed: RHP Ralston Cash (2), RHP Yimy Rodriguez (27), RHP Shawn Tolleson (30), LHP Ryan Christenson (7), C Andrew Edge (24), C Joe Lincoln (34), 1B Beau Brett (35), OF James Baldwin III (4), OF Blake Dean (8), OF Chance Gilmore (25), OF Leon Landry (3) Released: C Ryan Arp, OF Adam Godwin Traded: C John Otness to Marlins for future considerations Recalled: RHP Travis Schlichting, SS Chin-lung Hu Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Juan Perez, 2B Austin Yount Reinstated from DL: RHP Jake McCarter, OF Adam Godwin

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: RHP Skyler Crawford, LHP Charly Bashara (NDFA—Northeastern), LHP Dexter Bobo (NDFA—Georgia Southern), LHP Travis Stortz (NDFA—Stetson), OF Reggie Keen (NDFA—Radford) Draft picks signed: RHP Austin Ross (8), RHP Kevin Shackelford (21), 3B Cody Hawn (6), SS Yadiel Rivera (9), OF Derrick Shaw (41) Released: RHP Mike Jones Removed from 40-man: RHP Chris Smith (Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Cody Adams, RHP Evan Anundsen, C Brett Whiteside, 2B Mike Brownstein, OF

Logan Schafer Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Luis Guerrero, LHP Jose Ramos Reinstated from DL: RHP Ruben Flores, LHP Casey Baron, C Michael Roberts Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Dionis Hinojosa Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Sam Narron

The 27-year-old Jones has battled major arm injuries throughout his career, including shoulder surgery in 2004 and Tommy John surgery in 2007. Despite more than eight full years in the minors, Jones only threw 623.1 innings and never reached the big leagues. He owns a career 3.75 ERA, though he's dealt with control issues in recent years. Milwaukee gave Jones a $2.075MM signing bonus when they selected him 12th overall back in 2001.

Minnesota Twins Signed: RHP Matt Schuld (NDFA—St. Thomas (Minn.)), C Matt Parker (NDFA—San Diego State) Draft picks signed: RHP David Gutierrez (18), RHP Matt Hauser (7), LHP Pat Dean (3), LHP Clint Dempster (16), 1B Lance Ray (8), SS J.D. Williams (10) Recalled: RHP Jeff Manship Optioned to Triple-A: SS Trevor Plouffe Reinstated from DL: SS Drew Thompson

New York Mets Signed: RHP Ramon Ortiz Draft picks signed: RHP Peter Birdwell (25), RHP Ryan Fraser (16), RHP Jonathan Kountis (19), RHP Kenny McDowall (8), RHP Akeel Morris (10), RHP Alex Pinera (18), RHP Chad Sheppard (17), RHP Jeff Walters (7), RHP Todd Weldon (27), RHP Steven Winnick (31), LHP Hamilton Bennett (29), C Patrick Farrell (32), 1B Luke Stewart (20), SS Brandon Brown (22), SS Jet Butler (26), OF Dylan Brown (37) Acquired: OF Jorge Padilla from Blue Jays for a player to be named Placed on restricted list: RHP Santiago Valdez, LHP Julio Bello Placed on suspended list: RHP John Lujan Optioned to Double-A: RHP Jenrry Mejia Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Reese Havens, OF Emmanuel Garcia Reinstated from DL: RHP Johan Figuereo, RHP Edgar Ramirez, 2B Hector Pellot Reinstated from inactive list: RHP John Lujan

New York Yankees Signed: RHP Bryant Cotton (NDFA—Saint Louis), RHP Mike Recchia (NDFA—Eastern Illinois), LHP Matt Jernstad (Windy City (Frontier)), SS Eric Bruntlett Draft picks signed: RHP Cito Culver (1), 2B Casey Stevenson (25) Released: OF David Winfree Recalled: LHP Boone Logan Added to 40-man roster: OF Colin Curtis Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jose Ramirez, 1B Luke Murton, SS Addison Maruszak Placed on 60-day DL: LHP Gavin Brooks, C Roney Calderon Reinstated from DL: RHP Jairo Heredia, RHP George Kontos, C Neil Medchill, C P.J. Pilittere

Selected out of Arizona State by the New York Yankees in the fourth round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Curtis (25) wore #9 during his college career in honor of Roger Maris. The left-handed hitter was hitting .280/.358/.368 at Scranton WB (Int’l/AAA).

Oakland Athletics Signed: RHP Justin James (Kansas City (Northern)), RHP Chris Skaalen (NDFA—Cal State San Marcos), RHP Jamey Wright, RHP Matt Wright, LHP Chaz Mye (NDFA—Buffalo) Draft picks signed: RHP Josh Bowman (10), RHP Blake Hassebrock (8), OF Jordan Tripp (7) Released: LHP Jesus Sanchez Traded: RHP Sam Demel to Diamondbacks for OF Conor Jackson Placed on restricted list: RHP Jose Sanchez, 2B Joel Eusebio Optioned to Triple-A: OF Matt Carson Option transferred: RHP Fautino de los Santos (high Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Marcus McBeth, RHP Henry Rodriguez, LHP Travis Blackley, LHP Pedro Figueroa Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Rony Acevedo, RHP David Mota, SS Wilfrido Sosa Reinstated from DL: RHP Dan Giese, RHP Michael Hart, RHP Brett Hunter, LHP Derrick Gordon, C Chris Affinito, 2B Steve Tolleson

Matt Wright suffered a hamstring injury and was released by the KIA Tigers of the Korea Baseball Organization in early May.

Philadelphia Phillies Signed: RHP Jordan Whatcott (NDFA—Utah), C Angel Chavarin (Monclova (Mexican)) Draft picks signed: RHP Craig Fritsch (16), RHP Mike Nesseth (17), LHP Neal Davis (36), 2B Matt Payton (27), 3B Carlos Alonso (32), 3B Jake Smith (15) Released: 1B Ryan Bollinger Placed on suspended list: RHP Felix Cespedes, RHP Justin Long Recalled: RHP Scott Mathieson Added to 40-man roster: C Dane Sardinha Option transferred: RHP J.C. Ramirez (high Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Steven Inch, RHP Mauricio Romero, LHP Ryan Sasaki, C Marco Davalillo, C Ryan Gugel, C Osmel Reyes, SS Jeremy Barnes, OF Zach Collier, OF Fabio Murakami, OF Bernardo Solarte Reinstated from DL: RHP Chance Chapman, RHP Mike Cisco, SS Jeremy Barnes

The Phillies signed 19-year-old catcher Angel Chavarin out of the Mexican League. He batted .273/.429/.364 in 11 at-bats for Monclova. Pittsburgh Pirates Acquired: 3B Adam Davis from Indians for future considerations Draft picks signed: RHP Vince Payne (12), RHP Tyler Waldron (5), RHP Bryce Weidman (14), LHP Justin Ennis (33), C Matt Skirving (30), 2B Adalberto Santos (22), 3B Chase Lyles (32), SS Kelson Brown (34) Granted free agency: LHP Jack Taschner Recalled: 3B Pedro Alvarez Removed from 40-man: LHP Jack Taschner (Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brent Klinger, RHP Hunter Strickland, 3B Jeremy Farrell Reinstated from DL: RHP Steven Jackson Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Matt McSwain

St. Louis Cardinals Draft picks signed: RHP Larry Brand (42), RHP Aidan Lucas (27), RHP Josh Lucas (21), RHP Chris Patterson (29), RHP Boone Whiting (18), LHP Benjamin Freeman (11), LHP Dean Kiekhefer (36), LHP Bob Revesz (49), C Geoff Klein (15), C Cody Stanley (4), 2B Joey Bergman (33), 2B Colin Walsh (13), 3B Phil Cerreto (40), SS Greg Garcia (7), SS Trevor Martin (20), OF Pat Biserta (24), OF Chris Edmondson (43), OF Adam Melker (44), OF Steven Ramos (22) Released: LHP Matt Meyer Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Casey Mulligan, RHP Matt Scherer, RHP Josh Squatrito, C Nick Derba, OF Mark Shorey Reinstated from DL: RHP Eduardo Sanchez, 1B Jonathan Rodriguez, OF D'Marcus Ingram

Lefty Matt Meyer ran up a 6.64 ERA for Double-A Springfield prior to his release. St. Louis selected him from the Indians in last December's minor league Rule 5 draft

San Diego Padres Signed: RHP Aaron Everett (NDFA—Lee (Tenn.)) Draft picks signed: RHP Chris Franklin (12), RHP Allen Marona (37), RHP Tyler Norwood (19), LHP Mark Hardy (43), 1B Connor Powers (21), 2B Bryan Altman (41), 2B Chris Bisson (4), 2B Jedd Gyorko (2), SS Brian Guinn (11), OF Oscar Garcia (31), OF Rico Noel (5), OF Mykal Stokes (29) Released: RHP Mark Worrell Recalled: C Dusty Ryan Optioned to Triple-A: SS Lance Zawadzki Option transferred: LHP Steve Garrison (high Class A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Will Inman, RHP Gary Poynter, LHP Ryan Hinson, C Eric Munson Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Kendall Korbal, RHP Chris Wilkes, SS Chris Ahearn Reinstated from DL: 3B Jon Alia

The Padres non-tendered Mark Worrell last December, only to re-sign him a couple months later. He draws his release this time after going 1-4, 5.45 in 25 relief appearances for Triple-A Portland. He struck out 34 and walked 11 over 33 innings.

San Francisco Giants Signed: RHP Andy Altemus (NDFA—West Virginia), 1B Danny Brock (NDFA—Saint Louis), 1B Brice Cutspec (NDFA—Azusa Pacific (Calif.))

Draft picks signed: RHP Kevin Couture (32), RHP Austin Fleet (16), RHP Stephen Harrold (12), RHP Seth Rosin (4), RHP Stephen Shackleford (35), LHP Ryan Bradley (30), C Jeff Arnold (26), 2B Raynor Campbell (14), 2B Adam Duvall (11), 2B Wes Hobson (40), SS Jose Cuevas (29), SS Carter Jurica (3), OF Johnathan Deberry (34), OF Jeff Honeycutt (41), OF Chris Lofton (9) Optioned to Triple-A: 2B Matt Downs Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Drew Bowlin, RHP Wilber Bucardo, RHP Matt Kinney, RHP Devan Kline, RHP Addison Proszek, RHP Audy Santana, C Rey Duran, 2B Leonardo Ochoa, SS Juan Ciriaco, OF Karl Benusa, OF Luis Munoz, OF Nick Nordgren Reinstated from DL: RHP Shane Kaufman, RHP Kevin Pucetas, LHP Jake Stevens, C Jesse Shriner, 2B Nick Noonan Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Bryan Salsbury

Seattle Mariners Signed: OF David Winfree Draft picks signed: RHP Tyler Burgoon (10), RHP Charles Kaalekahi (15), RHP Jandy Sena (23), RHP Luke Taylor (9), RHP Taijuan Walker (1.5), LHP Jason Markovitz (13), LHP Bennett Whitmore (24), C Christian Carmichael (6), C Billy Marcoe (41), 3B Stefen Romero (12) Released: SS Ramon Vazquez Placed on restricted list: C Hector Mercedes, C Wei Wang, 1B Yu Bing Jia Added to 40-man roster: RHP Brian Sweeney Removed from 40-man: RHP Ian Snell (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Luke French, 3B Matt Tuiasosopo Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Rich Dorman, RHP Brandon Maurer, RHP Eric Valdez, C Trevor Coleman, SS Cesar Fuentes, OF Ezequiel Carrera Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Jose Valdivia, C Juan Fuentes Reinstated from DL: RHP Tom Wilhelmsen, 3B Nate Tenbrink Reinstated from inactive list: C Jose Yepez

The 36-year-old Sweneey was pitching extremely well as a reliever at Tacoma (PCL/AAA): 32 SO, only 8 BB and 20 hits in 28.2 IP for a 2.51 ERA. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Mariners in 1996 and spent seven years in the organization, pitching five games in MLB in 2003. From 2004 to 2006, played for San Diego (2 yrs) and Tampa Bay organizations between AAA and MLB. His best season was the 2006, when he posted a 2-0-2 & 3.20 ERA in 56.1 relief innings for the Padres. The right-hander pitched the following three seasons (2007-2009) for Nippon Ham in the Japan Pacific League. Sweeney signed a minor league contract in the offseason with Seattle coming back to the organization that selected him.

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: RHP Justin Hall (NDFA—Mars Hill (N.C.)), RHP Stephen Hiscock (NDFA—Rollins (Fla.)), RHP Shane Minks (NDFA—Texas A&M), RHP Pete Woodworth (NDFA—Florida Gulf Coast), LHP Ryan Fleckenstein (NDFA—Oregon), LHP Matt Gilson (NDFA—Lee (Tenn.)), C Zane Williams (NDFA—Charlotte), 2B Brian Harris (NDFA—Vanderbilt), OF Kyle Lusson (NDFA—Texas) Draft picks signed: RHP Jake Thompson (2), 1B Phil Wunderlich (12), 2B Scott Lawson (29) Released: RHP Angel Chapa, 1B Ryan Shealy Placed on restricted list: LHP Shawn Smith, OF D.J. Jones Optioned to Triple-A: OF Justin Ruggiano Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Matt Bush, RHP Jairo de la Rosa, RHP Albert Suarez, LHP Carlos Hernandez Reinstated from DL: RHP Paul Phillips, C Matt Spring Placed on temporarily inactive list: SS J.J. Furmaniak

Bush (24), one of the worst 1st overall pick in the history of the Draft (San Diego/2004), is pitching well at Charlotte (FSL/A Adv.): 1 Sv and 1.80 ERA in 5 relief innings (8 SO, 2 BB, 2 H, 1 ER).

Texas Rangers Draft picks signed: RHP Anthony Haase (17), RHP Brett Weibley (19), LHP Jimmy Reyes (7), C Brett Nicholas (6), C Carson Vitale (38), 3B Mike Olt (1.5), SS Drew Robinson (4), OF Travis Meiners (40) Released: RHP Danniel Rodriguez, C Robbie Alcombrack, 1B Taylor Vail, SS Edward Martinez Placed on restricted list: RHP Justin Gutsie, OF Riley Cooper Placed on suspended list: RHP Justin Jamison Optioned to Triple-A: OF Craig Gentry Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Kevin Castner, RHP Johnny Gunter, RHP Danny Gutierrez, RHP Justin Miller, LHP Mike Ballard, C Emerson Frostad, 2B Jason Ogata, SS Jonathan Roof Reinstated from DL: RHP Wilfredo Boscan, RHP Jacob Brigham, RHP Brandon McCarthy

Much like the situation with the Angels and Jake Locker, the Rangers control football wide receiver Riley Cooper's baseball rights, should he decide to walk away from an NFL career. That's why Texas must go

through the formality of placing him on the restricted list—even though all signs point to Cooper signing to play for the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, the club that made him a fifth-round pick in April's draft.

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: RHP Chris Enourato (NDFA—West Virginia), RHP Jesse Hernandez (NDFA—Central Michigan), RHP Casey Lawrence (NDFA—Albright (Pa.)), RHP Bryan Longpre (NDFA—Cal State Northridge), LHP Drew Elliott (NDFA—Lander (S.C.)), LHP Michael Kelly (NDFA—Santa Fe (Fla.) CC), C Cody Lassley (NDFA—Wichita State), SS Matt Johnson (NDFA—Wooster (Ohio)) Draft picks signed: RHP Travis Garrett (19), RHP Dayton Marze (14), RHP Asher Wojciechowski (1.5), LHP Art Charles (20), C Pierce Rankin (38), 2B Andy Fermin (32), OF Melvin Garcia (33), OF Angel Gomez (23), OF Jonathan Jones (29), OF Dalton Pompey (16) Released: C Tyler Hauschild Traded: OF Jorge Padilla to Mets for a player to be named Placed on restricted list: RHP Jose Lorenzo, C Henry Rodriguez Designated for assignment: 3B Edwin Encarnacion Removed from 40-man: 1B Brian Dopirak (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: 2B Mike McCoy, 3B Edwin Encarnacion, OF Jeremy Reed Optioned to high Class A: RHP Scott Richmond Option transferred: LHP Luis Perez (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Andrew Liebel, RHP Kenny Rodriguez, C Luis Hurtado, 1B Yudelmis Hernandez, SS Luis Sanchez Placed on 60-day DL: LHP Carlos Pina Reinstated from DL: RHP Vince Bongiovanni, RHP Ross Buckwalter, RHP Matt Fields, RHP Scott Gracey, RHP Kenny Rodriguez, SS Justin Jackson

A week after trading Jorge Padilla to the Mets, the Blue Jays received Double-A righthander Clint Everts as the player to be named. New York had signed Everts to a big league deal last December, but when they removed him from the 40-man roster they sent him all the way down to Binghamton, where he ran up a 6.94 ERA over 26 relief appearances.

Remarkably for a player who just wrapped up a junior-college career, lefty Michael Kelly previously was drafted five years ago. The White Sox selected Kelly out of his Mayo, Fla., high school in the 42nd round of the ’05 draft.

Washington Nationals Signed: RHP Tim Dupuis (NDFA—Assumption (Mass.)), RHP Brandon Meister (NDFA—Miami (Ohio)), RHP Billy Ott (NDFA—Cal State Northridge), RHP Shane Zellers (NDFA—Alvernia (Pa.)) Draft picks signed: RHP Tyler Hanks (17), LHP Nick Serino (37), C Cole Leonida (6), SS Jason Martinson (5), OF Rick Hughes (29) Released: 2B Kyle Breault, OF Naoya Washiya Added to 40-man roster: RHP Joel Peralta Optioned to Double-A: LHP Ross Detwiler, LHP John Lannan Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Mike Guerrero, LHP Chuck James, LHP Jack Spradlin, OF J.R. Higley Reinstated from DL: RHP Drew Weaver, LHP Austin Garrett, 3B Stephen King

June 8-14

Arizona Diamondbacks Draft picks signed: RHP Derek Eitel (17), RHP Greg Robinson (32), C Kawika Emsley-Pai (10), C Andrew Whittington (33), 1B Yazy Arbelo (26), 1B Jimmy Comerota (18), 3B Eric Groff (44), OF Adam Eaton (19), OF Justin Hilt (36), OF Michael Hur (20), OF Chris Jarrett (42), OF Westley Moss (16) Released: OF Tim Sherlock Placed on suspended list: RHP Cristian Beltre, OF Alfredo Marte Added to 40-man roster: RHP Blaine Boyer Removed from 40-man: RHP Saul Rivera (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: C John Hester Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Cristian Beltre, RHP Billy Spottiswood, C Chris Davis, OF Alfredo Marte

Atlanta Braves Draft picks signed: RHP Jonathan Burns (26), RHP Dave Filak (4), RHP Tyler Hess (19), RHP Willie Kempf (27), RHP Matt Lewis (10), RHP Ian Marshall (40), RHP Matt Suschak (7), RHP Richard Tate (14),

RHP Dan Winnie (16), LHP Stephen Foster (39), LHP Chase Shreve (11), C Ryan Delgado (32), C Evan Gattis (23), 1B David Rohm (9), 3B Todd Cunningham (2), SS Brandon Drury (13), SS Barrett Kleinknecht (12), SS Matt Lipka (1.5), SS Andrelton Simmons (2), OF Kenny Fleming (30), OF Kurt Fleming (8), OF Jason Mowry (20) Released: 1B Derek Wiley, SS Ryan Barba, OF Layton Hiller Recalled: SS Brandon Hicks Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Chris Masters, LHP Brett Oberholtzer, 3B Eric Duncan Reinstated from DL: RHP Ty'Relle Harris, LHP Steven Kent, OF Willie Cabrera

Second-rounder Todd Cunningham signed quickly but was stuck in limbo for 10 days while waiting for MLB to approve his contract with the Braves, a deal that included a $674,100 bonus. The former Jacksonville State standout won the Cape Cod League batting title last year and went 1-for-3 in his pro debut with low Class A Rome on Sunday.

Baltimore Orioles Signed: RHP Andrew Deain (NDFA—Northen Illinois), RHP D.J. Ferguson (NDFA—Carson-Newman (Tenn.)), RHP D.D. Hanks (NDFA—South Alabama), LHP Chris Petrini (NDFA—California) Draft picks signed: RHP Steven Mazur (33), LHP Jacob Petitt (42), 3B Michael Mosby (14), SS Brad Decater (36), SS Vinny Zazueta (25), OF Preston Hale (44), OF David Richardson (17), OF Jeremy Shelby (38), OF Cody Young (47) Released: RHP Jake Renshaw, LHP Tony Butler, LHP Jake Smith Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jake Arrieta Removed from 40-man: LHP Alberto Castillo (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Brad Bergesen Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Kam Mickolio, 3B Matt Tucker Reinstated from DL: RHP Josh Perrault, RHP Jake Renshaw

Boston Red Sox Recalled: RHP Scott Atchison, LHP Dustin Richardson Added to 40-man roster: OF Daniel Nava Optioned to Triple-A: OF Josh Reddick Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Yeiper Castillo, LHP Felix Doubront, LHP Armando Zerpa, OF Ryan Kalish Reinstated from DL: RHP Kyle Weiland, OF Shannon Wilkerson

Following the 2007 season, Baseball America identified Daniel Nava as the top prospect in the independent leagues, with an advanced hitting approach, power from both sides & a good arm. Undrafted that year out of Santa Clara, Nava signed with the Golden League’s Chico Outlaws and promptly won the batting & MVP titles, hitting .371 and catching the interest of the Red Sox, who signed him in January ’08. Boston stationed Nava with high Class A Lancaster for all of that season, but once he reached Double-A in the second half of the ’09 season, Nava needed less than a year to crack the big leagues. In 200 minor league games, the 27-year-old switch-hitter batted .332/.420/.518. Granted, a slew of injuries paved the way for Nava. For perspective: Among Boston outfielders, only J.D. Drew has accumulated more plate appearances this season than has Darnell McDonald, who was signed to a minor league deal to provide depth at Triple-A. The Red Sox also turned to Josh Reddick and Jonathan Van Every this season before calling up Nava. In other words, Nava probably would have been, at best, a September callup had the stars not aligned. But here he is, 10-for-his-first-27 (.370) in the big leagues, with a homer and five doubles.

Chicago Cubs Signed: 2B Doug Cherry (NDFA—Washington), OF Anthony Giansanti (NDFA—Siena) Draft picks signed: RHP Dustin Fitzgerald (19), RHP Aaron Kurcz (10), RHP Matt Loosen (23), RHP Colin Richardson (14), RHP Joe Zeller (28), LHP Hunter Ackerman (4), LHP Brent Ebinger (32), LHP Cam Greathouse (8), C Jeff Vigurs (22), 1B Ryan Cuneo (20), 3B Dustin Harrington (34) Recalled: RHP Mitch Atkins, 1B Chad Tracy

Optioned to Triple-A: LHP James Russell Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Dustin Sasser Reinstated from DL: LHP Ryan Buchter, C Mark Johnson

Chicago White Sox Draft picks signed: RHP Austin Evans (23), RHP Jamaal Hollis (33), RHP Ethan Icard (13), RHP Thomas Royse (3.5), C Michael Blanke (14), 1B Mike Schwartz (17), 3B Rangel Ravelo (6), SS Drew Lee (12), SS Ethan Wilson (25), OF Michael Earley (29), OF John Spatola (35) Released: SS Matt Harughty, SS Jesus Villegas Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Nevin Griffith, RHP Leroy Hunt, RHP Charlie Shirek, LHP Andrew Dobies Reinstated from DL: RHP Ricky Brooks, LHP Zach Piccola, C Adam Ricks

Cincinnati Reds Draft picks signed: RHP Tony Amezcua (7), RHP Pat Doyle (24), RHP El'Hajj Muhammad (49), RHP Daniel Wolford (14), LHP Stephen Hunt (15), LHP Matt Leonard (38), LHP Tanner Robles (9), C Chris Berset (20), C Will Harford (45), 1B Dominic D'Anna (31), 1B Jonathan Kaskow (41), 2B Brodie Greene (4), 3B Adam Muenster (29), 3B David Vidal (8), SS Devin Lohman (3), OF Ryan LaMarre (2), OF Robert Maddox (18), OF Kurtis Muller (22) Released: C Jacob Long Placed on restricted list: LHP Alexander Smit, OF Justin Reed Option transferred: LHP Bill Bray (high Class A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Derrik Lutz, OF Andrew Means Reinstated from DL: 3B Juan Francisco Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Kevin Coddington

Left-handed pitcher Smit has decided to retire from professional baseball. Following his latest start for the Double-A team of the Cincinnati Reds, where he allowed seven hits, seven runs and three walks in just 3 2/3 innings he informed the club about his intentions and returned to the Netherlands. Sporting a 1-5 record with an ERA of 9.14 in ten games (nine starts) this season, he probably was in danger of a release anyway. The 24-year-old had set a new European record, when he signed for a bonus of about $800,000 with the Minnesota Twins organization in 2002. Smit was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds in 2007 and eventually reached Double-A. In eight seasons affiliated ball, he had a 34-36 record with an ERA of 3.84 in 167 appearances (95 starts) on the mound. He struck out 660 batters in 603 innings, while walking 299. Smit has returned to the Netherlands according to Honkbalsite.com and should be available to play for the Dutch National Team during the Haarlem Baseball Week and the European Championship in Germany this July.

Reed, a Reds’ fourth-round selection in ’06, received a 50-game suspension for failing his second test for a drug of abuse.

Cleveland Indians Signed: RHP Alex Kaminsky (NDFA—Wright State) Draft picks signed: RHP Jordan Cooper (9), C Diego Seastrunk (14), 1B Chase Burnette (18), 2B Aaron Fields (42), OF Brian Heere (41) Recalled: C Carlos Santana Added to 40-man roster: 2B Anderson Hernandez Optioned to Triple-A: C Lou Marson Option transferred: RHP Shane Lindsay (high Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: 1B Beau Mills Reinstated from DL: RHP Carlton Smith

Carlos Santana homered in his final game for Triple-A Columbus, where he finished at .316/.447/.597 with 13 homers, 14 doubles and a 45-to-39 walk-to-strikeout ratio in 196 at-bats.

Colorado Rockies Draft picks signed: RHP Christian Bergman (24), RHP Chad Bettis (2), RHP Bruce Kern (23), RHP Josh Mueller (13), RHP Juan Perez (18), RHP John Reid (14), LHP Blake Keitzman (27), LHP Kenny Roberts (25), C Ryan Casteel (17), 1B Jordan Ballard (33), 1B Blake McDade (20), 1B Mark Tracy (22), 2B Brett Tanos (10), 3B Jayson Langfels (16), OF McKenzie Dickerson (8), OF Jared Simon (6) Optioned to Double-A: RHP Greg Reynolds Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Maikol Gonzalez Reinstated from DL: LHP Greg Smith, 1B Kiel Roling, SS Radames Nazario, OF Mike Mitchell Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Kurt Birkins, OF Chris Frey, OF Cole Garner Reinstated from inactive list: OF Chris Frey, OF Cole Garner

The No. 2 overall pick in the ’06 draft, Greg Reynolds has battled a series of shoulder and elbow injuries that limited him to only one game last season and to six so far this year. In three June starts for Double-A Tulsa, totaling 7 2/3 innings, he’s allowed nine runs on 12 hits, good for a 10.57 ERA. That number may stabilize as he recovers arm strength because his strikeout-to-walk ratio stands at 6-to-1.

Detroit Tigers Signed: OF Ben Johnson (Orange County (Golden)) Draft picks signed: LHP Kyle Ryan (12), LHP Shawn Teufel (25), C Tyson Kendrick (49), 2B Josh Ashenbrenner (18), 3B Pete Miller (40), 3B Matt Perry (41), SS Ryan Soares (36) Released: 2B Luis Palacios, OF Josh Workman Voluntarily retired: RHP Nolan Cain Recalled: 2B Danny Worth Added to 40-man roster: RHP Enrique Gonzalez Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brayan Villarreal, 1B Cesar Nicolas Reinstated from DL: RHP Nolan Cain

The Mets viewed Ben Johnson as the perfect complement to their lefty-leaning outfield when they traded for him following the ’06 season. The cost, Heath Bell, proved more than a little exorbitant. Johnson appeared in 62 games for the organization in ’07, but injuries waylaid him after that and he never was heard from again. He latched on with the independent Golden League’s Orange County franchise last August, but it was his exploits this spring (he batted .405/.550/.714 with four home runs in 12 games) that caught the Tigers’ attention.

Palacios signed out of Venezuela in 2006. In his fifth pro-season, he was hitting a poor .191/.255/.245 in 27 games at West Michigan (MWL/A).

Florida Marlins Signed: RHP Tom Mastny (Somerset (Atlantic)), RHP Scott Rembisz (NDFA—Florida International), LHP John Lambert (NDFA—North Carolina State) Draft picks signed: RHP Alan Oaks (8), RHP Jared Rogers (36), RHP Chris Squires (37), LHP Forrest Moore (38), LHP Zach Robertson (30), LHP Ken Toves (21), C Gregg Glime (24), 2B Dallas Poulk (19), SS Alfredo Lopez (20), SS Todd Muecklisch (26), OF Kentrell Dewitt (13), OF Ryan Fisher (15) Recalled: RHP Rick VandenHurk Added to 40-man roster: OF Mike Stanton Removed from 40-man: 3B Mike Lamb (Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Rick VandenHurk Placed on 7-day DL: OF Chad Cregar, OF Kevin Mattison, OF John Raynor Reinstated from DL: OF John Raynor

The Marlins turned to Tom Mastny in their search for relievers, signing the former Indian out of the Atlantic League. Mastny, 29, posted a 6.13 ERA in 94 innings with Cleveland from 2006-08.

Houston Astros Signed: RHP Brad Thompson, SS Jonathan Merritt (NDFA—Alabama-Birmingham), OF Lee Cruz (Yuma (Golden)) Draft picks signed: RHP Jake Buchanan (8), RHP Ryan Cole (34), RHP Jamaine Cotton (15), RHP Bobby Doran (4), RHP Michael Ness (33), RHP Andrew Robinson (12), RHP Brian Streilein (37), LHP Adam Champion (24), LHP Jeremiah Meiners (40), LHP Tommy Shirley (9), LHP Alex Sogard (25), C Ben Heath (5), C Roberto Pena (7), C Chris Wallace (16), 3B Tyler Burnett (17), 3B Mike Kvasnicka (1.5), 3B Kyle Redinger (11), SS Jacke Healey (27), OF Daniel Adamson (20), OF Adam Bailey (23), OF Bryce Lane (41), OF Josh Magee (18), OF Jordan Scott (14) Released: SS Ricardo Bonfante, OF Josh Flores Placed on 7-day DL: 1B Chris Shelton, SS Edwin Maysonet Reinstated from DL: 2B Drew Meyer

Cruz was a 10th round pick by the White Sox back in 2006. Cut by Chicago last May while in AA, he signed with Yuma. The Astros assigned him to Lancaster (CL/A Ad.) where Cruz hit .400/.432/.714 with 4 HR & 20 RBI in 17 games, prompting Houston to promote him to Round Rock (AAA).

Kansas City Royals Signed: RHP Tyler Gatrell (NDFA—Marshall), RHP Justin Mazur (NDFA—Wayne State (Mich.)), RHP Nick Rogers (NDFA—North Carolina A&T), LHP Kyle Kriech (NDFA—Jacksonville), LHP James Martin (NDFA—Memphis), LHP Jordan Roualdes (NDFA—Nebraska), C Seth Furmanek (NDFA—Oral Roberts), 2B Justin Figueroa (NDFA—Tampa) Draft picks signed: RHP Chad Blauer (30), RHP Charles Byrne (16), RHP Eric Cantrell (7), RHP Jonathan Dooley (26), RHP Mike Giovenco (14), RHP Nick Graffeo (38), RHP Tyler Graham (22), RHP Daniel Hernandez (12), RHP Cole Lohden (33), RHP Michael Mariot (8), RHP Jason Mitchell (15), RHP Robbie Penny (37), RHP Alex Rivers (39), LHP Scott Alexander (6), C Dale Cornstubble (40), C Kevin David (19), C Ryan Jenkins (17), C Drew Robertson (46), 1B Murray Watts (28), SS Michael Liberto (21), SS Alex McClure (11), SS Tom Zebroski (45), OF Cameron Conner (20), OF Tim Ferguson (10), OF Jose Rodriguez (27), OF Darian Sandford (47) Released: RHP Mike Lehmann, 3B Jason Taylor, OF Chanse Cooper Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Mike Montgomery Reinstated from DL: LHP Mike Montgomery, OF Nick Van Stratten

The Royals forked over $762,500 to sign Jason Taylor as a second-round pick in ’06, only to release him four years later after a thoroughly underwhelming minor league career. His bat was supposed to be his meal ticket, but Taylor hit just .245/.352/.386 in 917 at-bats, distributed mostly among rookie ball and low Class A stops. He hit rock bottom with high Class A Wilmington this year, hitting .173/.218/.282 in 110 at-bats and drawing his release. But Taylor’s batting line tells only half the story. He missed the entire ’07 season while under suspension for an off-field issue. Then he garnered a “drug of abuse” suspension in ’09 that forced him to sit out of 50 games. The Pittsfield Colonials of the independent Can-Am League signed Taylor after his release from the Royals.

Los Angeles Angels Signed: RHP Daniel Cabrera, LHP Kris Marshall (NDFA—Southern Arkansas) Draft picks signed: RHP Eric Cendejas (33), RHP Bryant George (13), RHP Kevin Johnson (20), RHP Chance Mistric (42), LHP Carmine Giardina (15), LHP Aaron Meade (10), LHP Dakota Robinson (26), LHP John Wiedenbauer (50), C Drew Beuerlein (32), C Drew Oldfield (40), 1B Jerod Yakubik (34), 2B Steven Irvine (30), OF Ryan Bolden (1.5), OF Gary Mitchell (21), OF Ryan Rivers (35), OF Mike Turner (44) Released: LHP Jayson Miller Recalled: RHP Rafael Rodriguez Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Rafael Rodriguez Placed on 7-day DL: SS Adam Younger Reinstated from DL: RHP Tommy Mendoza, OF Julio Perez

Jayson Miller, a 30th round pick in 2008, was the Pioneer League Player of the Year that season pitching for Orem: 8-2 2.33 ERA in 15 games (13 starts) with only 7 BB in 81 IP. He couldn’t duplicate that success moving up the ladder. The left-hander was 0-4 6.42 ERA in 12 games (7 starts) at AA level this season.

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: RHP Kiko Calero, RHP Claudio Vargas, C Angelo Ponte (NDFA—Fordham) Draft picks signed: RHP Bret Montgomery (46), RHP Red Patterson (29), LHP Alex McRee (14), LHP Andrew Pevsner (16), C Steve Domecus (9), C B.J. LaRosa (23), 3B Jesse Bosnik (13), SS Jake Lemmerman (5), OF Mike Drowne (28) Released: RHP Marcel Prado, OF Taiwan Perry Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jon Link Option transferred: LHP Brent Leach (Triple-A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Jordan Roberts, 1B John Lindsey, OF Lenell McGee Reinstated from DL: RHP Matt Sartor Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Scott Elbert

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: RHP Marty McLeary, C Gerald Ogrinc (NDFA—Wright State) Draft picks signed: RHP Ryan Bernal (23), RHP Dan Britt (29), RHP Seth Harvey (37), RHP Alex Jones (27), RHP Austin Ross (8), RHP Michael Schaub (38), RHP Tyler Thornburg (3), LHP Dane Amedee (28), LHP Marques Kyles (48), C Kevin Berard (22), C Mike Melillo (31), 1B Hunter Morris (4), 1B Jason Rogers (32), 3B Greg Hopkins (24), 3B Mike Walker (14), SS Nick Shaw (25), SS Shea Vucinich (20), OF Kenny Allison (39), OF John Bivens (12), OF Johnny Dishon (42), OF T.J. Mittelstaedt (44) Released: OF Josh Anderson Added to 40-man roster: RHP Chris Smith Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Damon Krestalude, RHP Mike McClendon, RHP Adrian Rosario, LHP Kristian Bueno, OF Drew Anderson Reinstated from DL: RHP Evan Anundsen, SS Ray Olmedo, OF Scott Krieger Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Sam Narron

Minnesota Twins Signed: 1B Gunner Glad (NDFA—Kentucky) Draft picks signed: RHP Kyle Necke (34), LHP Brett Carroll (42), LHP Bart Carter (39), LHP David Deminsky (44), LHP Ryan O'Rourke (13), LHP Justin Parker (33), LHP Sam Spangler (41), C Kyle Knudson (9), 3B Brian Burke (29), SS Jamaal Hawkins (28), SS Andy Leer (25), OF Brandon Henderson (27), OF Eddie Rosario (4) Recalled: SS Trevor Plouffe Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Tom Stuifbergen, 3B Luke Hughes, OF Rene Tosoni Reinstated from DL: 2B Derek McCallum

New York Mets Draft picks signed: RHP Hunter Carnevale (33), RHP Jacob deGrom (9), RHP Bret Mitchell (12), LHP Josh Edgin (30), LHP Adam Kolarek (11), 2B J.B. Brown (14), 2B Justin Schafer (34), 3B Brian Harrison (13), OF Tillman Pugh (15), OF Cory Vaughn (4) Added to 40-man roster: OF Jesus Feliciano Option transferred: OF Fernando Martinez (high Class A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Hector Pellot, 3B Mike Hessman, OF Carlos Guzman

Feliciano made his MLB debut in his 14th pro season! The Puerto-Rican was a 36th round pick by the Dodgers in 1997. He played in the Dodgers, Devil Rays (parts of 2 seasons), Nationals (2), Mexican League (1), Mets (4) organizations. The left-handed hitter was a 2010 Carribean Series All-Star and was hitting .385/.426/.481 at Buffalo (AAA) this season, his fourth consecutive with a AAA Mets affiliate.

New York Yankees Draft picks signed: RHP Preston Claiborne (17), RHP Nathan Forer (46), RHP Mike Gipson (31), RHP Conor Mullee (24), RHP Will Oliver (35), RHP Zach Varce (11), RHP Chase Whitley (15), LHP Trevor Johnson (22), LHP Freddy Lewis (47), C Nick McCoy (36), 1B Kyle Roller (8), OF Shane Brown (23), OF Mike Ferraro (20) Recalled: OF Chad Huffman Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Dan Kapala, RHP Adam Warren, C P.J. Pilittere Reinstated from DL: RHP Dellin Betances, RHP Zach McAllister, 3B Kevin Smith Reinstated from inactive list: RHP J.B. Cox

J.B. Cox, the club’s second-round pick from Texas in ’05, returned to the fold with high Class A Tampa after mulling retirement this spring.

Oakland Athletics Draft picks signed: RHP Andrew Bailey (35), RHP Logan Chitwood (19), RHP Seth Frankoff (27), RHP A.J. Griffin (13), RHP Aaron Larsen (34), RHP Jose Macias (18), RHP J.C. Menna (14), RHP Sean Murphy (33), RHP Matt Thomson (12), RHP Zach Thornton (23), RHP Drew Tyson (17), RHP Tyler Vail (5), LHP Jake Brown (26), LHP Jeff Urlaub (30), C Ryan Lipkin (24), C Daniel Petitti (37), 1B A.J. Kirby-Jones (9), 2B Mike Fabiaschi (38), 3B Tony Thompson (6), 3B Josh Whitaker (25), SS Wade Kirkland (11), OF Zach Hurley (29), OF Rashad Ramsey (20) Recalled: C Landon Powell, OF Matt Carson Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Henry Rodriguez Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brett Hunter, RHP Jason Ray, RHP Dan Sattler, LHP Derrick Gordon, C Dusty Napoleon Reinstated from DL: RHP Mike Benacka, RHP Neil Wagner Reinstated from inactive list: 2B Adrian Cardenas

Philadelphia Phillies Draft picks signed: RHP Perci Garner (2), RHP Matt Hutchison (25), RHP Tyler Knigge (12), RHP Eric Pettis (35), RHP Marshall Schuler (37), LHP Jesse Biddle (1), LHP Mario Hollands (10), C Jim Klocke (31), C Chace Numata (14), C Bob Stumpo (33), 1B Jeff Cusick (18), 1B Pat Murray (34), OF Chris Duffy (26) Released: RHP Zack Sterner, 3B Brandon Pinckney Placed on 7-day DL: C Paul Hoover, SS Jeremy Barnes Reinstated from DL: C Kevin Nelson, OF Tyson Gillies

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: SS Kevin Mort (NDFA—Mississippi) Draft picks signed: RHP Kevin Decker (39), OF Justin Bencsko (20) Placed on restricted list: SS Ty Summerlin Recalled: RHP Brad Lincoln, OF Jose Tabata Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Jeff Clement Placed on 7-day DL: SS Brian Friday Reinstated from DL: C Milver Reyes

St. Louis Cardinals Draft picks signed: SS Packy Elkins (37), OF Anthony Bryant (16) Recalled: RHP Fernando Salas Removed from 40-man: LHP Tyler Norrick (high Class A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Adam Ottavino, RHP P.J. Walters Reinstated from DL: OF Paul Henley

San Diego Padres Draft picks signed: RHP Matt Branham (27), RHP Xavier Esquivel (34), RHP Rob Gariano (36), RHP Daniel Ottone (33), RHP Robert Sabo (44), RHP Adam Schrader (39), LHP Noah Mull (38), C Justin

Echevarria (40), C Rocky Gale (24), 1B Wes Cunningham (17), 2B Tyler Stubblefield (22), SS Paul Bingham (20), SS Cole Tyrell (42), OF Daniel Meeley (18), OF Houston Slemp (10), OF Gunnar Terhune (50) Loaned to Mexican League: C Ali Solis Recalled: OF Aaron Cunningham Option transferred: LHP Aaron Poreda (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Stiven Osuna, 3B Jonathan Alia Reinstated from DL: RHP Radhames Liz, LHP Jeff Ibarra, 3B James Darnell

San Francisco Giants Recalled: RHP Joe Martinez Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Jake Stevens, C Guillermo Rodriguez, C Hector Sanchez Reinstated from DL: RHP Devan Kline, LHP Joe Paterson, OF Roger Kieschnick, OF Francisco Peguero

Seattle Mariners Signed: RHP Scott Patterson (Lancaster (Atlantic)), C Jimmy Jacquot (NDFA—Cincinnati), OF Eddy Martinez-Esteve Draft picks signed: RHP Mike Aviles (42), RHP Matthew Bischoff (20), RHP Tim Boyce (44), RHP Tim Griffin (28), RHP Willy Kesler (18), RHP Stephen Pryor (5), RHP Forrest Snow (36), LHP Ryan Kiel (37), LHP Nate Reed (40), LHP Tyler Whitney (34), C Andrew Giobbi (32), 1B Ethan Paquette (35), 2B Patrick Brady (48), 3B Matt Browning (43), SS Danny Lopez (17), SS Derek Poppert (30), SS Jake Schlander (31), OF Robbie Anston (26), OF Frankie Christian (19), OF James Wood (47) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Josh Fields, 3B Mario Martinez Reinstated from DL: LHP Nick Hill Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Jose Yepez

Cut by the Red Sox in spring training, Scott Patterson resumed his independent league career where he left off in ’05—with Lancaster of the Atlantic League. Five years ago, he caught the Yankees’ attention with a dominating turn as closer (23 innings, 13 hits, 31 strikeouts) for the Barnstormers. This time, the Mariners took note of his 18-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 16 relief innings.

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: RHP Garret Carruth (NDFA—Texas State), C Kyle Holloway (NDFA—Lynn (Fla.)), 1B Ryan McCrann (NDFA—Fordham) Draft picks signed: RHP Wade Broyles (40), RHP Nate Garcia (16), RHP Austin Hubbard (14), RHP Mickey Jannis (44), LHP Robert Dickmann (36), LHP Adam Liberatore (21), LHP Chris Rearick (41), LHP Matt Spann (25), C Justin O'Conner (1), 1B Steve Tinoco (34), 2B Craige Lyerly (19), 2B Robby Price (13), 3B Derek Dietrich (2.5), 3B Nick Schwaner (30), OF Bryan Fogle (32), OF Kevin Kiermaier (31), OF Chris Winder (27) Released: C Travis Simas Recalled: OF Justin Ruggiano Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Jason Cromer, C Matt Spring, 2B Elliot Johnson Reinstated from DL: 2B Joe Dillon

Texas Rangers Draft picks signed: RHP Colby Killian (41), RHP Zach Osborne (9), RHP Ryan Rodebaugh (15), RHP Ben Rowen (22), RHP Joe Van Meter (21), LHP Justin Earls (31), LHP Chris Hanna (11), LHP Matt Hill (33), C Kellin Deglan (1), C Johnathon Moore (45), 1B Andrew Clark (13), SS Jared Hoying (10), SS Kevin Rodland (34), SS Jonathan Roof (8), OF Jordan Akins (3), OF Jason Kudlock (36), OF Jake Skole (1), OF Ryan Strausborger (16) Recalled: RHP Alexi Ogando Option transferred: RHP Warner Madrigal (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Omar Beltre, RHP Wilfredo Boscan, RHP Brandon McCarthy Reinstated from DL: RHP Tanner Scheppers, LHP Tim Murphy, LHP Martin Perez

Alexi Ogando made short work of the minors this season after finally being allowed to pitch in the U.S. Denied a work visa for his part in a human trafficking ring, he had been exiled to his native Dominican Republic for the past five seasons, where he participated in the DSL and in that nation’s winter league. In 18 games for Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, the 26-year-old Ogando registered 12.3 strikeouts and 3.2 walks per nine innings. He allowed only one home run in 31 innings.

Toronto Blue Jays Draft picks signed: RHP Dan Barnes (35), RHP Brandon Berl (40), RHP Drew Permison (42), RHP Tyler Powell (34), RHP Aaron Sanchez (1.5), RHP Noah Syndergaard (1.5), 2B Matt Abraham (49), 2B Steve McQuail (30), 3B Chris Hawkins (3), OF Marcus Knecht (3.5), OF Ronnie Melendez (24) Released: RHP Marty McLeary Added to 40-man roster: OF Dewayne Wise Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Rommie Lewis Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Vince Bongiovanni, RHP Ross Buckwalter, RHP Scott Gracey, RHP Kenny Rodriguez, LHP Brad Mills, 2B Justin McClanahan Reinstated from DL: RHP Bobby Bell, LHP Evan Crawford, LHP Dan DeLucia, LHP Ryan Page

Washington Nationals Signed: RHP Michael Gallo (NDFA—Milligan (Tenn.)), RHP Ben Graham (NDFA—Emporia (Kan.)), SS Mills Rogers (NDFA—Carson-Newman (Tenn.)), OF Jason Botts (Camden (Atlantic)) Draft picks signed: RHP Mark Herrera (16), RHP Neil Holland (11), RHP Chris McKenzie (13), RHP Cameron Selik (22), LHP Chris Manno (26), LHP Christian Meza (25), C David Freitas (15), 1B Tyler Oliver (35), SS Blake Kelso (10), SS Jason Martinson (5), OF Rashad Hatcher (49), OF Wade Moore (19), OF Chad Mozingo (20) Recalled: RHP Stephen Strasburg Removed from 40-man: C Jamie Burke (Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Pat Lehman, RHP A.J. Morris Reinstated from DL: C Brian Peacock

June 2-7 Arizona Diamondbacks Released: LHP Keny Sosa, C Jorge Corniel Placed on suspended list: RHP Billy Spottiswood, C Chris Davis Placed on 7-day DL: C Sean Coughlin Reinstated from DL: 2B Gerson Montilla

Atlanta Braves Released: C Daniel Elorriaga-Matra, 1B Gerardo Avila, 2B Elys Blanco Recalled: RHP Craig Kimbrel Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brett Butts, RHP Ty'Relle Harris, OF Willie Cabrera Reinstated from DL: RHP Mike Broadway, OF Concepcion Rodriguez

Avila spent seven seasons in the Mariners organization (peak level A Adv.) and hit 13 HR with 54 RBI for Everett (Northwest/A-), as a 23-year-old against younger competition last season, before becoming a minor league free agent. At the time of his release, he was hitting .230/.308/.421 with decent power (7 HR in 41 G) at Myrtle Beach (CL/A Adv.).

Baltimore Orioles Option transferred: LHP Pedro Viola (Triple-A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: SS Mychal Givens, OF Joey Gathright Reinstated from DL: 1B Michael Aubrey

Boston Red Sox Recalled: OF Josh Reddick Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Scott Atchison Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Kyle Weiland, RHP Alex Wilson, SS Jose Iglesias, OF David Mailman Reinstated from DL: RHP Randor Bierd, RHP Stephen Fife, RHP Ryan Pressly, C Michael Thomas

Iglesias and Weiland landed on the Double-A Portland DL with, respectively, a bruised hand suffered after being hit by a pitch and a bruised finger on his left hand.

Chicago Cubs Placed on 7-day DL: C Mark Johnson Reinstated from DL: C Robinson Chirinos

Chicago White Sox Signed: 3B Fernando Cortez (Newark (Atlantic)) Released: 3B Jeff Hulett, SS Justin Fuller Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Zach Piccola, C Adam Ricks Reinstated from DL: 2B Drew Garcia, OF Kenny Williams Jr.

Cortez was signed to his second go-around with the White Sox organization. The utilityman last played in the majors in 2007 as a member of the Royals, and has a .665 OPS in 3948 career plate appearances in the minor leagues.

The White Sox acquired Fuller from the Dodgers last Aug. 31 for the final month of Jim Thome's contract. He was hitting a poor .188/.283/.238 for Birmingham (SL/AA).

Cincinnati Reds Option transferred: LHP Bill Bray (Triple-A to Double-A to high Class A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Doug Salinas Reinstated from DL: LHP Bill Bray, 1B Chris Richburg

Bray returns from Tommy John surgery he had last May.

Cleveland Indians Released: 1B Josh Phelps Added to 40-man roster: RHP Frank Herrmann Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Matt LaPorta Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Carlton Smith

Herrmann (26), a NDFA in 2005, allowed just one run pitching for Triple-A Columbus in 19 relief appearances. In 28 2/3 innings, he struck out 22, walked eight and allowed 15 hits. He made a successful big league debut: is unscored upon in three outings, in which he's struck out three and allowed only one hit in 3 2/3 innings.

Colorado Rockies Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Esmil Rogers Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Greg Smith, 1B Kiel Roling, OF Kent Matthes, OF Brian Rike Reinstated from DL: 1B Mike Zuanich, 2B Omar Quintanilla Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Chris Frey

Detroit Tigers Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Billy Buckner Option transferred: OF Wilkin Ramirez (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: C Max St. Pierre Reinstated from DL: 1B Jeff Larish, SS Brandon Douglas, OF Josh Workman

Detroit acquired Buckner in their trade of Dontrelle Willis, who had been designated for assignment, to the Diamondbacks.

Florida Marlins Signed: OF Jose Duarte (Pittsfield (Can-Am)) Released: RHP Benito Beato, LHP Brett Bukvich, OF Jason Lane, OF Austin Markel, OF Jeff Pruitt Recalled: 2B Emilio Bonifacio Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Tim Wood, OF Brett Carroll Option transferred: RHP Jose Ceda (Double-A to low Class A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brad Stone, LHP Hunter Jones Reinstated from DL: RHP Jose Ceda, 2B Emilio Bonifacio, OF John Raynor, OF Brandon Tripp Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Kris Harvey Reinstated from inactive list: SS Gookie Dawkins

Prior to his two recent appearances for low Class A Greensboro, Ceda had last pitched in the minors for Double-A Tennessee on Aug. 25, 2008. Technically, he faced two batters with Escogido of the Dominican League in October ’08, walking them both and also throwing a wild pitch. A lot changed in the year and a half between appearances. In November ’08, the Cubs traded Ceda to the Marlins to acquire Kevin Gregg, and while Gregg wasn't exactly nails as Chicago's closer, Ceda endured hardships of his own. He accidentally shot his best friend in the Dominican in ’08 and then missed the entire ’09 season after having shoulder surgery. If he's right, he can be a dominating relief presence.

Best known for his time with Houston from 2002 to 2007, Jason Lane's finest year came in 2005 when he hit 26 homers and posted an .815 OPS in 561 plate appearances for the Astros. He last appeared in the majors in 2007 with San Diego.

Houston Astros Acquired: RHP Jailen Peguero from Rangers for future considerations Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Evan Englebrook Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Tanner Bushue, RHP Danny Meszaros, RHP Matt Nevarez Reinstated from DL: RHP Brandt Walker, SS Edwin Maysonet

Kansas City Royals Granted free agency: RHP Brad Thompson Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Brad Thompson Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jorge Campillo, C Manny Pina

Los Angeles Angels Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Ryan Aldridge Reinstated from DL: RHP Rich Thompson

Los Angeles Dodgers Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: IF Nick Green Granted free agency: IF Nick Green Released: LHP John Koronka Recalled: RHP Jon Link Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Travis Schlichting Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Javy Guerra, C Tony Delmonico, C Fumimasa Ishibashi Reinstated from DL: RHP Jordan Pratt, C Fumimasa Ishibashi, 3B Russ Mitchell Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Cole St. Clair Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Cole St. Clair

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: RHP Brian Bruney, LHP Sam Narron (Camden (Atlantic)), C Dayton Buller (Camden (Atlantic)) Released: 1B Chris Errecart Optioned to Triple-A: 3B Mat Gamel Option transferred: RHP Mark Rogers (Triple-A to Double-A) and C Angel Salome (Triple-A to Double-A

to high Class A) Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: OF Adam Stern Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Alex Periard, C Michael Roberts, SS Ray Olmedo, OF Scott Krieger Reinstated from DL: RHP Amaury Rivas, 3B Steffan Wilson, OF Brendan Katin

Selected by the Brewers in the 5th Round 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Errecart (25) was hitting .226/.261/.413 at Huntsville (SL/AA). The switch-hitter was a Southern League mid-season All-Star back in 2008, when he hit 15 HR for Huntsville.

Minnesota Twins Recalled: 3B Danny Valencia Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Pat Neshek Option transferred: RHP Deolis Guerra (Triple-A to Double-A) Reinstated from DL: C Danny Lehmann, 3B Luke Hughes

A 19th-round pick in the 2006 June Draft, Valencia (25) entered the season as the 6th best Twins prospect according to Baseball America. He hit a solid .285/.337/.466 with 38 doubles, 14 HR and 70 RBI in 128 games between AA & AAA last season. The right-handed hitter was hitting a good .292 in 48 games at Rochester (Int’l/AAA) when called up.

New York Mets Signed: C Salomon Manriquez (Lancaster (Atlantic)) Recalled: C Omir Santos, SS Ruben Tejada Optioned to Double-A: C Omir Santos Option transferred: OF Fernando Martinez (Triple-A to high Class A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Edgar Ramirez, OF Daniel Murphy Reinstated from DL: OF Lucas Duda, OF Fernando Martinez

Daniel Murphy returned to action on May 21. Less than two weeks later, with Triple-A Buffalo, he sustained a season-ending knee injury while playing second base for just the second time this season. Murphy will not have surgery, but he'll require four to six months to recover from a high-grade tear of the medial cruciate ligament in his right knee.

New York Yankees Released: OF Jon Weber Voluntarily retired: 1B Neall French Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Juan Miranda Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jairo Heredia, RHP Zach McAllister, RHP Ben Watkins, C Neil Medchill, OF Rudy Guillen Reinstated from DL: SS Walter Ibarra

A nondrafted free agent originally signed by the Reds in 1999, Weber is 32 and has had several career highlights. They include playing on the 2005 Minor League Team of the Year, the Jacksonville Suns, whose roster included Matt Kemp, Russell Martin, James Loney, Chad Billingsley and Jonathan Broxton, among others. He has spent parts of the last five seasons in Triple-A, winning a Triple-A National Championship with Durham last year, and also won a gold medal with USA Baseball in the 2009 World Cup. His highlight in 2010 was a hit off Stephen Strasburg on May 29, Strasburg's only Triple-A loss.

Oakland Athletics Released: RHP Matt Fitts, RHP Hector Garcia, 1B Brett Harper, 2B Yung Chi Chen, OF Franklin Hernandez Voluntarily retired: RHP Chad Lee Recalled: RHP Henry Rodriguez, LHP Cedrick Bowers Optioned to Triple-A: C Landon Powell, 3B Adam Heether Option transferred: RHP Justin Souza (Triple-A to Double-A)

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Justin Friend, RHP Neil Wagner, C Yusuf Carter Reinstated from DL: RHP Matt Fitts, RHP Hector Garcia, RHP Michael Madsen, C Dusty Napoleon, 3B Dallas McPherson Placed on temporarily inactive list: 2B Adrian Cardenas Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Kyle Middleton, RHP Justin Souza

Signed by Seattle in 2004, the Taiwanese Chen (26), in his 7th pro season, was dealt to Oakland before the 2009 season. Played the Futures Game in 2006. He was hitting .168/.218/.257 at Midland (TL/AA).

The A's claimed Adam Heether on waivers from the Brewers.

Philadelphia Phillies Signed: OF Willy Taveras Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Nelson Figueroa Placed on 7-day DL: RHP B.J. Rosenberg, RHP Ehren Wassermann Reinstated from DL: RHP Jon Pettibone

Pittsburgh Pirates Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Steven Jackson, LHP Brian Burres Option transferred: RHP Ramon Aguero (Double-A to high Class A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Steven Jackson, 2B Brock Holt, SS Jose de los Santos Reinstated from DL: RHP Ramon Aguero, SS Greg Picart

St. Louis Cardinals Released: RHP Jose Calero, RHP Luis Orozco, RHP Alejandro Pinard, RHP Michael Thompson, LHP John Durham, LHP Kyle Heim, 1B Roberto Perez, 2B Gerardo Mambell Optioned to Triple-A: OF Jon Jay Loaned to Mexican League: OF Amaury Cazana Marti Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Kyle Mura, 1B Andrew Brown, SS Luis Mateo, OF D'Marcus Ingram Reinstated from DL: RHP Chuck Fick, RHP Francisco Samuel

This marks the fourth consecutive season in which the Cardinals have loaned Cazana Marti, who is a native of Cuba, to the Mexican League. This time he heads to Minatitlan. The 35-year-old corner outfielder established residency in Miami for the ’06 draft, when St. Louis made him an 18th-round selection. Cazana Marti has fared well in Mexico, compiling OPS figures of .963, 1.110 and 1.016 in regular play during in the three previous seasons.

San Diego Padres Placed on 7-day DL: SS Beamer Weems, OF Kellen Kulbacki Optioned to Triple-A: C Dusty Ryan, OF Luis Durango

San Francisco Giants Released: OF Eddy Martinez-Esteve Added to 40-man roster: OF Pat Burrell Optioned to Triple-A: OF John Bowker Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Brandon Medders Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Devan Kline, RHP Kevin Pucetas, LHP Joe Paterson, 1B Andy D'Alessio Reinstated from DL: 1B Michael Ambort, 2B Skyler Stromsmoe Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Henry Sosa

Eddy Martinez-Esteve was the Giants' top pick in the ’04 draft (a second-rounder out of Florida State). Shoulder woes and other nagging injuries kept Martinez-Esteve from developing.

Seattle Mariners Signed: RHP Jarrett Grube (Southern Maryland (Atlantic)), LHP Billy Traber Released: RHP Pat Bresnehan, C Travis Scott Added to 40-man roster: RHP Chad Cordero Recalled: LHP Luke French, 1B Mike Carp Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Tyler Blandford, OF Maximo Mendez Reinstated from DL: RHP Pat Bresnehan Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Wes Littleton

Tampa Bay Rays Released: C Ian Paxton Option transferred: OF Leslie Anderson (high Class A to Double-A)

Texas Rangers Traded: RHP Jailen Peguero to Astros for future considerations Placed on suspended list: RHP Andrew Doyle Recalled: RHP Tommy Hunter Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Pedro Strop Optioned to Double-A: RHP Warner Madrigal Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jake Brigham, RHP Tanner Scheppers, LHP Martin Perez Reinstated from DL: RHP Geoff Geary, RHP Brandon McCarthy, RHP Michael Schlact, RHP Tyler Tufts, 3B Johnny Whittleman Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Danny Gutierrez

Pitching prospect injury updates: Scheppers reportedly has a mild hamstring strain, while Perez contends with a cracked fingernail.

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: OF Dewayne Wise Voluntarily retired: 2B Raul Barron Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Dustin Antolin, RHP Randy Boone, LHP Evan Crawford, C Kyle Phillips Reinstated from DL: RHP Adrian Martin, RHP Brian Slover, SS Kevin Nolan

Washington Nationals Added to 40-man roster: C Jamie Burke Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Craig Stammen Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brad Meyers, RHP Dean Weaver Reinstated from DL: 3B Adam Fox Placed on temporarily inactive list: 1B Josh Whitesell Reinstated from inactive list: C Sandy Leon

May 26-June 1

Arizona Diamondbacks Signed: OF Byron Wiley Reinstated from DL: RHP Ryan Cook, C Errol Hollinger, 1B Brandon Allen, OF Dan Kaczrowski

Atlanta Braves Signed: OF Antoan Richardson (Schaumburg (Northern)) Released: 3B Shayne Moody Reinstated from DL: 3B Shayne Moody

Richardson attended spring training with the Braves but didn't make the final cut. He signed on with Schaumburg, where he appeared in four games, going 6-for-16 (.375) with a double and a pair of walks. Richardson is the rare player to be drafted four times—once out of high school in ’01, once out of junior

college the next year (both times by the Orioles) and then twice out of Vanderbilt in ’04 and ’05 by the D'backs and Giants. The Bahamas native was assigned to Mississipi (SL/AA).

Baltimore Orioles Recalled: RHP Jim Johnson, RHP Chris Tillman Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Cla Meredith Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Randy Henry Reinstated from DL: RHP Jim Johnson, SS Greg Miclat Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Brian Parker, OF Nolan Reimold

Boston Red Sox Traded: OF Jonathan Van Every to Pirates for C Josue Peley Recalled: RHP Scott Atchison Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Scott Atchison Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: OF Jonathan Van Every Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Stephen Fife, RHP Ryan Pressly, C Michael Thomas, 2B Ryan Khoury Reinstated from DL: RHP Miguel Gonzalez, RHP Pete Ruiz, 2B Ryan Khoury

Chicago Cubs Added to 40-man roster: RHP Andrew Cashner Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jeff Gray, RHP Jon Nagel, LHP Ryan Buchter Reinstated from DL: C Welington Castillo, OF Brandon Guyer

The 19th overall pick of the 2008 Draft, Cashner (23) was 6-1 2.05 ERA in 11 games (9 starts) between AA & AAA (57 IP, 59 SO, 15 BB, 39 H). Baseball America ranked him the #4 prospect with the best fastball & slider in the Cubs system entering the season.

Chicago White Sox Released: RHP Scott Elarton, LHP Alan Embree, LHP Alex Farotto, LHP Joe Torres Recalled: SS Brent Lillibridge Option transferred: RHP Jhonny Nunez (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: OF Trayce Thompson Reinstated from DL: RHP Johnnie Lowe, RHP Charlie Shirek, LHP Erick Threets, C Adam Ricks Reinstated from inactive list: OF Miguel Negron

According to multiple online reports, Thompson will have surgery on his right thumb and could miss a month or more. The ’09 second-rounder has cooled off after a fast start and is batting .236/.283/.458 with six home runs in 144 at-bats for low Class A Kannapolis.

Cincinnati Reds Released: RHP Reinaldo Albino Recalled: RHP Enerio Del Rosario, RHP Sam LeCure, RHP Logan Ondrusek, 2B Drew Sutton Added to 40-man roster: C Corky Miller Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Enerio Del Rosario, RHP Carlos Fisher, 2B Drew Sutton

A Reds' fourth-round pick from Texas in ’05, LeCure (26) sported a 51-to-15 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 60 innings for Triple-A Louisville. He went 5-2, 2.55 in nine starts.

Cleveland Indians Recalled: RHP Jensen Lewis Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Aaron Laffey Optioned to high Class A: RHP Shane Lindsay Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Zach Putnam Reinstated from DL: 3B Lonnie Chisenhall

The Indians claimed Lindsay off waivers from the Yankees. N.Y. claimed the Australia native on May 14 when the Rockies designated him for assignment. Lindsay, 25, never did suit up for a New York farm club, however, because Cleveland made their own claim on June 1.

Colorado Rockies Signed: 2B Kazuo Matsui Released: C Paul Lo Duca, C Nick Valdez Placed on restricted list: 1B Bo Bowman Recalled: RHP Matt Daley

Added to 40-man roster: SS Jonathan Herrera Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Greg Smith, OF Dexter Fowler Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: C Paul Phillips Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Al Alburquerque, 1B Jeff Kindel Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Alan Johnson

The Venezuela native Herrera (25) was in his third straight year at Colorado Springs (PCL/AAA) where was hitting .286/.359/.339 in 45 G. The switch-hitter played 28 games with the Rockies in 2008 (.230/.277/.279). He is an above-average defender.

Detroit Tigers Released: 2B Mike Gosse Recalled: RHP Max Scherzer Optioned to Triple-A: 2B Danny Worth Reinstated from DL: RHP Ruddy Lugo Reinstated from inactive list: 3B Ronnie Bourquin

Florida Marlins Signed: OF Seth Fortenberry (Fort Worth (American Association)) Recalled: RHP Jay Buente, LHP Taylor Tankersley Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jorge Sosa, 3B Mike Lamb Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Burke Badenhop, OF Bryan Petersen Option transferred: RHP Kris Harvey (Double-A to high Class A) Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: LHP Dan Meyer Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Kyle Kaminska, RHP Jose Rosario, 2B Emilio Bonifacio, SS Ryan Klosterman, OF Lorenzo Scott Reinstated from DL: RHP Kris Harvey, RHP Scott Strickland, LHP Anillins Martinez, LHP Sean West, C Miguel Fermin, 3B Taylor Krick, OF Scott Cousins, OF Sequoyah Stonecipher Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Ryan Tucker Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Jose Rosario, RHP Ryan Tucker

The Yankees' 11th-round pick in ’06 from Auburn, Fortenberry tore up the American Association this spring after being released by New York. He batted .354/.475/.521 in 48 at-bats for Fort Worth.

Houston Astros Recalled: LHP Gustavo Chacin, LHP Wesley Wright Added to 40-man roster: RHP Casey Daigle Optioned to Triple-A: SS Oswaldo Navarro Designated for assignment: RHP Evan Englebrook Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Drew Meyer Reinstated from DL: RHP Shane Loux, RHP Gary Majewski Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Erick Abreu

Kansas City Royals Recalled: RHP Victor Marte Placed on 7-day DL: 3B Eddie Prasch, OF Nick Van Stratten Reinstated from DL: RHP Eric Basurto, LHP Ben Swaggerty, 3B Ed Lucas

Los Angeles Angels Recalled: 1B Robb Quinlan Placed on 7-day DL: SS Hainley Statia Reinstated from DL: 3B Michael Wing

Los Angeles Dodgers Released: RHP Cristian Gonzalez, RHP Amauri Guzman Recalled: RHP Travis Schlichting, LHP Scott Elbert Added to 40-man roster: RHP Justin Miller Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Scott Elbert, OF Xavier Paul Placed on 7-day DL: RHP James McDonald, RHP Matt Sartor, 1B Russ Mitchell Reinstated from DL: RHP Robert Boothe, RHP Javy Guerra, C Steven Lopez, SS Chin-lung Hu, OF Alfredo Silverio

In an interesting bit of symmetry, both players released by the Dodgers here entered the organization as international free agents in ’04 and converted from the outfield to the mound in ’08. Gonzalez and

Guzman, both natives of the Dominican Republic, each spent a year in the DSL before coming to the U.S. in ’09 to pitch in the Rookie-level Arizona League.

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: RHP Jeff Bennett, RHP Eduardo Morlan Recalled: OF Adam Stern Added to 40-man roster: RHP Kameron Loe, LHP Chris Capuano Option transferred: RHP Mark Rogers (Double-A to Triple-A) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Josh Butler, RHP Marco Estrada, OF Adam Stern Designated for assignment: OF Adam Stern Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Ruben Flores, RHP Amaury Rivas, LHP Casey Baron, C Ben Johnson Reinstated from DL: C Angel Salome, 3B Taylor Green

Minnesota Twins Recalled: 2B Matt Tolbert Placed on 7-day DL: C Alex Soto

New York Mets Released: LHP Eudy Batista Placed on restricted list: C Tony Maccani Reinstated from DL: RHP Stephen Clyne, LHP Eric Niesen, C Omir Santos, SS Jordany Valdespin Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Derrick Ellison

New York Yankees Placed on restricted list: RHP Amauri Sanit Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Boone Logan Designated for assignment: RHP Shane Lindsay Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brandon Braboy, RHP Paul Bush, 3B Kevin Smith Reinstated from DL: C Neall French, 1B Jorge Vazquez, OF Colin Curtis Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Craig Heyer Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Ramon Rodriguez, LHP Rony Bautista, SS Fernando Perez

Sanit tested positive for mephentermine, a performance-enhancing substance, and was suspended for 50 games.

Oakland Athletics Signed: LHP Paul Oseguera (Bridgeport (Atlantic)), LHP Jesus Sanchez (York (Atlantic)), OF Val Majewski (York (Atlantic)), OF Matt Watson (Lancaster (Atlantic)) Released: RHP Scott Moore, 1B Alcibiades Made Placed on restricted list: 1B Steve Kleen Recalled: C Landon Powell Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Cedrick Bowers Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Lenny DiNardo, LHP Brad Kilby, C Chris Affinito, 2B Steve Tolleson Reinstated from DL: RHP Chad Lee, RHP Scott Moore, LHP Lenny DiNardo, 2B Yung Chi Chen, 2B Kent Walton, OF Michael Taylor Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Kyle Middleton, RHP Justin Souza Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Marcus McBeth

The Giants cut Oseguera, an UCLA product, this spring, four years after making him a 16th-round pick in ’06.

Jesus Paulino Sanchez, a 35-year-old lefthander, last pitched in affiliated ball in ’04. From what we can tell, he pitched in Korea in ’05, in the Dominican League in ’07 and ’08 and then briefly in the independent United League and the Mexican Pacific League last year. We do know that he finished his previous stay as a Blue Jays farmhand in Triple-A. With York this spring, he went 4-1, 1.63 with 32 strikeouts in 39 innings.

Majewski, 28, saw brief action with the Orioles in ’04 but never seemed to get back on track after missing all of the ’05 season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He began with Camden in ’08, Newark in ’09 and York in ’10, sticking with Atlantic League clubs close to his New Jersey home, before signing with the Astros, Angels and now A's each spring.

Similarly, the 31-year-old Watson signed with Lancaster last July to be near his Pennsylvania home. Previously a member of the A's organization from ’04 through ’06, he has played internationally in Japan and Korea as part of a 12-year pro career.

Philadelphia Phillies Released: OF Dewayne Wise Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: C Paul Hoover Reinstated from DL: RHP Zack Sterner

Dewayne Wise exercised an opt-out clause in his minor league contract asking for release.

Pittsburgh Pirates Released: LHP Mike Felix, OF Edwin Roman Traded: C Josue Peley to Red Sox for OF Jonathan Van Every Added to 40-man roster: RHP Steven Jackson Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Diego Moreno Reinstated from DL: RHP Jimmy Barthmaier, RHP Daniel McCutchen, RHP Jeff Sues Reinstated from inactive list: 2B Jim Negrych

The Pirates burned a second-round pick, not to mention $725,000, on Felix in ’06. The lefty from Troy never reached Double-A and this season had walked 8.4 batters per nine innings with high Class A Bradenton. BA wrote in the ’07 Prospect Handbook that "except for the curveball, the rest of Felix's arsenal is nondescript" and that "he's inconsistent with his control and command, regressing after making progress at Troy this spring."

St. Louis Cardinals Recalled: RHP Adam Ottavino, OF Allen Craig Added to 40-man roster: RHP Fernando Salas, LHP Evan MacLane, 2B Aaron Miles Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Fernando Salas, LHP Evan MacLane, OF Allen Craig, OF Joe Mather Option transferred: LHP Tyler Norrick (Triple-A to high Class A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Scott Gorgen, RHP Eduardo Sanchez, C Roberto Espinoza, 1B Mark Hamilton, OF Devin Shepherd Reinstated from DL: RHP Kyle Mura, LHP Tyler Norrick, OF Chris Swauger, OF Michael Swinson Reinstated from inactive list: 1B Alan Ahmady, OF Tyler Bighames

Salas (25), in his third season with the Cardinals organization, had 11 saves and a 2.82 ERA in 23 games with Memphis (PCL/AAA). The right-hander struck-out 23 batters in 22.1 IP, with only 4 BB and 16 hits. Prior the 2008, he pitched in his native Mexico for Saltillo. Salas joins fellow countryman Jaime Garcia in St. Louis.

San Diego Padres Recalled: C Dusty Ryan, SS Lance Zawadzki Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Adam Russell Option transferred: LHP Steve Garrison (Double-A to high Class A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Radhames Liz Reinstated from DL: RHP Eric Gonzalez, LHP Steve Garrison, C Adam Zornes, 2B Logan Forsythe

San Francisco Giants Signed: OF Pat Burrell Placed on suspended list: RHP Henry Sosa Recalled: RHP Waldis Joaquin, C Buster Posey, 2B Matt Downs, 3B Ryan Rohlinger Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Waldis Joaquin, 2B Matt Downs Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Craig Clark, LHP Ari Ronick, 2B Nick Noonan, 2B Sharlon Schoop, OF Roger Kieschnick, OF Francisco Peguero Reinstated from DL: RHP Kevin Pucetas, LHP Clayton Tanner, C Nestor Rojas, C Joel Weeks, OF Eddy Martinez-Esteve

The Giants suspended Sosa for an undisclosed violation of team rules.

Seattle Mariners Released: 2B Ronnie Prettyman Recalled: RHP Sean White, LHP Garrett Olson Added to 40-man roster: C Eliezer Alfonzo Option transferred: LHP Ryan Feierabend (high Class A to Double-A to Triple-A) Designated for assignment: 3B Jack Hannahan Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: 3B Jack Hannahan Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Steven Shell, C Luis Oliveros, 3B Nate Tenbrink Transferred to 60-day DL: RHP Stephen Kahn, OF Jamie McOwen Reinstated from DL: RHP Tyler Blandford, RHP Dan Cortes, C Ralph Henriquez, 3B Ronnie Prettyman,

OF Maximo Mendez Reinstated from inactive list: OF Robert Rodriguez

Tampa Bay Rays Optioned to Triple-A: OF Matt Joyce Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Paul Phillips, 1B Eli Sonoqui, 2B Joe Dillon, OF Dustin Biell Reinstated from DL: RHP Matt Bush, LHP Jason Cromer

Texas Rangers Recalled: RHP Pedro Strop, OF Craig Gentry Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Guillermo Moscoso Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Tyler Tufts, LHP Tim Murphy Reinstated from DL: RHP Fabio Castillo, RHP Kennil Gomez

Toronto Blue Jays Released: RHP Ruben de la Rosa Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Josh Roenicke Optioned to Double-A: RHP Ronald Uviedo Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Adrian Martin, SS Jesus Merchan, OF Aaron Mathews Reinstated from DL: C Yan Gomes, C Matt Liuzza, 2B Justin McClanahan, SS Luis Sanchez

Toronto selected de la Rosa (23) from the Nationals in last December's minor league Rule 5 draft. He did not play for a Blue Jays affiliate. He was signed by the Nationals as a non-drafted free agent before the 2005 season and played four seasons in the Dominican Summer League (2005-08) and in the Gulf Coast League in 2009.

The Blue Jays acquired Uviedo from the Pirates in the trade in which they shipped out Dana Eveland, who had been designated for assignment.

Washington Nationals Signed: RHP Jason Jones (Pensacola (American Association)) Released: SS Eric Bruntlett Recalled: RHP J.D. Martin Optioned to Triple-A: OF Justin Maxwell Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Martin Beno, RHP Robinson Fabian, LHP Jack McGeary, C Brian Peacock, 2B Ofilio Castro, 3B Stephen King, 3B Luis Ordaz Reinstated from DL: RHP Collin Balester, C Derek Norris Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Sandy Leon Reinstated from inactive list: 3B Stephen King

May 19-25

Arizona Diamondbacks

Signed: RHP Luis Ayala Released: OF Pete Clifford

Recalled: 2B Ryan Roberts, OF Gerardo Parra Optioned to Triple-A: OF Cole Gillespie

Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Blaine Boyer Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Gerson Montilla, OF Dan Kaczrowski

Reinstated from DL: C Konrad Schmidt, 3B Andrew Fie

Atlanta Braves Signed: 1B Michael Jones, 2B Alejandro Machado, 2B Dan Nelson

Released: RHP Van Pope, C Benji Johnson Placed on restricted list: 2B Yoel Campusano, SS Amadeo Zazueta, OF Geraldo Rodriguez

Recalled: RHP Cristhian Martinez, OF Gregor Blanco Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Craig Kimbrel

Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP James Parr Placed on 7-day DL: RHP James Parr, OF Concepcion Rodriguez

Reinstated from DL: RHP Vladimir Nunez, C Chris Anderson

When MLB announced that three high Class A Myrtle Beach players had earned 50-game suspensions, the Braves had to scramble to find replacements. Campusano, Rodriguez and Zazueta each failed a drug test

for an amphetamine. Atlanta signed Jones and Nelson on May 21, the same day the Myrtle Beach Three were placed on the restricted list. Both immediately joined the Pelicans. Released by the Red Sox this

spring, Jones had signed to play with New Jersey of the independent Can-Am League, but their season has not yet begun. The Nationals released Nelson earlier this month after he had played 23 games in the

system.

Baltimore Orioles Recalled: LHP Alberto Castillo

Added to 40-man roster: RHP Frank Mata, 2B Scott Moore Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Alberto Castillo

Designated for assignment: 2B Justin Turner Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jake Cowan, 1B Michael Aubrey, SS Pedro Florimon, SS Greg Miclat, OF L.J.

Hoes Reinstated from DL: LHP Chris George, OF Danny Figueroa, OF Kieron Pope

Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Nolan Reimold

Mata spent his first nine pro seasons in the Twins organization, peaking at AA. Signed by the O’s in the

offseason as a minor league free agent, the Venezuelan pitched well at Norfolk (Int’l/AAA), recording 8 Sv and a 1.86 ERA in 18 games (19.1 IP, 14 SO, 8 BB, 14 H). The 26-year-old was summoned up when

Alfredo Simon was put on the DL.

Drafted as a shortstop, Moore had not played middle infield with any regularity since playing in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in ’02. That changed this season with Triple-A Norfolk, where Moore

accumulated 14 of his 17 career appearances at second base. He did well enough to earn a place on the Orioles' roster, while simultaneously pushing off Justin Turner. A lefthanded batter, Moore has a

composite batting line of .259/.341/.471 in 858 Triple-A at-bats.

Boston Red Sox Recalled: RHP Scott Atchison

Added to 40-man roster: RHP Joe Nelson, SS Angel Sanchez Optioned to Triple-A: SS Angel Sanchez

Option transferred: LHP Felix Doubront (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Pete Ruiz, OF Wilfred Pichardo

Reinstated from DL: LHP Drake Britton, 1B Chris McGuiness, SS Gil Velazquez

Doubront, 22, spent most of the ’09 season with Double-A Portland, so with his eight turns for the Sea

Dogs this season, he went an aggregate 12-6, 3.13 in the Eastern League. He struck out 7.6, walked 3.8 and allowed just 0.4 home runs per nine innings.

Chicago Cubs

Released: RHP Adam Spencer Recalled: RHP Jeff Stevens

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Justin Berg Designated for assignment: RHP David Patton

Outrighted to high Class A, removed from 40-man: RHP David Patton Placed on 7-day DL: C Welington Castillo, C Robinson Chirinos

Reinstated from DL: RHP David Patton, C Mark Johnson

Spencer (19) was signed by the Cubs out of Australia in 2009 and spent last season in the Arizona Rookie League pitching a poor 6.43 ERA in 12 games.

Chicago White Sox Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Charlie Shirek, C Adam Ricks

Reinstated from DL: RHP Brandon Hynick, RHP Clevelan Santeliz, C Logan Johnson

Cincinnati Reds Released: RHP Marcos Molina, OF Byron Wiley

Recalled: RHP Enerio Del Rosario Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Dallas Buck, 1B Chris Richburg, OF Sean Conner

Reinstated from DL: RHP James Avery, RHP Jared Burton, LHP Lee Tabor

Cleveland Indians

Signed: 1B Josh Phelps (Bridgeport (Atlantic)) Added to 40-man roster: OF Shelley Duncan

Option transferred: OF Nick Weglarz (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: 3B Lonnie Chisenhall

Reinstated from DL: RHP Connor Graham, OF Jordan Brown

Weglarz earned his promotion to Columbus by thumping Double-A pitchers. The 22-year-old batted .285/.387/.511 with seven homers and 27 RBIs for Akron but was off to a 1-for-15 (.067) start in Triple-

A.

Colorado Rockies Released: C Dayton Buller, 3B Kenny Perez

Recalled: C Chris Iannetta Reinstated from DL: SS Eider Torres

Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Alan Johnson

Detroit Tigers

Released: LHP Phil Dumatrait Recalled: OF Ryan Raburn

Optioned to Triple-A: OF Casper Wells Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Robbie Weinhardt, 1B Jeff Larish, 3B Bryan Pounds, OF Josh Workman

Reinstated from DL: RHP Lester Oliveros, OF Ryan Strieby Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Phil Dumatrait

Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Phil Dumatrait

The Tigers released Dumatrait, 28, so that he could sign with Korea's LG Twins. The hard-throwing Dumatrait sported a pedestrian 17-to-18 strikeout-to-walk ratio for Triple-A Toledo. But the lefty was

quite tough on same-siders, holding them to a .163/.241/.265 line in 49 at-bats, while issuing just two walks.

Florida Marlins

Released: C Robert Taylor, 1B Brent Weaver Placed on suspended list: RHP Jose Rosario, RHP Ryan Tucker

Recalled: RHP Tim Wood Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jon Fulton, OF Isaac Galloway, OF John Raynor, OF Brandon Tripp

Reinstated from DL: LHP Jeff Gogal, 1B Logan Morrison, SS Jose Torres, OF Kevin Mattison

Selected by the Marlins in the 25th round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, Taylor (24) was hitting a

light .208/.291/.250 at Jupiter (FSL/A Adv.).

Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest confirmed that Tucker had been suspended for insubordination.

Rosario garnered his suspension for a "violation of team policy."

Houston Astros Added to 40-man roster: SS Oswaldo Navarro

Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Gustavo Chacin Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Sammy Gervacio, RHP Gary Majewski, C J.R. Towles, OF Collin DeLome

Reinstated from DL: RHP Kyle Greenwalt, RHP Matt Nevarez, 2B Drew Meyer Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Erick Abreu

Reinstated from inactive list: C Jordan Comadena

Kansas City Royals

Signed: RHP Erlin Santos, C Alfredo Patino Released: LHP Kelvin Villa

Added to 40-man roster: 3B Wilson Betemit Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Bryan Bullington

Placed on 7-day DL: SS Ed Lucas Reinstated from DL: RHP Chris Hayes, 3B Jason Taylor

Reinstated from inactive list: OF Nick Francis

Los Angeles Angels Released: RHP Brian Rembisz

Recalled: RHP Francisco Rodriguez Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Bobby Cassevah

Placed on 7-day DL: OF Julio Perez Reinstated from DL: RHP Ysmael Carmona, 2B Ryan Mount

Los Angeles Dodgers

Signed: RHP Jon Huber, RHP Sung-Wei Tseng Released: RHP Harvey Garcia, RHP Vince Perkins, RHP Josh Towers

Placed on 7-day DL: SS Alfredo Amezaga, SS Chin-lung Hu Reinstated from DL: OF Brian Cavazos-Galvez

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: RHP Jeff Bennett

Placed on restricted list: SS Brent Brewer Added to 40-man roster: LHP Zach Braddock, C Jonathan Lucroy

Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Mitch Stetter, OF Adam Stern Placed on 7-day DL: C Angel Salome

Reinstated from DL: LHP Mike Ramlow, C Patrick Arlis, OF Lee Haydel Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Caleb Gindl

Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Jeremy Jeffress, C Angel Salome, OF Caleb Gindl

Selected by the Brewers in the 18th round of the 2005 Draft, Braddock, 22, in his fifth pro season, could be a real shot in the arm for the big league bullpen. He went unscored upon in 10 of 11 appearances for

Triple-A Nashville. Of course, in the 11th he allowed eight runs (and his lone home run) in two-thirds of an inning. Regardless, he's got everything you look for in a short reliever. With the Sounds, he struck out

28, walked nine and allowed just 10 hits over 16 innings. Since converting to relief full time in ’09, Braddock has struck out 90 in 56 1/3 innings—or 14.4 per nine innings. Baseball America ranked him the

7th best Brewers prospect entering the season with the best slider in the Milwaukee’ system.

A 3rd round pick in 2007, Lucroy (24) began the season at Huntsville (SL/AA) but was promoted to Nashville (PCL/AAA) soon. He hit a combined .311/.349/.418 in 31 games. He was promoted when Gregg

Zaug was put on the DL. The right-handed batter has a good plate discipline and was the 5th best prospect in the Brewers system entering 2010.

Minnesota Twins

Signed: LHP Chris Armstrong Placed on restricted list: OF Michael Harrington

Recalled: RHP Jeff Manship, SS Trevor Plouffe Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeff Manship, SS Trevor Plouffe

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Bruce Pugh, RHP Brad Tippett, RHP Ben Tootle, 2B Ramon Santana, 2B Drew Thompson, SS Paul Kelly

Reinstated from DL: RHP Brad Hennessey, RHP Tom Stuifbergen, RHP Anthony Swarzak, RHP Brad Tippett

Twins hitting coordinator Bill Springman recommended Armstrong, who had recently been released by the Angels, because he remembered him from their Oklahoma amateur days. Armstrong graduated from

Owasso High in ’06, at a time when Springman coached at rival Union High in Tulsa.

Harrington was suspended 50 games after testing positive for Andarine, a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM).

New York Mets

Signed: LHP Nelson Pereira, 2B Michael Fisher Added to 40-man roster: RHP Elmer Dessens, RHP R.A. Dickey

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Manny Acosta, 1B Daniel Murphy, 2B Justin Turner Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Alex Cintron, 3B Zach Lutz, OF Jason Pridie

Reinstated from DL: 3B Mike Cervenak

The Mets claimed Turner on waivers from the Orioles.

New York Yankees

Signed: C Rene Rivera (Camden (Atlantic)), OF Rudy Guillen Recalled: 2B Kevin Russo

Added to 40-man roster: C Chad Moeller Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Mark Melancon

Placed on 7-day DL: 2B David Adams Reinstated from DL: RHP Paul Bush

Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Jack Rye Reinstated from inactive list: OF Jack Rye

We can't find any record of baseball activity for Guillen in ’08 or ’09, not even in the Latin American

winter leagues. He last appeared in the minors as a pitcher for the Yankees' Rookie-level Gulf Coast League affiliate in ’07, though the righthander logged just four innings. This came after Guillen, who

signed with New York in 2000, spent his first six seasons as an outfielder, batting .266/.313/.390 and never developing the power or discipline to profile as a big league corner outfielder. Guillen, 26, made it

to Double-A briefly as a position player, which appears to be the course the Yankees have in mind this time. In 2006 Prospect Handbook, BA wrote that Guillen "still has solid tools, with good hands that allow

him to steer offspeed pitches to the opposite field with some authority. His strong throwing arm remains his best tool."

Oakland Athletics Signed: LHP John Halama (Southern Maryland (Atlantic))

Recalled: RHP Vin Mazzaro Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Henry Rodriguez, C Landon Powell

Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Edwar Ramirez Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Hector Garcia, LHP Lenny DiNardo, C Dusty Napoleon

Reinstated from DL: LHP A.J. Huttenlocker, OF Matt Carson, OF Rashun Dixon

Whenever an organization needs a minor league arm, John Halama is there. The 38-year-old lefty has begun each of the past three seasons with independent Southern Maryland, only to be signed late each

spring by the Indians, Braves and now A's.

Philadelphia Phillies

Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: SS Wilson Valdez Added to 40-man roster: SS Wilson Valdez

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jon Pettibone, LHP Nick Hernandez, C Kevin Nelson, 1B Andy Tracy Reinstated from DL: RHP B.J. Rosenberg, RHP Luke Wertz, C Joel Naughton, 1B Andy Tracy

Pittsburgh Pirates

Recalled: 2B Neil Walker Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Victor Black, LHP Donald Veal

Reinstated from DL: RHP Phillip Irwin Placed on temporarily inactive list: 2B Jim Negrych

St. Louis Cardinals

Acquired: RHP Andrew Brown from Nationals for future considerations Recalled: RHP P.J. Walters

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Scott Gorgen, RHP Trey Hearne, OF Michael Swinson Reinstated from DL: RHP Pete Parise, C Roberto Espinoza

San Diego Padres Placed on restricted list: RHP Drew Miller

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Luis Perdomo, LHP Cesar Ramos Recalled: RHP Luis Perdomo, RHP Adam Russell, OF Luis Durango

Reinstated from DL: LHP Cory Luebke, 2B Josh Barfield

Miller ranked as the system's No. 5 prospect following the ’07 season, but after missing all of ’09 and starting slowly with low Class A Fort Wayne this year, he has decided to retire. As long as they have him

stashed on the restricted list, the Padres retain Miller's rights if wants to resume playing in the future.

San Francisco Giants Added to 40-man roster: RHP Santiago Casilla

Optioned to Triple-A: 3B Ryan Rohlinger, OF Eugenio Velez Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Kevin Pucetas, RHP Zach Wheeler, C Matt Klimas, C Joel Weeks

Reinstated from DL: RHP Jose Casilla, LHP Ari Ronick, C Aaron Lowenstein, 1B Andy D'Alessio

Seattle Mariners

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Sean White Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Dan Cortes, OF Joe Dunigan

Reinstated from DL: LHP Edward Paredes Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Wes Littleton

Reinstated from inactive list: RHP David Pauley

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: 3B Darryl George

Released: RHP Eduardo Morlan, 2B Shawn Williams, OF Cody Strait Placed on restricted list: RHP Tommy Rafferty

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Ricky Orta Reinstated from DL: 2B Cody Cipriano

According to the Australia-based Greelong Baseball Association, George signed with the Rays out of that

nation's southeastern state of Victoria. The site also states that George won an MVP award on an amateur circuit last summer and that he will report to MLB's academy on the Gold Coast this summer.

(Presumably, this is a part of the Australian Summer League.).

Born in Cuba, Morlan was a third-round pick by the Twins in 2004 and signed for $420,000. He moved to

the bullpen in 2006. Morlan was considered to be a strong bullpen prospect three years ago, having struck out 92 batters over 65 2/3 innings at Class A Adv. Fort Myers in 2007. He had one of the biggest

arms in the Twins system, with a fastball that touched 97 mph at times and a mid-80s power slider. Dealt to the Rays before the 2008 season in the Matt Garza – Delmon Young trade, he pitched decently in

2008 (4-2-1 3.64) & 2009 (7-5-4 3.99) at Montgomery (SL/AA). He was repeating the league for the third consecutive season this year, but wasn’t pitching well (1-0 5.24 in 12 games).

Texas Rangers

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Geoff Geary, C Vin DiFazio, 3B Johnny Whittleman Reinstated from DL: LHP Clay Rapada

Toronto Blue Jays

Recalled: LHP David Purcey, OF Jeremy Reed Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Marc Rzepczynski

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Bobby Bell, RHP Robert Ray, SS Luis Sanchez Reinstated from DL: C Travis d'Arnaud, SS Luis Sanchez, OF Aaron Mathews

Washington Nationals Traded: RHP Andrew Brown to Cardinals for future considerations

Recalled: OF Justin Maxwell Added to 40-man roster: C Carlos Maldonado

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Marcos Frias, LHP Jesse English, C Derek Norris, SS Sean Nicol Reinstated from DL: LHP Josh Smoker, C Jamie Burke, 2B Jeff Kobernus, OF Nick Moresi

The Nationals have three big league catchers on the DL (Ivan Rodriguez joined Chris Coste and Jesus Flores), so that's why they brought up Triple-A Syracuse starter Carlos Maldonado. The 15-year pro had

shepherded Stehpen Strasburg through his first three Triple-A starts (no runs in 18 1/3 innings), so if he hits in Washington, perhaps Maldonado could parlay that into a regular gig as Strasburg's personal

catcher.

May 12-18

Arizona Diamondbacks

Signed: 3B Kory Casto Acquired: RHP Saul Rivera from Indians for cash considerations

Recalled: RHP Billy Buckner, RHP Carlos Rosa Added to 40-man roster: RHP Saul Rivera

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Daniel Stange Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Ryan Cook

Reinstated from DL: C Konrad Schmidt

Casto last played in the majors in 2008 with Washington, and he has posted a .540 OPS in 239 career

plate appearances. He split his time at first, third and in the outfield for Triple-A Syracuse in 2009. Casto signed a minor league deal with Detroit over the winter but was released in April.

Atlanta Braves Signed: OF Mike Daniel

Released: RHP Jon Huber, 1B Omar Llapur, 2B J.C. Holt, OF Chris Shehan Added to 40-man roster: OF Brent Clevlen

Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Jo-Jo Reyes, SS Brandon Hicks, OF Jordan Schafer Option transferred: LHP Jose Ortegano (high Class A to Triple-A)

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Vladimir Nunez Reinstated from DL: RHP Ryan Weber, OF Luis Sumoza

Selected by Detroit in the 2nd Round of 2002 amateur entry draft (Signing Bonus: $805,000), Clevlen

accrued 55 games with the Tigers from 2006 to 2008 (.233/.282/.425). In his minor league career he showed decent power hitting 16 & 22 HR at Toledo in 2009 & 2008 respectively. He was declared a minor

league free agent at the end of last season. He has improved his plate discipline this season at Gwinnett where he had 18 BB and 26 K (.385 OBP) when was called-up.

Baltimore Orioles Signed: C Rolando Petit

Recalled: LHP Alberto Castillo Added to 40-man roster: OF Corey Patterson

Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Rhyne Hughes, OF Nolan Reimold Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Chris George

Reinstated from DL: OF Matt Angle Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Chad Thall

After a promising rookie season in ’09, in which he clubbed 15 home runs, Reimold could not seem to get

anything going in Baltimore this spring. He batted .205/.302/.337 through 29 games, but on the plus side of the ledger, the 26-year-old brandished an 11-to-20 walk-to-strikeout ratio in 83 at-bats. Reimold

was off to a 2-for-19 (.105) start for Triple-A Norfolk, where he was playing first base as well as left field.

Boston Red Sox Released: RHP Devern Hansack

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Randor Bierd, 1B Chris McGuiness, SS Kenneth Roque Reinstated from DL: RHP Devern Hansack, RHP Ramon A. Ramirez, 2B Zach Gentile

Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Jason Place Reinstated from inactive list: 2B Ray Chang

Hansack pitched relatively well in limited action with Boston from 2006 to 2008, posting a 3.70 ERA and a 5:00 K/BB ratio in nine career major league games, three of them starts. He was on the DL for all last

season.

Chicago Cubs Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Marcos Mateo, OF Brandon Guyer

Reinstated from DL: LHP Jeremy Papelbon, OF Jason Dubois

Chicago White Sox Signed: LHP Alan Embree

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Ricky Brooks, RHP Johnnie Lowe, 2B Drew Garcia Reinstated from DL: RHP Matt Hopps, C Cole Armstrong, 2B Zach Kayne

Cincinnati Reds Signed: 3B Mike Costanzo (Camden (Atlantic))

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Justin Lehr, RHP Daryl Thompson, LHP Lee Tabor, OF Danny Dorn

Reinstated from DL: LHP Daryl Harang Option transferred: 1B Yonder Alonso (Double-A to Triple-A)

After being released by the Orioles this spring, Costanzo latched on in the Atlantic League, where he

batted .278/.409/.556 with four home runs and 10 RBIs in 16 games for Camden.

Cleveland Indians

Released: LHP Scott Lewis Traded: RHP Saul Rivera to Diamondbacks for cash considerations

Voluntarily retired: LHP Mike Gosling Recalled: SS Jason Donald, OF Trevor Crowe

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Hector Rondon, OF Jordan Brown, OF Roman Pena Reinstated from DL: LHP Scott Lewis, SS Brian Bixler

A third-round pick in ’04, Lewis had Tommy John surgery while an amateur at Ohio State, and he never

seemed to shake the injury bug completely in seven pro seasons. He was pitching well at Columbus (Int’l /AAA): 2-0, 2.12 ERA in 3 GS (17 IP, 18 SO, 4 BB, 12 H).

Gosling, a Diamondbacks' second-round pick in ’01, went out on top. He retired promptly after his May

17 win for Triple-A Columbus. In that contest, he held Durham scoreless over 6 1/3, five-hit innings to improve his ERA to 2.96. "I've been thinking about it for a while," Gosling told The Columbus Dispatch. "I

just found myself missing my wife and my son and what was happening at home. And I was not so focused on baseball and being here."

A spell of tightness in his right forearm forced Rondon to the Columbus disabled list.

Colorado Rockies Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Matt Daley

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Craig Baker, SS Radames Nazario Reinstated from DL: LHP Christian Friedrich, SS Joey Wong

Detroit Tigers

Recalled: RHP Alfredo Figaro, RHP Armando Galarraga, OF Casper Wells Added to 40-man roster: 2B Danny Worth

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Alfredo Figaro, RHP Max Scherzer, 2B Scott Sizemore, OF Ryan Raburn Placed on 7-day DL: OF Clete Thomas

Selected by Detroit in the 2nd Round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, Worth (24) took the Scott Sizemore’s spot in the Tigers’ roster. He was hitting a modest .274/.310/.356 with 10 SB for Toledo

(Int’l/AAA), but showed solid hitting skills in his first 17 MLB at-bats (.412 batting).

Raburn picked the wrong time to slump. Fellow corner outfielder Brennan Boesch, a rookie, is off to a .372/.383/.654 start through 21 games, leaving few at-bats for Raburn to work through his slow start.

The lefthanded-hitting Boesch had smashed 14 extra-base hits through May 19.

Florida Marlins Released: 1B Doug Mientkiewicz, 2B Alejandro Machado

Recalled: C Brett Hayes, OF Bryan Petersen Optioned to Triple-A: OF Bryan Petersen

Option transferred: LHP Andrew Miller (high Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP A.J. Battisto, LHP Anillins Martinez, OF Scott Cousins, OF Kevin Mattison

Reinstated from DL: LHP Chad James, C Neil Wilson, OF Chris Dunn

Houston Astros Signed: RHP Erik Stiller

Released: C Jose Lopez Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Matt Nevarez, RHP Dan Sarisky, RHP Brandt Walker, 2B Drew Meyer, SS

Edwin Maysonet Reinstated from DL: LHP David Duncan, C Jose Lopez

Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Jordan Comadena Reinstated from inactive list: SS Michael Garciaparra

Kansas City Royals

Recalled: RHP Blake Wood Added to 40-man roster: RHP Bryan Bullington

Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Kila Ka'aihue Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Josh Rupe

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jairo Cuevas, RHP Chris Hayes, RHP Kelvin Herrera, LHP Noel Arguelles Reinstated from DL: C Jose Bonilla, 3B Ryan Stovall, SS Juan Rivera

Los Angeles Angels Released: RHP P.J. Rousey, OF Jordan Drake

Optioned to Triple-A: C Ryan Budde Placed on 7-day DL: 3B Jay Brossman, SS Michael Wing

Reinstated from DL: RHP Kevin Nabors, RHP Jeremy Thorne

The Angels signed Rousey as a nondrafted free agent out of Cal State Northridge last November.

Los Angeles Dodgers Released: RHP Luis Ayala, OF Bridger Hunt

Recalled: OF Xavier Paul Option transferred: RHP Kenley Jansen (high Class A to Double-A)

Reinstated from DL: SS Alfredo Amezaga

Milwaukee Brewers

Signed: OF Josh Anderson Recalled: RHP John Axford, RHP Marco Estrada, OF Adam Stern

Optioned to Triple-A: OF Adam Stern Placed on 7-day DL: C Patrick Arlis, 3B Taylor Green

Reinstated from DL: RHP Jim Henderson, C Sean McCraw, OF Lorenzo Cain

Minnesota Twins Released: LHP Jared Hemus

Optioned to Triple-A: C Jose Morales, C Wilson Ramos, 2B Matt Tolbert Option transferred: RHP Loek Van Mil (high Class A to Double-A), SS Estarlin de los Santos (Double-A

to high Class A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Bruce Pugh, LHP Spencer Steedley, 3B Luke Hughes

Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Jared Hemus

The Twins drafted Jared Hemus back in ’01, taking him in the eighth round from Grossmont (Calif.) JC. He worked primarily as a reliever for Rookie-level Elizabethton, but he did make 14 appearances for low

Class A Quad Cities in ’02. Hemus had been on the restricted list since April 3, 2003.

New York Mets

Signed: C J.R. House (Newark (Atlantic)), 1B Val Pascucci (Camden (Atlantic)) Released: RHP Kiko Calero

Optioned to Triple-A: C Josh Thole Placed on 7-day DL: C Omir Santos, OF Lucas Duda, OF Fernando Martinez

Reinstated from DL: RHP Jeurys Familia, OF Rafael Fernandez Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Derrick Ellison

Martinez, who already missed time this year with a back soreness, went on the DL with a left hamstring

strain. Since going 0-for-3 on April 23, he had played in just 8 of 19 games for Triple-A Buffalo.

Pascucci slammed three home runs in 14 games for Camden before being signed by the Mets, who had

dumped him at the end of spring training. His 196 minor league home runs rank 10th among active players. The leader, Mike Hessman, plays across the Triple-A Buffalo infield from Pascucci at third base.

Hessman has hit 325 homers in 15 seasons.

New York Yankees Signed: RHP Tim Redding, 2B Jeff Natale

Released: RHP Christian Garcia Recalled: RHP Mark Melancon, 1B Juan Miranda, OF Greg Golson

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Ivan Nova, 2B Kevin Russo, OF Greg Golson Optioned to high Class A: RHP Shane Lindsay

Option transferred: RHP Hector Noesi (high Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Amauri Sanit, LHP Jeremy Bleich, C Robby Hammock, SS Walter Ibarra

Reinstated from DL: RHP Adam Olbrychowski Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Craig Heyer

Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Craig Heyer

The Yankees claimed Lindsay on waivers from the Rockies, in the process dumping Garcia to make room on the 40-man roster.

Two names you might hear more from this summer, either because they stick in the New York bullpen or because they are leveraged in trades: Ivan Nova and Hector Noesi. The latter cruised through the Florida

State League, striking out 53 and walking six in 43 innings for Tampa. Opponents hit .212.

Oakland Athletics Signed: LHP Travis Blackley, LHP Ryan Edell, 1B Brett Harper (Lancaster (Atlantic)), 2B J.C. Holt, OF Jeff

Bercume (NDFA—Merrimcack (Mass.)) Released: 1B Kala Ka'aihue

Recalled: RHP Henry Rodriguez Added to 40-man roster: LHP Cedrick Bowers, OF Jack Cust

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Henry Rodriguez, C Josh Donaldson Option transferred: RHP Justin Souza (Double-A to Triple-A)

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Dan Thomas, 2B Yung Chi Chen, OF Michael Taylor Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Marcus McBeth

Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Justin Souza

Cut by the Red Sox at the end of spring training, Harper latched on in the Atlantic League and batted .372/.390/.718 with six homers in 19 games for Lancaster. He ranked second in average at the time he

left the league.

The veteran Bowers was pitching strong at Sacramento (PCL/AAA): 1-1 2.55 ERA in 17.2 relief innings

(26 SO, 8 BB, 10 H).

Philadelphia Phillies Released: RHP Austin Hinkle, RHP Yosber Monzon

Recalled: LHP Antonio Bastardo Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Chance Chapman, OF Tyson Gillies

Reinstated from DL: RHP Alexander Concepcion, SS Harold Garcia

Pittsburgh Pirates Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Brian Bass

Option transferred: RHP Bryan Morris (high Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Daniel McCutchen, RHP Jeff Sues, SS Greg Picart, OF Starling Marte

St. Louis Cardinals Released: RHP Orlando Munoz, 1B Osvaldo Morales

Placed on suspended list: RHP Shaun Garceau Optioned to Triple-A: SS Tyler Greene

Placed on 7-day DL: C Roberto Espinoza, OF Paul Henley Reinstated from DL: OF Devin Shepherd

San Diego Padres

Signed: C Matt Combs (Evansville (Frontier)) Added to 40-man roster: OF Chris Denorfia

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Adam Russell, SS Lance Zawadzki Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Jeff Ibarra, 3B James Darnell

Reinstated from DL: RHP Drew Miller, SS Jesus Lopez, OF Jaff Decker

Off to a slow start with San Antonio, Darnell will miss time with a finger injury. He was hitting .220/.295/.380 through 100 at-bats in his first taste of Double-A.

Combs played for Fort Worth of the American Association last year, batting .136 in 20 games, after not being drafted out of Louisiana Tech. He had signed with Evansville before the Padres swooped in.

San Francisco Giants

Recalled: OF Eugenio Velez Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jose Casilla, RHP Jason Jarvis, LHP Clayton Tanner, 1B Michael Ambort

Reinstated from DL: RHP Hector Correa, RHP Mike MacDonald, RHP Jeremy Toole, RHP Ben Wilshire, 2B Brad Boyer, OF Clay Timpner

Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Jake Stevens Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Jake Stevens

Seattle Mariners

Released: LHP Travis Mortimore Recalled: 3B Matt Tuiasosopo

Added to 40-man roster: C Josh Bard Placed on 7-day DL: OF Maximo Mendez

Reinstated from DL: RHP Maikel Cleto, RHP Yusmeiro Petit, C Guillermo Quiroz, OF Dan Carroll, OF Greg Halman

Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Wes Littleton, RHP David Pauley Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Wes Littleton

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: RHP Ricky Orta

Released: RHP Jeff Bennett Added to 40-man roster: 3B Hank Blalock

Reinstated from DL: C Mark Thomas, 1B Eli Sonoqui, SS J.J. Furmaniak, OF Brett Nommensen, OF

Justin Ruggiano Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Heath Phillips

The Mariners released Orta, who had Tommy John surgery this spring, on May 3. Seattle's fourth-round

pick in ’06, he'll now rehab from the injury much closer to his Miami home.

Texas Rangers

Recalled: RHP Guillermo Moscoso, RHP Pedro Strop, LHP Derek Holland, 1B Ryan Garko Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Doug Mathis, RHP Pedro Strop, 1B Ryan Garko, OF Craig Gentry

Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: 1B Ryan Garko Option transferred: LHP Zach Phillips (Double-A to Triple-A), C Taylor Teagarden (Triple-A to Double-A)

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Fabio Castillo, RHP Kennil Gomez, LHP Kasey Kiker, LHP Clay Rapada Reinstated from DL: RHP Omar Beltre, OF Cristian Santana

Strop (24) was 0-1-5 with a 1.93 ERA in 16 games (18.2 IP, 20 SO, 5 BB, 13 H) at Oklahoma City

(PCL/AAA) at the time of his promotion.

Toronto Blue Jays Released: SS Arvin Gonzalez

Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: 3B Shawn Bowman Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Ryan Page, C Yan Gomes, 2B Justin McClanahan

Reinstated from DL: RHP Kenny Rodriguez, RHP Dave Sever Reinstated from inactive list: SS Adeiny Hechavarria

The Cuban prospect Hechavarria began his pro career at Dunedin (FSL/A Adv.).

Washington Nationals Placed on restricted list: 2B Seth Bynum

Added to 40-man roster: RHP Drew Storen Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Matt Chico

Reinstated from DL: 3B Luis Ordaz, OF John Higley, OF Nick Moresi Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Kevin Mench

Reinstated from inactive list: OF Kevin Mench

Bynum tested positive for an amphetamine, a performance-enhancing substance as per baseball's drug-testing program. He'll sit out 50 games without pay.

The 10th overall pick in last year's draft, Storen breezed through two minor league stops on his way to Washington this year. He struck out 15, walked three and allowed 12 hits in 16 2/3 innings divided

between Double-A and Triple-A.

May 4-11

Arizona Diamondbacks Released: 3B Ricardo Sosa Optioned to Triple-A: OF Gerardo Parra Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Clay Zavada, C Errol Hollinger, C Konrad Schmidt Reinstated from DL: 2B Taylor Harbin, OF Drew Macias

A Cuban refugee, Sosa (26) came to the United States in February 2002 and signed as a non-drafted free agent with Arizona on February 10, 2004. In his seventh pro season, he was repeating the Southern League hitting .278/.357/.389 in 16 games when released. Last season, he hit .260 with 12 HR and 71

RBI for Mobile and was a Southern League mid-season All-Star. He lost his spot on the roster when LF Cyle Hankerd was assigned to Mobile BayBears from Reno.

Atlanta Braves Added to 40-man roster: RHP Craig Kimbrel, SS Brandon Hicks Option transferred: RHP Stephen Marek (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Mike Broadway, RHP Kyle Cofield, RHP Ryan Weber, SS Shayne Moody, OF Adam Milligan Reinstated from DL: 2B Juan Gonzalez

It seems like just yesterday that Kimbrel was terrorizing Appalachian League batters. The ’08 third-round pick debuted in that Rookie-level circuit and proceeded to strike out 27 of the 81 batter he faced (33 percent), while allowing a mere five hits. Kimbrel advanced to Myrtle Beach that summer to participate in the high Class A Carolina League playoffs. He received a similar bump in ’09 to take part in the Triple-A International League playoffs. After striking out 21 and walking five in 15 innings for Gwinnett this season, Kimbrel might be in the big leagues to stay.

Selected by the Braves in the 3rd round of the 2007 Draft, Hicks is considered the best defensive IF and the best infield arm of the Braves system, but his bat is a question mark: he was hitting .170/.245/.240 for Gwinnett (Int’l/AAA) and was promoted to take the roster spot of the injured Yunel Escobar.

In 11 outings for Mississippi, Marek struck out 18, walked one and allowed just seven hits in 13 shutout innings. The 26-year-old also converted all four of his save opps.

Baltimore Orioles Released: OF Tyrell Worthington Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Alberto Castillo Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jim Johnson, LHP Wilfrido Perez, C Justin Dalles, OF Danny Figueroa Reinstated from DL: RHP Oliver Drake, RHP Dennis Sarfate, C Michel Hernandez, 2B Jonathan Tucker

Boston Red Sox Voluntarily retired: RHP Travis Beazley Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Roman Mendez, 2B Zach Gentile Placed on temporarily inactive list: 2B Ray Chang

Chicago Cubs Released: RHP Toby Matchulat Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeff Gray, 1B Chad Tracy Option transferred: RHP Marcos Mateo (Triple-A to Double-A) Added to 40-man roster: SS Starlin Castro Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Corey Martin, RHP Mike Parisi, RHP David Patton, C Mark Johnson Reinstated from DL: RHP Corey Martin, RHP Jon Nagel, OF Brandon Guyer

The 20-year-old Castro hasn't missed a beat since his promotion from Double-A, batting .364/.417/.636 with a double, a triple and a home run in six games with the Cubs.

Chicago White Sox Signed: RHP Angel Garcia, SS Jesus Villegas Andino Released: OF Lee Cruz Acquired: OF Buck Coats from Royals for cash considerations Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Justin Cassel, RHP Matt Hopps, RHP Philip Negus, OF Alejandro De Aza Reinstated from DL: RHP Ricky Brooks

Cincinnati Reds Released: RHP Mark James, OF Josh Anderson Placed on restricted list: RHP Terrell Young Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Daryl Harang, 3B Juan Francisco Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Matt Klinker

A former Astros prospect, Anderson played 118 MLB games with Detroit and Kansas City last season hitting .240/.276/.304 but stealing 25 bases. He was hitting .125/.125/.175 in 17 games at Louisville.

Cleveland Indians Signed: RHP Julio Ramirez Released: RHP Steve Smith, RHP Erik Stiller, LHP Ryan Edell, C Michael Valadez Traded: RHP Neil Wagner to Athletics for cash considerations Voluntarily retired: LHP Heath Taylor Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jensen Lewis Option transferred: LHP Kelvin de la Cruz (high Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Alexander Perez, SS Brian Bixler Reinstated from DL: RHP Erik Stiller

De la Cruz, 21, struck out 28 batters, walked eight and allowed just 22 hits in 34 innings for high Class A Kinston. He earned his promotion to Double-A after holding Lynchburg to two runs on three hits over 8 1/3 innings on May 5.

Colorado Rockies Released: RHP Tim Redding Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Charles Ruiz, 2B Omar Quintanilla, SS Joey Wong Reinstated from DL: SS Chris Nelson, SS Helder Velazquez Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Ching-Lung Lo Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Ching-Lung Lo, LHP Josh Muecke

Detroit Tigers Released: LHP Jason Waddell Place on suspended list: LHP Jason Waddell Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Nolan Cain, RHP Lester Oliveros, C John Murrian, C Mike Rabelo Reinstated from DL: RHP Jacob Turner Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Jason Waddell

Florida Marlins Signed: RHP Adam Veres Released: RHP Matt DeSalvo, RHP Chris Schroder, LHP Robert Zarate Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Tim Wood, LHP Hunter Jones Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: 3B Mike Lamb Added to 40-man roster: OF Bryan Petersen Placed on 7-day DL: C Neil Wilson, 3B Taylor Krick, SS Jose Torres Reinstated from DL: OF Greg Burns, OF Tom Hickman Reinstated from inactive list: LHP James Houser, C Brett Hayes

Selected by the Marlins in the 4th round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, Petersen (24) was hitting .290 with a .377 OBP at New Orleans (PCL/AAA).

Houston Astros Recalled: RHP Wilton Lopez Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Sammy Gervacio, 3B Chris Johnson Optioned to Double-A: C J.R. Towles

Added to 40-man roster: LHP Gustavo Chacin, C Kevin Cash Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Kyle Greenwalt, RHP Chia-Jen Lo Reinstated from DL: SS Wladimir Sutil, OF Brian Kemp Placed on temporarily inactive list: SS Michael Garciaparra Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Jonah Bayliss

In 319 plate appearances with the Astros, covering parts of four seasons, Towles has hit .189/.273/.327—a horrid batting line even for a catcher. He's earned a demotion each time. But according to Fox Sports Houston, Towles' poor hitting has nothing to do with his being sent all the way down to Double-A this time. The 26-year-old simply has not improved his receiving or throwing skills behind the plate.

Kansas City Royals Traded: OF Buck Coats to White Sox for cash considerations Recalled: 1B Kila Ka'aihue Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Eric Basurto, 3B Ryan Stovall, SS Juan Rivera Reinstated from DL: RHP Jorge Campillo, RHP Philip Humber, 3B Wilson Betemit, OF Jamar Walton

Los Angeles Angels Recalled: RHP Trevor Bell, RHP Bobby Cassevah, 2B Kevin Frandsen Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Robb Quinlan Designated for assignment: RHP Fernando Rodriguez Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Fernando Rodriguez Added to 40-man roster: OF Michael Ryan Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Matt Palmer, RHP Rich Thompson, 2B Ryan Mount, 3B Dillon Baird, 3B Freddy Sandoval, OF Randal Grichuk Reinstated from DL: OF Matt Long

Ryan (32) last played in the Majors in 2005 (Minnesota). In parts of four seasons (2002-2005) he played 127 games for the Twins, hitting a combined .265/.313/.408. The left-handed hitter played in the independent Atlantic League in 2008 (Somerset) and for the Marlins AAA New Orleans affiliate in 2009 (.302, 14 HR, 65 RBI). He was hitting .351/.372/.545 at Salt Lake (PCL/AAA) at the time of his promotion.

The Angels expect Grichuk to miss 4-6 weeks, according to correspondent Bill Shaikin, as he recovers from a sprained left thumb. The right fielder batted .229/.280/.431 with four homers and 21 RBIs in 29 games for low Class A Cedar Rapids.

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: 2B Travis Denker Released: 3B Cesar Suarez Recalled: RHP John Ely Optioned to Triple-A: RHP John Ely, OF Xavier Paul Added to 40-man roster: SS Nick Green Placed on 7-day DL: 3B Pedro Baez, OF Brian Cavazos-Galvez Reinstated from DL: RHP Josh Walter, LHP John Koronka, C Alex Garabedian, 2B Ramon Nivar, 2B Brian Ruggiano Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Mike Rivera Reinstated from inactive list: C Mike Rivera

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: 3B Justin Parker Released: 2B Brett Dowdy Recalled: LHP Mitch Stetter

Added to 40-man roster: OF Adam Stern Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jim Henderson, C Sean McCraw, 3B Steffan Wilson, OF Lee Haydel Reinstated from DL: RHP Donovan Hand, C Patrick Arlis

Dowdy signed with Nuevo Laredo (Mexican League) after his release.

Minnesota Twins Released: RHP Yoslan Herrera Placed on restricted list: RHP Henry Arias Recalled: 2B Matt Tolbert Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeff Manship Option transferred: RHP Deolis Guerra (Double-A to Triple-A), RHP Loek Van Mil (Double-A to high Class A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Steve Hirschfeld, RHP Bobby Lanigan, RHP Tom Stuifbergen, RHP Brad Tippett, RHP Charlie Zink, C Danny Lehmann Reinstated from DL: RHP Loek Van Mil, OF Brandon Roberts

New York Mets Released: C Shawn Riggans, OF Seth Williams Recalled: C Josh Thole, OF Chris Carter Option transferred: C Omir Santos (Triple-A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: C Luke Montz, 1B Sam Honeck, 3B Mike Cervenak Reinstated from DL: C Mike Nickeas, C Shawn Riggans, 1B Nick Evans

Carter could not be contained with Triple-A Buffalo. He batted .336/.390/.611 with six home runs and 22 RBIs in 29 games with the Bisons. The Mets promoted him to take the roster spot of Frank Catalanotto, whose .392 OPS just barely surpassed Carter's batting average.

New York Yankees Signed: OF Justin Christian Released: OF Joe Talerico Recalled: RHP Ivan Nova, RHP Romulo Sanchez, 2B Kevin Russo, OF Greg Golson Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Mark Melancon, RHP Romulo Sanchez, OF Greg Golson Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Adam Olbrychowski, RHP John Van Benschoten Reinstated from DL: RHP Brandon Braboy, RHP Kevin Whelan, C P.J. Pilittere, SS Walter Ibarra

The Yankees signed Joltin' Joe Talerico at the Aug. 17 deadline last year after making him a 21st-round pick out of Brookdale (N.J.) CC. He never did appear in a game for the organization.

Oakland Athletics Acquired: RHP Neil Wagner from Indians for cash considerations Recalled: RHP Vin Mazzaro, RHP Edwar Ramirez, RHP Henry Rodriguez Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Vin Mazzaro, LHP Brad Kilby, 2B Steven Tolleson Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Mike Benacka, 2B Kent Walton, 2B Jemile Weeks, OF Matt Carson, OF Rashun Dixon Reinstated from DL: RHP Andrew Carignan, RHP Fautino de los Santos, RHP Brett Hunter, 1B Matt Whitney, 3B Jeff Baisley, OF Toddric Johnson Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Justin Souza

Weeks could miss a month or more with a partial tear in same left hip he injured last season. He batted .304/.368/.490 with five stolen bases in nine attempts for Double-A Midland.

Philadelphia Phillies Placed on restricted list: 2B Fidel Hernandez

Added to 40-man roster: C Paul Hoover Reinstated from DL: RHP Jarred Cosart, RHP John Ennis, 2B Keoni DeRenne

Hernandez will sit for 50 games after testing positive for metabolites of Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance.

Pittsburgh Pirates Returned Rule 5 selection: OF John Raynor (to Marlins) Recalled: 1B Steve Pearce Placed on 7-day DL: SS Rodolfo Cardona Reinstated from DL: 3B Kevin Melillo

St. Louis Cardinals Released: SS Hector Alvarez Option transferred: RHP Francisco Samuel (high Class A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Chuck Fick, RHP Francisco Samuel, 1B Francisco Rivera, OF Shane Robinson, OF Devin Shepherd Reinstated from DL: RHP Ramon Delgado, RHP Kevin Thomas Reinstated from inactive list: RHP P.J. Walters

San Diego Padres Recalled: RHP Adam Russell, RHP Ryan Webb, LHP Cesar Ramos Reinstated from DL: RHP Mike DeMark, OF Blake Tekotte

San Francisco Giants Recalled: 3B Ryan Rohlinger Optioned to Triple-A: OF Eugenio Velez Added to 40-man roster: RHP Denny Bautista Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Mike MacDonald, RHP Ben Wilshire, LHP Horacio Ramirez, C Aaron Lowenstein, C Nestor Rojas, 1B Andy D'Alesio, 2B Brad Boyer, 2B Skyler Stromsmoe, OF Mike McBryde, OF Clay Timpner Reinstated from DL: RHP Brian Anderson, RHP Santiago Casilla, LHP Wilmin Rodriguez, LHP Matt Yourkin, Matt Klimas, C Nestor Rojas, OF Tyler Graham

Seattle Mariners Recalled: RHP Shawn Kelley, OF Michael Saunders Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Tyler Blandford, LHP Edward Paredes, C Guillermo Quiroz, OF Dan Carroll Reinstated from DL: RHP Wes Littleton, RHP Yusmeiro Petit Reinstated from inactive list: RHP David Pauley

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: RHP Virgil Vasquez (re-signed), LHP Sergio Espinosa Released: RHP Logan Kensing Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Matt Bush, RHP Virgil Vasquez, C Mark Thomas, 1B Eli Sonoqui, 2B Cody Cipriano, OF Brett Nommensen, OF Justin Ruggiano Reinstated from DL: RHP Alex Cobb, LHP R.J. Swindle Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Heath Phillips Reinstated from inactive list: OF Leslie Anderson

Cuban lefty Espinosa reportedly threw 90-plus mph with a sharp breaking ball in his native land. The blog Cuban Ball Players wrote last November that Espinosa had been suspended for an attempt to defect.

Fellow Cuban Anderson began his pro career with Charlotte (FSL/A adv.).

Texas Rangers Option transferred: RHP Alexi Ogando (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Omar Beltre, 1B Matt Brown, OF Cody Podraza, OF Cristian Santana Reinstated from DL: SS Erik Morrison Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Chris Gradoville Reinstated from inactive list: C Jose Felix, C Chris Gradoville

Toronto Blue Jays Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brian Slover, LHP Dan DeLucia, SS Kevin Nolan, OF Aaron Mathews, OF Kenny Wilson Reinstated from DL: C Karim Turkamani, 2B John Tolisano, 3B Mark Sobolewski, OF Jorge Padilla, OF Kenny Wilson

Washington Nationals Signed: RHP Joe Bisenius, RHP Zach Dials Released: 2B Dan Nelson, OF Mike Daniel Recalled: LHP Matt Chico Optioned to Triple-A: OF Justin Maxwell Option transferred: RHP Stephen Strasburg (Double-A to Triple-A) Added to 40-man roster: LHP Doug Slaten Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Collin Balester, LHP Josh Smoker Reinstated from DL: RHP Mike MacDougal, RHP Brad Meyers, C Derek Norris, OF Brandon Whiting

April 27-May 3

Arizona Diamondbacks

Traded: SS Rey Navarro to Royals for RHP Carlos Rosa

Recalled: RHP Kevin Mulvey, RHP Daniel Stange, RHP Cesar Valdez

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Kevin Mulvey, RHP Carlos Rosa

Placed on 7-day DL: C Ryan Babineau, 1B Brandon Allen

Atlanta Braves

Reinstated from DL: RHP David Francis, C Braeden Schlehuber, 3B Samuel Sime

Baltimore Orioles

Placed on restricted list: SS Jason White

Recalled: RHP Brad Bergesen

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jim Johnson, RHP Kam Mickolio

Designated for assignment: LHP Wilfrido Perez

Outrighted to Double-A, removed from 40-man: LHP Wilfrido Perez

Added to 40-man roster: RHP Alfredo Simon

Placed on 7-day DL: OF Jonathan Tucker

Reinstated from DL: C Justin Dalles, SS Greg Miclat

Reinstated from inactive list: SS Jason White

Boston Red Sox

Signed: RHP Carlos Pinales, OF Robert Del Rosario

Released: LHP Tim Webb

Acquired: SS Niuman Romero from Indians for cash considerations

Recalled: LHP Fabio Castro

Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Fabio Castro

Designated for assignment: 2B Kevin Frandsen

Outrighted to Double-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Santo Luis

Added to 40-man roster: LHP Alan Embree

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Ramon A. Ramirez, RHP Kyle Weiland, C Mark Wagner, OF Jeremy

Hazelbaker, OF Shannon Wilkerson

Reinstated from DL: RHP Kyle Weiland, C Gustavo Molina, OF Jeremy Hazelbaker, OF Shannon

Wilkerson

The Red Sox successfully snuck Santo Luis through waivers, but lost Kevin Frandsen on a claim to the

Angels. Boston needed room on its 40-man roster for Alan Embree and Jonathan Van Every.

A 31st-round pick last year from Palm Beach (Fla.) CC, Tim Webb signed at the Aug. 17 deadline but

never did pitch for a Red Sox affiliate.

Chicago Cubs

Placed on 7-day DL: OF Brandon Guyer

Reinstated from DL: LHP Chris Rusin

Reinstated from inactive list: C Luis Flores

Chicago White Sox

Signed: SS Luis Rodriguez

Released: 1B Jorge Castillo, 3B Javier Castillo

Acquired: SS Rafael Vera from Indians for future considerations.

Optioned to Triple-A: C Donny Lucy

Placed on 7-day DL: C Cole Armstrong, 2B Zach Kayne, OF Kenny Williams Jr.

Reinstated from DL: RHP Justin Collop, RHP Leroy Hunt

Place on temporarily inactive list: C Adam Ricks

Reinstated from inactive list: C Adam Ricks

The Panamian Castillo (26) was hitting a poor .200/.279/.255 in 20 games at Charlotte (Int’l

League/AAA).

Cincinnati Reds

Released: RHP Misael DeJesus

Recalled: OF Chris Heisey

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Scott Gaffney, RHP Brian Pearl

Reinstated from DL: RHP Juan Carlos Sulbaran, LHP Matt Maloney, C Kevin Coddington

Place on temporarily inactive list: RHP Matt Klinker

Cleveland Indians

Released: SS Luis Rodriguez

Traded: SS Niuman Romero to Red Sox for cash considerations

Traded: SS Rafael Vera to White Sox for future considerations

Voluntarily retired: RHP Jose Campos

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Joe Smith

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Erik Stiller, LHP Scott Lewis

Reinstated from DL: OF Jordan Brown

Colorado Rockies

Signed: LHP Josh Muecke (Somerset (Atlantic))

Recalled: RHP Jhoulys Chacin, RHP Esmil Rogers

Optioned to Triple-A: C Chris Iannetta

Designated for assignment: RHP Al Alburquerque

Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Juan Rincon

Outrighted to Double-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Al Alburquerque

Added to 40-man roster: RHP Juan Rincon, C Paul Phillips

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Samuel Deduno, SS Helder Velazquez

Reinstated from DL: 2B Omar Quintanilla, SS Joey Wong

Place on temporarily inactive list: LHP Josh Muecke

Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Kurt Birkins

The Rockies released Muecke at the end of spring training, but they again turned to the 28-year-old

veteran lefty when the big league rotation lost Jorge de la Rosa and Jason Hammel in short order. Chacin

and Rogers got the call, while Muecke headed to Triple-A Colorado Springs to take their place. He had

latched on with Somerset of the Atlantic League in the interim.

Detroit Tigers

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Michael Morrison, LHP Austin Wood

Reinstated from DL: RHP Lester Oliveros

Florida Marlins

Signed: 1B Doug Mientkiewicz

Recalled: LHP Hunter Jones

Option transferred: LHP Andrew Miller (Triple-A to high Class A)

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Scott Strickland

Reinstated from DL: RHP Matt DeSalvo, LHP Andrew Miller, C Neil Wilson, 2B Donnie Murphy

Place on temporarily inactive list: C Brett Hayes

Miller returned from a sprained ankle to make one uninspiring start for high Class A Jupiter: 2 2/3

innings, four hits, four runs, six walks and six strikeouts.

Houston Astros

Released: RHP Rafael Pio, LHP Rafael Luna, LHP German Perez, C Max Sapp, OF Mitch Einertson, OF

Carlos Reyes, OF Nestor Santana

Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Fernando Abad

Reinstated from DL: RHP Jeremy Johnson

Place on temporarily inactive list: RHP Jonah Bayliss

Reinstated from inactive list: OF Mitch Einertson

Sapp (22) was Houston's first round pick back in 2006, the 23rd overall selection. He hit just

.224/.310/.313 in 839 PA, none above A-Ball. He survived a life-threatening case of viral meningitis that

wiped out his entire 2009 season. Sapp received a $1.4MM signing bonus when he turned pro, and was

rated as the team's 17th best prospect by Baseball America as recently as two years ago.

Einertson tore up the Rookie-level Appalachian League during his ’04 debut, batting .308/.413/.692 with

24 home runs in 63 games for Greeneville. A fifth-round pick that year, he was 18 and had just tied the

Appy home run record and won league MVP honors. He then ranked No. 4 on BA ’05 Astros prospect list,

ahead of Troy Patton, Matt Albers, Taylor Buchholz, Fernando Nieve, Josh Anderson and Hunter Pence.

Einertson then scuffled through two years with Lexington before winning another league MVP award, this

time batting .305/.365/.482 in 496 at-bats for high Class A Salem of the Carolina League in ’07. But after

two lackluster years in Double-A (.261/.316/.410), his prospect sheen had all but disappeared. It

evaporated almost entirely when he was busted last August and suspended for 50 games for failing a test

for a drug of abuse. Einertson was on the restricted list just prior to his release.

Kansas City Royals

Released: RHP Riquy Pena, Roman Colon

Traded: RHP Carlos Rosa to Diamondbacks for SS Rey Navarro

Recalled: RHP Victor Marte, SS Mike Aviles

Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Luis Mendoza

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Victor Marte, 3B Alex Gordon

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Philip Humber, LHP Ben Swaggerty, C Jose Bonilla, 3B Jason Taylor

Reinstated from DL: RHP Philip Humber, OF Tim Smith

Place on temporarily inactive list: RHP Roman Colon

Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Roman Colon

The Royals granted reliever Roman Colon his release so he could sign with the Korean champions Kia

Tigers.

Los Angeles Angels

Released: LHP Chris Armstrong

Optioned to Triple-A: 2B Kevin Frandsen

Placed on 7-day DL: OF Matt Long

Reinstated from DL: RHP Ryan Chaffee

Los Angeles Dodgers

Released: C Justin Knoedler

Placed on restricted list: OF Andrew Lambo

Added to 40-man roster: RHP John Ely

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jon Link

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Javy Guerra, LHP John Koronka, OF Preston Mattingly, OF Alfredo Silverio

Reinstated from DL: RHP James McDonald

Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Scott Elbert

Lambo's redemptive season with Double-A Chattanooga was interrupted by a 50-game suspension

brought on by failing a test for a drug of abuse. He was batting .342/.390/.566 in 76 at-bats with two

home runs and 13 RBIs.

Selected by White Sox in third round of 2007 draft, Ely (24) has a plus change-up. He was pitching well

as a starter at Albuquerque (PCL/AAA): 2-1, 3.00 ERA in 18 IP. He was dealt, along with Jon Link, to the

Dodgers by the White Sox in the Juan Pierre deal.

Milwaukee Brewers

Signed: OF Drew Anderson (St. Paul (American Association))

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Donovan Hand, 2B Eric Farris, 3B Joey Paciorek, OF Lorenzo Cain

Reinstated from DL: LHP Casey Baron, SS Brent Brewer, OF Adam Stern

Place on temporarily inactive list: C Angel Salome

Reinstated from inactive list: C Angel Salome

Anderson finished last season in the Brewers system but was not retained as a minor league free agent.

He signed on with independent St. Paul this year, but the American Association's season had not started

play.

Minnesota Twins

Recalled: RHP Jeff Manship, C Wilson Ramos

Optioned to Triple-A: 2B Luke Hughes

Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Mike Maroth, 1B Whit Robbins

Reinstated from DL: RHP Steve Hirschfeld

New York Mets

Released: RHP John Madden, LHP Travis Blackley

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jeurys Familia, LHP Eric Niesen, 1B Nick Evans, SS Matt Bouchard, OF Rafael

Fernandez

Transferred to 60-day DL: RHP Sal Aguilar

Reinstated from DL: RHP Elmer Dessens, 1B Marshall Hubbard, 2B Reese Havens, OF Carlos Guzman

New York Yankees

Recalled: RHP Mark Melancon

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Kevin Whelan, LHP Francisco Rondon, 2B Damon Sublett, SS Walter Ibarra,

OF Abraham Almonte, OF Colin Curtis. OF Taylor Grote

Reinstated from DL: RHP Andrew Brackman, RHP Dickson Marquez, RHP Dustin Moseley, 2B Matt

Cusick, OF Edwar Gonzalez

Oakland Athletics

Released: 3B Ryne Jernigan

Recalled: RHP Trevor Cahill, C Landon Powell, 2B Steve Tolleson

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Edwar Ramirez, OF Matt Carson

Added to 40-man roster: C Josh Donaldson

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Chris Mederos, LHP A.J. Huttenlocker, OF David Thomas

Reinstated from DL: RHP Jonathan Joseph, 2B Adrian Cardenas, SS Josh Horton

Selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 1st round (48th overall) of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft out of

Auburn University, Donaldson (24) was acquired by Oakland with P Sean Gallagher, IF Eric Patterson and

OF Matt Murton for Ps Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin on July 8, 2008. He was called-up to take the spot

on the Major league roster of injured Kurt Suzuki. He was hitting .269 with 4 HR and 19 RBI in 18 games

(.522 SLG) at Sacramento (PCL/AAA).

Philadelphia Phillies

Recalled: LHP Antonio Bastardo

Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Antonio Bastardo (twice)

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Mike Cisco, RHP Jay Stephens, 2B Keoni DeRenne

Reinstated from DL: OF Quintin Berry

Pittsburgh Pirates

Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: OF Brandon Jones

Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jeff Karstens

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Kevin Hart, RHP Phillip Irwin

Reinstated from DL: RHP Vinnie Chulk

Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Steven Jackson

St. Louis Cardinals

Released: RHP Josh Dew

Optioned to Triple-A: C Bryan Anderson

Option transferred: RHP Francisco Samuel (Double-A to high Class A)

Reinstated from DL: RHP Josh Dew, RHP Francisco Samuel, 1B Mark Hamilton

San Diego Padres

Signed: 3B Christian Colonel

Recalled: 2B Matt Antonelli (put on the MLB 60-day DL)

Added to 40-man roster: SS Lance Zawadzki

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Mike DeMark, RHP Chris Fetter

Reinstated from DL: RHP Bryan Oland, C Griffin Benedict, C Eric Munson, 2B Matt Antonelli

Starting SS Everth Cabrera went on the DL while, almost simultaneously, Matt Antonelli had surgery on

the hamate bone in his left hand, paving the way for Zawadzki to make the big league club. He wasn't

exactly tearing it up with Triple-A Portland, where he was batting .162/.240/.176 with one extra-base hit

in 68 at-bats. The switch-hitter was selected by the Padres in the 4th round of the 2007 Draft out of San

Diego State.

San Francisco Giants

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Waldis Joaquin

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Hector Correa, 2B Derin McMains

Seattle Mariners

Released: RHP Ricky Orta

Added to 40-man roster: SS Josh Wilson, OF Ryan Langerhans

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Shawn Kelley, 3B Jack Hannahan, 3B Matt Tuiasosopo

Place on temporarily inactive list: RHP David Pauley, RHP Marwin Vega

Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Marwin Vega

Tampa Bay Rays

Released: RHP Virgil Vasquez, 2B Luis Marchena, 3B Juan Cuello, OF Jason Patton

Recalled: C Jose Lobaton

Optioned to Triple-A: C Jose Lobaton

Added to 40-man roster: RHP Joaquin Benoit

Placed on 7-day DL: OF Ryan Royster

Reinstated from DL: RHP Virgil Vasquez, OF Rashad Eldridge

Vasquez broke both his wrists when the scooter he was driving collided with a car in Durham, N.C.,

where he had made three Triple-A starts. The team was able to release him because Vasquez's injury

was not sustained in a game or other team-related activity.

Texas Rangers

Recalled: C Max Ramirez, OF Craig Gentry

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Tommy Hunter, C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C Taylor Teagarden

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brandon McCarthy, 3B Jonathan Greene

Place on temporarily inactive list: C Jose Felix

You don’t often see a team swap out both its catchers at the same time. But that's what the Rangers did

when they sent Saltalamacchia and Teagarden to Oklahoma City and installed Max Ramirez and Matt

Treanor.

Toronto Blue Jays

Released: RHP Zach Dials, 2B Howie Clark

Recalled: RHP Josh Roenicke

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeremy Accardo

Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Merkin Valdez

Option transferred: 3B Shawn Bowman (high Class A to Double-A)

Added to 40-man roster: LHP Rommie Lewis

Placed on 7-day DL: C Travis d'Arnaud, C Karim Turkamani, 3B Mark Sobolewski, SS Luis Sanchez

Reinstated from DL: RHP Dumas Garcia, C Jonathan Jaspe, 2B Howie Clark, 2B Brad Emaus, 3B Kevin

Ahrens, OF Chris Hopkins

The Blue Jays placed d'Arnaud on the DL as a precautionary move. They expect him to miss at least two

weeks with a tweaked back. No structural damage was detected.

At one time Toronto harbored expectations for Dials, 24, as a power relief prospect, but he just did not

clear the Double-A hurdle. The ’06 28th-rounder from Kentucky made 65 relief appearances for New

Hampshire in the past three seasons, but he walked nearly five batters per nine innings and struck out a

hair under seven.

Lewis (27) was selected by the Orioles in the 4th round of the 2001 Draft. He spent eight seasons with the

Orioles (topping AA) before to sign with the Blue Jays in 2009. The left-hander pitcher was 0-1 with 5

saves and a 2.35 ERA in 7 relief appearances for Las Vegas (PCL/AAA).

Washington Nationals

Placed on restricted list: RHP Colton Willems

Recalled: OF Roger Bernadina

Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Jesse English

Placed on 7-day DL: C Ty Weeden, 2B Jeff Kobernus

Reinstated from DL: RHP Patrick Arnold, RHP Robinson Fabian, LHP Ron Villone, SS Dan Lyons, OF Mike

Daniel

Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Justin Phillabaum, LHP Patrick McCoy

The 22nd overall pick in ’06, Willems decided to retire from baseball. The Nationals placed him on the

restricted list so that they can retain his services if he again decides to play. This case illustrates perfectly

one of the restricted list's main functions—the other big one being a place to stash players suspended for

drug violations.

April 15-26 Arizona Diamondbacks Recalled: RHP Esmerling Vasquez, OF Cole Gillespie Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Esmerling Vasquez, LHP Jordan Norberto Added to 40-man roster: RHP Kris Benson

Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Taylor Harbin, OF Drew Macias, LHP Clay Zavada, 3B Ricardo Sosa Reinstated from DL: OF Pete Clifford, SS Pedro Ciriaco

Atlanta Braves Released: OF Jahdiel Santamaria Recalled: LHP Mike Dunn, LHP Jonny Venters Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Mike Dunn Placed on 7-day DL: OF Cole Miles, RHP David Francis, RHP Zeke Spruill, LHP Cole Rohrbough, C Braeden Schlehuber Reinstated from DL: RHP Brett Butts, RHP Vladimir Nunez, OF Cole Miles

Selected by the Braves in the 30th round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft, Venters (25) signed as a draft-and-follow in 2004. Atlanta added him to the 40-man roster after the 2009 season (8-11 4.42 ERA in 29 starts between AA/AAA).

Baltimore Orioles Signed: RHP Jose Diaz, C Austin Rauch, OF Tyrell Worthington, OF Corey Patterson Voluntarily retired: LHP Joey Centanni Recalled: RHP Kam Mickolio, OF Lou Montanez, LHP Alberto Castillo, 1B Rhyne Hughes Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Brad Bergesen, LHP Pedro Viola, 2B Justin Turner Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Oliver Drake, RHP Dennis Sarfate, SS Greg Miclat, C Justin Dalles, 1B Tyler Townsend Reinstated from DL: C Michael Ohlman Placed on temporarily inactive list: SS Jason White

The Dominican Viola (26) was claimed off waivers from Cincinnati. He’s in his fifth season as a pro and was on the Dominican team roster for the 2009 WBC. The left-hander pitcher made the MLB debut last season, pitching in 9 games (7 IP, 5.14 ERA).

Jose Rafael Diaz, who pitched for Double-A Frisco in the Rangers organization last year before drawing his release on April 2. Baltimore has preliminarily assigned Diaz to Double-A Bowie.

Boston Red Sox Signed: 2B Vladimir Frias Released: OF Tyler Yockey Traded: LHP Andrew Dobies to White Sox for future considerations Acquired: OF Jonathan Van Every from Pirates for future considerations Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Ramon A. Ramirez Recalled: OF Josh Reddick Added to 40-man roster: OF Darnell McDonald, OF Jonathan Van Every Designated for assignment: RHP Santo Luis Optioned to Double-A: RHP Santo Luis, RHP Scott Atchison, OF Josh Reddick Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Drake Britton, OF Shannon Wilkerson, RHP Leandro Marin, C Gustavo Molina Reinstated from DL: RHP Jordan Flasher, OF Ronald Bermudez, RHP T.J. Large, C Gustavo Molina

Luis struck out nearly 13 batters per nine innings as a 25-year-old in the Carolina League last year. But he also gave up 11 home runs in 56 innings. The Red Sox transferred Jed Lowrie to the 60-day DL to make room for Luis, so they obviously see something they like. Luis signed with the Astros out of the Dominican in ’02, then made his way to the White Sox via the ’07 minor league Rule 5 draft. Later, the Red Sox DFA Luis to make room for Van Every.

Chicago Cubs

Released: RHP Julio Castillo, RHP Tim Clubb, 1B Ryne White, 3B Jovan Rosa Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeff Samardzija Option transferred: RHP Marcos Mateo (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jon Nagel, LHP Chris Rusin, OF Sam Fuld, LHP Jeremy Papelbon, OF Jason Dubois

Reinstated from DL: RHP David Patton, C Mark Johnson, RHP Chris Carpenter, 1B Rebel Ridling, OF Sam Fuld, OF Matt Spencer

White, 23, hit .266 with 18 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR and 52 RBI in 116 games for Class A Adv. Visalia, in 2009. Over parts of two season in Arizona's minor league system, the left-handed hit .275 with 37 doubles, 2 triples, 13 home runs and 103 RBI in 186 games. Selected by Diamondbacks in fourth round of 2008 draft, was acquired by the Cubs in the Aaron Heilman trade during the offseason. He was hitting .182/.341/.212 in 11 games at Daytona (FSL/A Adv.).

Chicago White Sox Signed: C Jason Bour, OF Marcus Spencer (Windy City (Frontier)), RHP Deunte Heath, LHP Spencer Arroyo, C Dylan Tonneson Released: OF Lyndon Estill Acquired: LHP Andrew Dobies from Red Sox for future considerations Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Leroy Hunt, C Logan Johnson, C Josh Phegley, RHP Ricky Brooks, RHP Justin Collop, RHP Clevelan Santeliz, LHP Erick Threets Reinstated from DL: RHP Scott Elarton Cincinnati Reds Released: 1B Logan Parker, OF Carson Kainer Loaned to Mexican League: RHP Oscar Castro Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: OF Wladimir Balentien Recalled: RHP Carlos Fisher Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Logan Ondrusek Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Aguido Gonzalez, RHP Juan Carlos Sulbaran, LHP Matt Maloney, LHP Mace Thurman, C Kevin Coddington Reinstated from DL: RHP Mark Serrano, RHP Sean Watson

Castro (21) signed out of Mexico in Dec. 2005. Last season, his fourth as a pro, pitched 30 games (21 starts) between Daytona (Midwest League/A) & Billings (Pioner League/Rookie), posting a 3-6 7.09 ERA record.

Cleveland Indians Optioned to Triple-A: OF Michael Brantley Released: OF Brian Horwitz Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Connor Graham

The Indians made Horwitz a minor league Rule 5 pick in December. He went 4-for-15 (.267) for Triple-A Columbus. He was signed by the Giants as a non-drafted free agent in 2004.

Colorado Rockies Recalled: 2B Eric Young Jr. Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Esmil Rogers Added to 40-man roster: LHP Joe Beimel Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Christian Friedrich, LHP Jimmy Gobble, 1B Mike Zuanich, SS Joey Wong, OF Mike Mitchell Reinstated from DL: LHP Jimmy Gobble, RHP Matt Wilhite, C Paul Lo Duca Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Damian Moss Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Al Alburquerque, LHP Damian Moss

Friedrich hit the Double-A Tulsa DL with elbow soreness. He had started strong for the Drillers, going 0-1, 2.81 with 16-4 K-BB in 16 innings over his first thee starts.

Detroit Tigers Released: 3B Santo De Leon Recalled: OF Brennan Boesch Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Ruddy Lugo, RHP Lester Oliveros, RHP Tyler Stohr, RHP Jacob Turner, OF Ryan Strieby Reinstated from DL: LHP Austin Wood, SS Audy Ciriaco, OF Clete Thomas Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Sean Finefrock

Arm stiffness is about the only thing that's held back Turner so far this season. The Tigers placed the prized low Class A West Michigan starter on the DL after he had struck out 11 and walked none in nine innings.

One of the International League's early standouts, Boesch batted .379/.455/.621 with three homers, three doubles and 17 RBIs in 15 games for Triple-A Toledo. The 25-year-old, a third-round pick from California in ’06, replaced the injured Carlos Guillen on the Tigers roster.

Florida Marlins Signed: RHP Jorge Sosa Recalled: RHP Chris Leroux Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Jose Veras Optioned to Triple-A: 3B Emilio Bonifacio Placed on 7-day DL: OF Marcell Ozuna, RHP Matt DeSalvo, RHP Ryan Tucker, LHP Chad James, C Neil Wilson, 1B Logan Morrison, 2B Donnie Murphy, OF Sequoyah Stonecipher Reinstated from DL: RHP Kyle Gunderson, RHP Ryan Tucker, SS Javier Guzman Houston Astros Signed: RHP Jonah Bayliss, LHP Nelson Payano, C Buck Afenir, C John Curtis Released: 3B Dionel Montas Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Wilton Lopez Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Yorman Bazardo Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jeremy Johnson, RHP Shane Loux, OF Brian Kemp, RHP Nate Pettus, SS Wladimir Sutil Reinstated from DL: SS Oswaldo Navarro

The Dominican Payano (27) spent eight seasons in the Braves system (2001-2008), reaching AA level. In 2009, pitched well for the Chunichi Dragons of the Japan’s Central League (2-1 2.08 ERA in 34 G, 30.1 IP, 39 SO, 17 BB, 17 H). Kansas City signed him last December, then cut ties with him at the end of the spring training. The Astros assigned Payano to Corpus Christi (Texas League/AA).

Kansas City Royals Signed: LHP Brandon Barrow, OF Cameron Monger Released: OF Jose Duarte Optioned to Triple-A: OF Jai Miller Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Roman Colon Added to 40-man roster: RHP Josh Rupe, RHP Brad Thompson, LHP Bruce Chen Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Blake Johnson, RHP James Thompson, C Ryan Eigsti, 2B Angel Franco, 3B Wilson Betemit, OF Tim Smith, OF Jamar Walton Reinstated from DL: RHP Chris Hayes, LHP Rowdy Hardy, C Juan Graterol, C Jeff Howell, RHP Blake Johnson, RHP James Thompson, 3B Ed Lucas, 3B Mike Moustakas, 3B Eddie Prasch Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Edwin Bellorin Reinstated from DL: Reinstated from inactive list: C Edwin Bellorin Placed on restricted list: LHP Adam Bostick Monger, a 27th-round pick of the Padres in 2009 out of New Mexico, had been released by the Padres, signed by the Frontier League's River City Rascals and then signed by the Royals in the span of two weeks.

In his seventh pro season, the Venezuelan Duarte (25) was hitting a poor .231/.231/.308 in 6 games at Omaha (PCL/AAA).

Miller was claimed off waivers from Oakland.

Rupe (27), played 70 MLB games in parts of four seasons with Texas (4-2 4.95 ERA in 132.2 IP). He became a minor league free agent at the end of last season.

Bostick garnered a 50-game suspension for his second violation of the minor league drug prevention program.

Los Angeles Angels Released: OF Brad Coon, RHP C.J. Bressoud, OF Demetrius Washington

Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Francisco Rodriguez Recalled: C Ryan Budde, 1B Robb Quinlan Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: OF Terry Evans Placed on 7-day DL: C Anel de los Santos, RHP Ysmael Carmona, RHP Tommy Mendoza, RHP Jeremy Thorne Reinstated from DL: RHP Trevor Bell

Evans, 28, entered spring training camp this year out of minor league options. He made the Angels' Opening Day roster—along with Brandon Wood and Bobby Wilson, who also were out of options—because an injury to Reggie Willits cleared room for another outfielder. But when the Angels needed room to restore both Willits and Scott Kazmir from the DL, it was Evans who lost his spot on the roster. Because he could not be optioned back to Triple-A, he first had to clear waivers before he could be outrighted to Salt Lake. He did, and he was. Evans has produced during his time in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, batting .301/.349/.505 over more than 1,300 Triple-A plate appearances. But he may need a change of scenery before he gets another big league look. In the three seasons prior to this one, he garnered all of 18 big league at-bats while a member of Los Angeles' 40-man roster. This season, he struck out in his lone plate appearance. Even if he winds up spending the full year at Salt Lake, Evans will at least have a light at the end of the tunnel. He will qualify for minor league free agency at season's end.

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: RHP Vince Perkins, RHP J.J. Whetsel (NDFA—Troy), C John Otness, C Mike Rivera, SS Nick Green (re-signed), OF Gerard Moses Recalled: RHP Jon Link (twice), OF Xavier Paul Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jon Link Option transferred: C Lucas May (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Brian Ruggiano, RHP Robert Boothe, RHP James McDonald, C Alex Garabedian, OF Andres Perez Reinstated from DL: C Alex Garabedian, SS Justin Sellers, OF Andres Perez Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Scott Elbert Milwaukee Brewers Signed: 2B Brett Dowdy Released: RHP Nick Tyson Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Mitch Stetter Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Mark Willinsky, OF Kentrail Davis, LHP Casey Baron, C Patrick Arlis, SS Brent Brewer, OF Brendan Katin Reinstated from DL: RHP Mark Willinsky, LHP Chris Capuano, OF Kentrail Davis Reinstated from inactive list: C Angel Salome Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Angel Salome

Minnesota Twins Signed: OF Jason Repko, RHP Charlie Zink Recalled: RHP Alex Burnett, 2B Luke Hughes Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Alex Burnett Added to 40-man roster: LHP Ron Mahay Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Steve Hirschfeld, RHP Anthony Swarzak, 2B Derek McCallum, OF Brandon Roberts Reinstated from DL: RHP Matt Williams, 3B Matt Macri, OF Brandon Roberts

New York Mets Released: RHP Brad Burns, RHP Bobby Gagg Placed on restricted list: LHP Angel Calero Voluntarily retired: 2B James Ewing Traded: 3B Shawn Bowman to Blue Jays for future considerations Outrighted to Double-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Clint Everts, 1B Mike Jacobs Added to 40-man roster: 1B Ike Davis Recalled: RHP Tobi Stoner, RHP Manny Acosta Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Tobi Stoner Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Johan Figuereo, RHP Elmer Dessens, C Mike Nickeas, 1B Marshall Hubbard, SS Jordany Valdespin, OF Carlos Guzman Reinstated from DL: RHP Emary Frederick, RHP Brad Holt, RHP John Madden, 2B Andy Green, 3B Jefry Marte

Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Travis Blackley Calero will miss 50 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

New York Yankees Signed: LHP Josh Romanski, C Chad Moeller Recalled: LHP Boone Logan Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Andrew Brackman, RHP Dustin Moseley, RHP Brandon Braboy Reinstated from DL: RHP Adam Olbrychowski, RHP Brad Rulon, RHP Cory Arbiso

Oakland Athletics Signed: RHP Dan McDaniel Released: RHP Ricardo Penalba Recalled: LHP Brad Kilby, C Landon Powell Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Trevor Cahill, C Landon Powell Added to 40-man roster: OF Matt Carson Designated for assignment: OF Jai Miller Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Alex Leon, 3B Dallas McPherson, SS Jason Christian, OF David Thomas Reinstated from DL: C Dusty Napoleon, C Gabriel Ortiz, OF David Thomas Reinstated from inactive list: SS Michael Richard Philadelphia Phillies Signed: C Torre Langley, RHP Austin Hinkle, LHP Kyle Carr Released: LHP Jake Woods, C James Skelton Added to 40-man roster: SS Wilson Valdez Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Alexander Concepcion, RHP Jarred Cosart, RHP Luke Wertz, C Joel Naughton Reinstated from DL: RHP Oscar Villarreal, 2B Keoni DeRenne, OF Brian Stavisky, RHP Brandon Duckworth, C James Skelton, C John Suomi

The veteran Valdez (30) is a plus defender, the reason why accrued 152 games in Major League with White Sox (2004), Mariners & Padres (2005), Dodgers (2007) & Mets (2009). In 2008, he played in Japan (Yakult Swallows).

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: LHP Corey Hamman (re-signed), C James Skelton Released: RHP Alexis Pacheco, OF Jason Cooper Traded: OF Jonathan Van Every to Red Sox for future considerations Placed on suspended list: RHP Steven Jackson Recalled: RHP Daniel McCutchen, RHP Chris Jakubauskas, LHP Brian Burres, SS Argenis Diaz Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Daniel McCutchen, LHP Brian Burres, SS Argenis Diaz Added to 40-man roster: RHP Brian Bass Designated for assignment: OF Brandon Jones Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Hayden Penn Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Quinton Miller, LHP Corey Hamman, RHP Vinnie Chulk Reinstated from DL: LHP Justin Thomas, LHP Corey Hamman, LHP Wil Ledezma, SS Doug Bernier Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Kevin Hart St. Louis Cardinals Recalled: C Bryan Anderson, SS Tyler Greene, OF Jon Jay Optioned to Triple-A: OF Allen Craig Placed on 7-day DL: OF Kyle Conley, OF Chris Swauger, RHP Ramon Delgado, RHP Josh Kinney, RHP Pete Parise Reinstated from DL: 3B Jermaine Curtis, RHP Jason Buursma, RHP Trey Hearne, RHP Josh Kinney

San Diego Padres Draft pick signed: RHP Josh Cephas (34) Signed: C Brandon Fowler, 2B Anthony Contreras (re-signed), 3B Duanel Jones, SS Nick D'Amico Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Adam Russell, LHP Cesar Ramos

Recalled: LHP Wade LeBlanc Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Eric Gonzalez, RHP Bryan Oland, 2B Josh Barfield, RHP Rafael Arias, RHP Jackson Quezada, C Griffin Benedict, C Eric Munson, 2B Logan Forsythe, SS Jesus Lopez, OF Blake Tekotte Reinstated from DL: RHP Jackson Quezada, SS Beamer Weems

The Padres' 34th-round pick last June, Cephas signed on April 6 as a Southern Nazarene (Okla.) senior. The August signing deadline does not pertain to those who have no remaining college eligibility. The 23-year-old Cephas earned all-Sooner Athletic Conference (NAIA) honors as a relief pitcher last season after striking out 70 in 47 innings. In our regional draft report last year we wrote that Cephas was one of the more intriguing senior signs in the draft. "Though he drew little attention and went undrafted in two years at Contra Costa (Calif.) JC and his first at Southern Nazarene, his fastball touched 95 mph this spring. The 6-foot, 195-pounder starts with a methodical delivery before he cranks it up and the ball jumps out of his hand. He also has a hard slider."

A Dominican third baseman, Duanel Jones signed for $900,000, even though he'll need to serve a 50-game suspension first. The Giants had previously tried to sign Jones, but then MLB stepped in and voided his contract.

San Francisco Giants Signed: RHP Reinier Roibal, SS Angel Berroa Recalled: 2B Matt Downs Placed on 7-day DL: OF Tyler Graham, OF Eddy Martinez-Esteve, RHP Jeremy Toole, LHP Ari Ronick, LHP Matt Yourkin, C Hector Sanchez, C Jesse Shriner Reinstated from DL: RHP Osiris Matos, 1B Andy D'Alessio, Hector Sanchez, C Jesse Shriner, 3B Drew Biery Placed on temporarily inactive list: 1B Jesus Guzman Reinstated from inactive list: 1B Jesus Guzman

Reportedly one of the top young hurlers in Cuba, the hard-throwing, 20-year-old Roibal defected to Mexico in ’09 and signed with the Giants this April.

Seattle Mariners Signed: RHP Brian Sweeney (Nippon-Ham (Japan)), RHP Steve Palazzolo, SS Ramon Vazquez Released: LHP Richard Ortiz, 2B Travis Denker Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Maikel Cleto, RHP Wes Littleton, LHP Nick Hill, OF Greg Halman Reinstated from DL: OF Matt Cerione, 1B Brad Nelson Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Richard Ortiz

Sweeney signed with Seattle after three seasons spent abroad, pitching for Nippon-Ham of Japan's Pacific League. The 35-year-old pitched in the U.S. major league for the Mariners and Padres in ’03, ’04 and ’06, totaling 80 innings, but he enjoyed a good deal more success in Japan, compiling a 4.10 ERA over 391 innings.

Halman will miss time with a strained oblique muscle. The Dutch OF (the 8th best prospect in the Mariners system according to BA) was off to a .188/.328/.417 start at Tacoma (PCL/AAA).

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: RHP Logan Kensing, OF Leslie Anderson Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Mike Ekstrom Optioned to high Class A: OF Leslie Anderson Option transferred: C Jose Lobaton (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Dane de la Rosa, RHP Jairo de la Rosa, RHP Virgil Vasquez, SS Shawn O'Malley, OF Rashad Eldridge

Reinstated from DL: SS Tim Beckham, OF Desmond Jennings, RHP Dane de la Rosa, RHP Jairo de la Rosa, 3B Chris Nowak Reinstated from inactive list: C Nevin Ashley

The Rays signed Anderson, a 28-year-old Cuban defector, to a four-year deal worth $1.7 million. Tampa Bay executive VP Andrew Freidman told correspondent Marc Topkin: "We're going to take some time to get him in shape, and then we'll figure out where to start him. On the front end, we're going to place a lot of emphasis on the assimilation process . . . We still need to go through what is the best city for him to do that in, to get his feet on the ground and to put himself in a position to be able to exclusively focus on baseball."

The Durham (N.C.) Herald-Sun reports that "Bulls righthander Virgil Vasquez broke both his wrists Friday when the scooter he was driving was involved in a collision with a car."

Texas Rangers Released: LHP Ryan Falcon, OF Eric Fry Recalled: RHP Omar Poveda Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Chris Davis Added to 40-man roster: 1B Justin Smoak Placed on 7-day DL: C Vin DiFazio Reinstated from DL: C Leonel de los Santos, OF Brandon Boggs, RHP Omar Poveda, C Vn DiFazio Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Mark Hamburger Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Mark Hamburger

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: C Joe Bowen, C Tyler Hauschild, C Garrett Maines, 3B Christian Colonel Released: LHP Willie Collazo, 3B Christian Colonel Acquired: 3B Shawn Bowman from Mets for future considerations Recalled: LHP Brett Cecil Optioned to Triple-A: OF Jeremy Reed Optioned to high Class A: 3B Shawn Bowman Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Brad Emaus, SS Justin Jackson, OF Aaron Mathews, RHP Matt Fields, RHP Dumas Garcia, RHP David Sever, C Jonathan Jaspe, 2B John Tolisano, OF Chris Hopkins, OF Jorge Padilla Reinstated from DL: LHP Willie Collazo, C Alberto Quintana, OF Chris Aguila, RHP Vince Bongiovanni, LHP Matt Wright, C A.J. Jimenez, C Kyle Phillips, OF Aaron Mathews, OF Sean Shoffit Transferred to 60-day DL: RHP Marcus Walden, LHP John Anderson Washington Nationals Signed: C Ty Weeden, 2B Ofilio Castro (re-signed), 3B Wilberto Ortiz, OF Brad Coon Released: RHP Stephen Englund, OF Francisco Plasencia Placed on restricted list: 2B Ofilio Castro, LHP Ricardo Pecina Optioned to Triple-A: OF Roger Bernadina Recalled: LHP Scott Olsen, OF Justin Maxwell, RHP Luis Atilano Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Jason Bergmann Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Robinson Fabian, SS Nick Arata, OF Nick Moresi, OF Boomer Whiting, RHP Patrick Arnold, C Derek Norris, 3B Adam Fox, 3B Luis Ordaz, OF Mike Daniel Reinstated from DL: RHP A.J. Morris, 3B Luis Ordaz, RHP Adrian Alaniz, RHP Kyle Morrison, SS Danny Espinosa Reinstated from inactive list: OF Justin Maxwell, SS Ofilio Castro, OF Edgardo Baez

The Nationals parted ways with Englund amid his 50-game suspension for failing a test for amphetamines. The outfielder-turned-pitcher had just embarked on his new career on the mound in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League last August when the suspension took effect. As a position player last season, Englund batted a miserable .109/.182/.139 in 29 games for low Class A Hagerstown.

Norris had hamate bone surgery last year after instructional league and re-aggravated his hand during spring training.

April 6-14 Arizona Diamondbacks Placed on restricted list: LHP Bayron Zepeda Recalled: C John Hester Option transferred: RHP Daniel Stange (Double-A to Triple-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jarrod Parker, LHP Clay Zavada, 3B Andrew Fie, 3B Ricardo Sosa, SS Pedro Ciriaco, OF Pete Clifford, OF A.J. Pollock

Atlanta Braves Released: RHP Deunte Heath, LHP Francisley Bueno, 3B Adam Coe, OF Anthony Feliz Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Cristhian Martinez Option transferred: RHP Stephen Marek and LHP Lee Hyde (Triple-A to Double-A) and LHP Jose Ortegano (Triple-A to high Class A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brett Butts, RHP Dustin Evans, RHP Vladimir Nunez, LHP Steve Kent, C Chris Anderson, 1B Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg, 2B Juan Gonzalez, SS Samuel Sime, OF Luis Sumoza Placed on 60-day DL: LHP Dimasther Delgado

Heath attracted a fair amount of national notoriety when Kissimmee, Fla., police arrested and charged the 24-year-old righthander with soliciting a prostitute during Braves' spring training camp. Heath allegedly responded to an online listing for prostitution and became ensnared in the police sting when he arrived at the apartment he had agreed upon with a police decoy. He spent a night in Osceola County jail before being released on a $10,000 bond. The Braves suspended Heath before cutting ties completely.

The Cuban defector Bueno (29) played four seasons in the Braves system between AA-AAA. He made the MLB debut in 2008 pitching one game. His minor league track record is 12-10-1 3.90 ERA in 351.1 IP. When defected from Cuba, Bueno was considered a prospect with some aspirations to the National Team.

Dimasther Delgado suffered a broken femur in an offseason car accident in Panama and is expected to miss the season. He was coming off a strong full-season debut with low Class A Rome a year ago.

The Braves claimed Martinez on waivers from the Marlins. The righthander is one of the few minor league Rule 5 picks (from the Tigers in ’06) to log time in the big leagues. Martinez, 28, made 15 relief appearances for the Marlins last year, showing a deceptive high-80s sinker and a changeup. His peripherals weren't half bad, either—6.2 strikeouts, 2.7 walks and 0.7 home runs per nine innings.

Baltimore Orioles Released: C Ansony LaPaix, SS Andy Gonzalez Placed on restricted list: RHP Chris Lambert, RHP Brian Parker Voluntarily retired: LHP Stephen Procner Recalled: 2B Justin Turner Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: 1B Michael Aubrey, SS Robert Andino Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Travis Keating, RHP Luis Lebron, RHP Mick Mattaliano, RHP Josh Perrault, RHP Jake Renshaw, C Michel Hernandez, C Michael Ohlman, C Jordan Wolf, OF Matt Angle, OF Kieron Pope

Boston Red Sox Released: LHP Brian Shouse Option transferred: LHP Felix Doubront (Triple-A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Travis Beazley, RHP Jordan Flasher, RHP Seth Garrison, RHP Miguel Gonzalez, RHP Devern Hansack, RHP T.J. Large, RHP Kelvin Pichardo, RHP Felix Ventura, C Gustavo Molina, SS Aaron Reza, SS Gil Velazquez, OF Ronald Bermudez, OF Zach Daeges Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Jon Still

Chicago Cubs Released: C Garrett Maines, OF Jason James Placed on suspended list: C Luis Flores Recalled: RHP Jeff Gray Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Justin Bristow, RHP Chris Carpenter, RHP Manolin DeLeon, RHP Marcus Hatley, RHP Dylan Johnston, RHP David Patton, LHP Casey Lambert, C Mark Johnson, 1B Rebel Ridling, 3B Scott McClain, SS Matt Matulia, OF Matt Spencer

The Cubs signed both Maines and James out of the independent Frontier League in the offseason, but neither will suit up for a Chicago affiliate this spring. James, in particular, has an interesting backstory. Drafted in consecutive years out of Kishwaukee (Ill.) JC, in ’03 and ’04, he opted to attend NAIA Lindenwood (Mo.) instead of turning pro. James signed on with the Rockford Riverhawks of the Frontier League in July ’06 after being passed over in the draft. He then proceeded to string together four remarkable seasons in a row, batting a cumulative .355/.420/.524 in 306 games for Rockford. James' hitting exploits had some calling him the Ted Williams of the Frontier League.

Chicago White Sox Released: OF Brady Clark Placed on restricted list: OF Miguel Negron Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Scott Elarton, RHP Brandon Hynick, RHP Brian Omogrosso, RHP Derek Rodriguez Placed on 60-day DL: OF Jared Mitchell

A nasty spring training collision with an outfield wall deprived us all the chance to see Jared Mitchell play this season. He had surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left ankle and could miss the season.

Cincinnati Reds Released: RHP Brodie Pullen Placed on restricted list: LHP Steven Otterness Optioned to Triple-A: 3B Juan Francisco Added to 40-man roster: RHP Mike Leake, 2B Miguel Cairo, OF Laynce Nix Designated for assignment: LHP Pedro Viola Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jose Arredondo, RHP James Avery, RHP Jared Burton, RHP Mark Serrano, RHP Sean Watson, LHP Bill Bray

Pullen, a 33rd-round pick in ’07, converted from third baseman to pitcher in ’08 but then missed all of ’09 with injury.

Leake became the 21st player to go directly from the draft to the big leagues with no minor league stopover in between. The last two pitchers to turn the trick: Ariel Prieto in ’95 and Darren Driefort in '94. Leake walked seven over 6 2/3 innings in his big league debut, but he managed to hold the Cubs to one run on four hits, while striking out five.

Cleveland Indians Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: 2B Anderson Hernandez Outrighted to Double-A, removed from 40-man: C Wyatt Toregas Option transferred: LHP Kelvin de la Cruz (Double-A to high Class A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jason Grilli, RHP Jason Knapp, RHP Kyle Landis, RHP Adam Miller, LHP Ryan Morris, LHP Heath Taylor, OF Jordan Brown

Colorado Rockies Traded: C Robby Hammock to Yankees for future considerations Voluntarily retired: C Brandon Whitby Option transferred: RHP Al Alburquerque (Triple-A to Double-A)

Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Al Alburquerque, LHP Kurt Birkins Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Matt Wilhite, LHP Jimmy Gobble, C Paul Lo Duca, 2B Omar Quintanilla, SS Hector Gomez, SS Chris Nelson, SS Eider Torres

Detroit Tigers Placed on restricted list: RHP Brandon Hamilton, 3B Ronnie Bourquin Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Scott Green, RHP Cody Satterwhite, LHP Casey Crosby, LHP Austin Wood, SS Audy Ciriaco, SS Brandon Douglas, OF Kyle Peter

A Tigers' supplemental first-rounder in ’07, Brandon Hamilton did not report to spring training and is on a "mission trip," according to the Tigers.

Florida Marlins Released: RHP Allen Baxter Acquired: 2B Alejandro Machado from Mets for future considerations Placed on restricted list: RHP Jeremiah Haar, LHP James Houser, SS Gookie Dawkins Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jose Ceda, RHP Kyle Gunderson, RHP Kris Harvey, RHP Dallas Trahern, RHP Nic Ungs, RHP Kyle Winters, LHP Jeff Gogal, LHP Andrew Miller, LHP Graham Taylor, LHP Sean West, C Miguel Fermin, 2B Javier Guzman, OF Greg Burns, OF Chris Dunn, OF Tom Hickman

If the name Allen Baxter sounds familiar, it's because he once ranked as the Marlins' No. 5 prospect, just behind Josh Beckett, Miguel Cabrera, Denny Bautista and Adrian Gonzalez on the ’02 list. His name also pops up on our ’06 Prospect Handbook 31st Team, where the ’01 third-round pick sounds like a future Cy Young award winner: ". . . Baxter showed a 92-94 mph fastball that topped out at 98 mph. He has great natural movement on both his two- and four-seam fastballs. He has a hard-breaking curve he can throw for strikes . . ." But his addition to Florida's 40-man roster following that ’05 season turned out to be his career highlight. He got dumped from the 40-man in March ’06 and made just nine relief appearances that season as he battled injuries—an unfortunate turn of events for a pitcher who already had missed a year with Tommy John surgery. At any rate, Baxter would not pitch it all from ’07 through ’09, spending each season on the restricted list. He has totaled 9 1/3 innings in the past four seasons.

Houston Astros Placed on restricted list: RHP J.B. MacDonald, OF Mitch Einertson Recalled: RHP Wilton Lopez Option transferred: SS Wladimir Sutil (Triple-A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Chris Hicks, RHP Brad James, RHP Jose Valdez, LHP Chris Blazek, LHP David Duncan, C Jose Lopez, 1B Brian Pellegrini, 2B Jose Vallejo, SS Oswaldo Navarro Placed on 60-day DL: C Max Sapp

Kansas City Royals Placed on restricted list: RHP Bryan Casey, LHP Ray Liotta, LHP Craig Rodriguez, 1B David Wood, 3B Jason Morales, OF Nick Francis Optioned to Triple-A: SS Mike Aviles Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Anthony Lerew Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jorge Campillo, RHP Edward Cegarra, RHP Luis Cota, RHP Aaron Hartsock, RHP Chris Hayes, RHP Devon Lowery, RHP Julio Pimentel, LHP Adam Bostick, LHP Rowdy Hardy, C Juan Graterol, C Jeff Howell, 3B Mike Moustakas, 3B Eddie Prasch, SS Jeff Bianchi, SS Mario Lisson, SS Ed Lucas, OF Shane Costa, OF Jarrod Dyson Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Dylan Lindsay

Los Angeles Angels Placed on restricted list: SS Jean Almanzar Added to 40-man roster: RHP Bobby Cassevah, RHP Francisco Rodriguez Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Bobby Cassevah, C Ryan Budde, 1B Robb Quinlan

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Trevor Bell, RHP Brok Butcher, RHP Ryan Chaffee, RHP Michael Davitt, RHP Bobby Mosebach, RHP Kevin Nabors, RHP Tim Schoeninger, RHP Mason Tobin, RHP Vladimir Veras, LHP Leonardo Calderon, 2B P.J. Phillips

Los Angeles Dodgers Placed on restricted list: RHP Blake Brannon Loaned to Mexican League: C Gabriel Gutierrez Recalled: C A.J. Ellis Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jake McCarter, RHP Jordan Pratt, RHP Josh Walter, C Alex Garabedian, C Fumimasa Ishibashi, C Steven Lopez, 2B Ramon Nivar, SS Joe Becker, SS Justin Sellers, OF Alfredo Amezaga, OF Adam Godwin, OF Andres Perez

The Mexican-born Gutierrez (26) is in his 10th season with the Dodgers (topping AAA). L.A. loaned his contract to Mexico City.

Milwaukee Brewers Released: LHP Josh Romanski Placed on restricted list: RHP Jeremy Jeffress Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Evan Anundsen, RHP Mark DiFelice, RHP Rob Wooten, LHP Bobby Bramhall, LHP Chris Capuano, LHP Mike Ramlow, LHP Brae Wright, OF Adam Stern Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Angel Salome

The Brewers selected Romanski out of San Diego—where he was Brian Matusz's wing man—with a fourth-round pick in ’08, but he never did take the mound for them. An injury knocked him for the ’09 season, and the amateur two-way standout spent four games at DH for Rookie-level Helena in ’08.

Jeffress, the 18th overall pick in the 2006 Draft, has twice been suspended for testing positive for "a drug of abuse" and currently is serving a 100-game suspension.

Wooten, who finished his first full pro season in Double-A last year, will miss the season after having Tommy John surgery.

Minnesota Twins Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brad Hennessey, RHP Loek Van Mil, RHP Matt Williams, 3B Matt Macri, OF Brandon Roberts

New York Mets Traded: 2B Alejandro Machado to Marlins for future considerations Optioned to Triple-A: C Omir Santos, SS Ruben Tejada Option transferred: RHP Clint Everts, RHP Eddie Kunz and OF Nick Evans (Triple-A to Double-A) Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jenrry Mejia, LHP Hisanori Takahashi, LHP Raul Valdes, 1B Mike Jacobs, SS Ruben Tejada, OF Frank Catalanotto Designated for assignment: RHP Clint Everts, 3B Shawn Bowman Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Sal Aguilar, RHP Nick Carr, RHP Stephen Clyne, RHP Ryan Coultas, RHP Jack Egbert, RHP Emary Frederick, RHP John Holdzkom, RHP Brad Holt, RHP Jeff Kaplan, RHP John Madden, RHP Carlos Muniz, RHP Brant Rustich, RHP Tim Stronach, C Jordan Abruzzo, C Francisco Pena, C Shawn Riggans, 2B Andy Green, 2B Reese Havens, 3B Jefry Marte Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Travis Blackley

The Cuban Raul Valdes spent the past two seasons playing winter ball in the Dominican League and had not played affiliated ball since ’07 with the Mets (St. Lucie/Binghamton). Before (2005-06) he pitched ineffectively for the AA & AAA affiliates of the Cubs and in the CanAm League. The Mets signed him on the recommendation of Ken Oberkfell, manager for their Triple-A Buffalo affiliate and also the Escogido

team that Valdes played for last winter. He was named the best starting LHP of the Carribean Series, in which he pitched for the Dominican team.

New York Yankees Released: OF Javier Herrera Acquired: C Robby Hammock from Rockies for future considerations Placed on restricted list: RHP Ramon Rodriguez, LHP Rony Bautista, SS Joaquin Perez Voluntarily retired: C Kyle Anson Optioned to Triple-A: OF Chad Huffman Option transferred: LHP Wilkin de la Rosa (Triple-A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Cory Arbiso, RHP Dellin Betances, RHP Paul Bush, RHP Caleb Cotham, RHP Christian Garcia, RHP Alan Horne, RHP George Kontos, RHP Dickson Marquez, RHP Brett Marshall, RHP Adam Olbrychowski, RHP Brad Rulon, LHP Manuel Banuelos, C Brian Baisley, C Neall French, C P.J. Pilittere, 1B Jorge Vazquez, 2B Matt Cusick, SS Carmen Angelini, OF Edwar Gonzalez

Selected out of Texas State by the Yankees in the 10th round of the 2005 Draft, Anson (27) hit .227/.374/.319 in 57 games at Trenton (AA) last season.

The Yankees claimed Huffman on waivers from the Padres. He endured a tough spring in Padres' camp, but he offers New York a strong bat for Triple-A Scranton as well as a righthanded-hitting option if they need corner outfield reinforcements in the Bronx.

Oakland Athletics Released: RHP Trey Webb, RHP Matt Wright, C Curtis Thigpen Optioned to Triple-A: OF Jai Miller Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: OF Jack Cust Option transferred: RHP Fautino de los Santos (Double-A to high Class A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Kristian Bell, RHP Andrew Carignan, RHP Fautino de los Santos, RHP Matt Fitts, RHP Dan Giese, RHP Michael Hart, RHP Brett Hunter, RHP Jason Jennings, RHP Jonathan Joseph, RHP Chad Kerfoot, RHP Mathieu LeBlanc Poirier, RHP Chad Lee, RHP Michael Madsen, RHP Scott Moore, RHP Jamie Richmond, RHP Josue Selenes, RHP James Simmons, RHP Brett Tomko, LHP Julio Ramos, C Joel Galarraga, C Dusty Napoleon, C Gabriel Ortiz, 1B Sean Doolittle, 1B Matt Whitney, 2B Adrian Cardenas, 3B Jeff Baisley, SS Dusty Coleman, SS Josh Horton, SS Christian Vitters, OF Chris Berroa, OF Toddric Johnson, OF Mitch LeVier Placed on temporarily inactive list: SS Michael Richard

The A's claimed Miller on waivers from the Marlins, taking a chance on gifted athlete who has made incremental improvements each season. The 25-year-old batted .289/.360/.510 with 16 homers in 343 at-bats for Triple-A New Orleans last season. Not impressed? Consider that just three years prior, in ’06, Miller had batted .209/.308/.267 in 344 at-bats for high Class A Jupiter.

Philadelphia Phillies Placed on restricted list: SS Travis Mattair Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Drew Carpenter Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brandon Duckworth, RHP John Ennis, RHP B.J. Rosenberg, RHP Zack Sterner, RHP Oscar Villarreal, C James Skelton, C John Suomi, 2B Keoni DeRenne, 3B Mike Durant, 2B Harold Garcia, OF Quintin Berry, OF Brian Stavisky

Pittsburgh Pirates Placed on suspended list: RHP Kevin Hart Placed on restricted list: RHP Matt McSwain Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Daniel McCutchen Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: OF Brandon Moss Added to 40-man roster: LHP Brian Burres

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Ramon Aguero, RHP Jimmy Barthmaier, RHP Craig Hansen, RHP Brett Lorin, RHP Tyler Yates, LHP Neal Cotts, LHP Wil Ledezma, LHP Justin Thomas, C Milver Reyes, 2B Josh Bonifay, 3B Kevin Melillo, SS Doug Bernier

St. Louis Cardinals Placed on restricted list: C Paul Vasquez, 3B Alan Ahmady, SS Tyler Bighames Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Scott Bittle, RHP Jason Buursma, RHP Josh Dew, RHP Trey Hearne, RHP Kyle Mura, RHP Francisco Samuel, RHP Miguel Tapia, LHP George Brown, LHP Hector Cardenas, LHP Sam Freeman, 1B Mark Hamilton, 1B Jonathan Rodriguez, 2B Jose Martinez, 3B Jermaine Curtis Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP P.J. Walters

San Diego Padres Recalled: RHP Adam Russell Option transferred: LHP Aaron Poreda (Triple-A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Stephen Faris, RHP Jeremy McBryde, RHP Drew Miller, RHP Jackson Quezada, LHP Steve Garrison, LHP Cory Luebke, C Adam Zornes, 2B Matt Antonelli, SS Beamer Weems, OF Jaff Decker Placed on 60-day DL: LHP Matt LaChappa Reinstated from DL: RHP Hayden Beard

San Francisco Giants Placed on restricted list: OF Shane Jordan Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Brian Anderson, RHP Santiago Casilla, RHP Shane Kaufman, RHP Osiris Matos, RHP David Newton, RHP Danny Otero, RHP Chris Wilson, LHP Kelvin Marte, LHP Wilmin Rodriguez, C Matt Klimas, C Nestor Rojas, C Jesse Shriner, 1B Andy D'Alessio, 1B Josh Mazzola, 3B Drew Biery, 3B Michael Sandoval, OF Mike Loberg

Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Venezuela by the Twins in 1997, Sandoval (28) was released during the 2004 season while with Fort Myers (A Adv.). Since then, the right-handed played Indy ball. Last season hit .291/.375/.417 with Newark (Atlantic League).

Seattle Mariners Placed on restricted list: RHP Victor Duarte, LHP Richard Ortiz, 1B Joe White, OF Robert Rodriguez Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: OF Ryan Langerhans Option transferred: LHP Ryan Feierabend (Triple-A to high Class A) Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jesus Colome Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Pat Bresnehan, RHP Nolan Gallagher, RHP Brent Johnson, RHP Stephen Kahn, RHP Ricky Orta, RHP Kyle Parker, RHP Luis Pena, RHP Yusmeiro Petit, RHP Alfredo Venegas, RHP Tom Wilhelmsen, LHP Donnie Hume, LHP Cesar Jimenez, LHP Derrick Saito, C Ralph Henriquez, 3B Ronnie Prettyman, OF Matt Cerione, OF Jamie McOwen, OF Ryan Royster

Orta had Tommy John surgery this spring, which is a tough break for a relief prospect coming off a breakthrough campaign that landed him on the 40-man roster.

Hume also enjoyed a fine ’09 season, taming the High Desert winds enough to go 17-5, 4.81 in 27 starts for the high Class A affiliate, but he's strengthening his shoulder in extended spring training.

Tampa Bay Rays Released: C Luis Bautista, C David Genao, OF Hunter Pace Placed on restricted list: C Mike McCormick, 2B Jason Tweedy Recalled: C John Jaso Option transferred: LHP Jake McGee and C Jose Lobaton (Triple-A to Double-A) Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Alex Cobb, RHP Woods Fines, RHP Tyree Hayes, RHP Will Kline, LHP Jason

Cromer, LHP R.J. Swindle, 2B J.J. Furmaniak, 3B Chris Nowak, SS Tim Beckham, OF Desmond Jennings Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Nevin Ashley

Texas Rangers Placed on restricted list: RHP Danny Gutierrez, OF Steve Murphy Added to 40-man roster: C Matt Treanor Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Omar Poveda, RHP Michael Schlact, C Leonel de los Santos, C Toby Hall, 2B Vicente Cafaro, OF Brandon Boggs, OF Endy Chavez

Toronto Blue Jays Placed on restricted list: 1B Manny Rodriguez Optioned to high Class A: SS Adeiny Hechavarria Option transferred: LHP Luis Perez (Triple-A to Double-A) Added to 40-man roster: OF Jeremy Reed Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Vince Bongiovanni, RHP Kyle Ginley, RHP Shawn Hill, RHP Kenny Rodriguez, RHP Marcus Walden, RHP Josh Wells, LHP John Anderson, LHP Willie Collazo, LHP Matt Wright, C C.J. Ebarb, C A.J. Jimenez, C Matt Liuzza, C Kyle Phillips, C Al Quintana, 2B Howie Clark, 3B Kevin Ahrens, 3B Scott Campbell, OF Chris Aguila, OF Sean Shoffit, OF Moises Sierra Placed on 60-day DL: 3B Bryan Kervin Placed on temporarily inactive list: SS Adeiny Hechavarria

The Blue Jays inked Cuban defector Hechavarria to a four-year, $10 million deal.

Washington Nationals Signed: LHP Ron Villone (re-signed) Released: RHP Ironel Paez Placed on suspended list: RHP Justin Phillabaum, LHP Patrick McCoy Placed on restricted list: LHP Will Atwood, 3B Stephen King, OF Edgardo Baez Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Garrett Mock Recalled: OF Roger Bernadina Added to 40-man roster: RHP Livan Hernandez Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Adrian Alaniz, RHP Juan Jaime, RHP Mike MacDougal, RHP Carlos Martinez, RHP Ryan Mattheus, RHP Brad Meyers, RHP A.J. Morris, RHP Kyle Morrison, LHP Austin Garrett, LHP Ron Villone, C Jamie Burke, 2B Dan Lyons, 3B Luis Ordaz, SS Danny Espinosa, OF J.R. Higley, OF Jerry Owens Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Justin Maxwell

Espinosa missed Double-A Harrisburg's Opening Day while out with a hamstring injury.

March 29-April 5 Arizona Diamondbacks Released: RHP Chase Christianson, RHP Cody Evans, RHP Sean Morgan, RHP Jorge Perez, RHP Ricardo Taveras, C James Skelton, 3B Justin Parker, OF Joey Side Added to 40-man roster: RHP Rodrigo Lopez Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Jose Marte Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Billy Buckner, RHP Kevin Mulvey, LHP Zach Kroenke, LHP Clay Zavada, C John Hester, 1B Brandon Allen, 2B Ryan Roberts, OF Cole Gillespie

Selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 14th round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, Skelton was selected by Arizona from Detroit in the Major League phase of the 2008 Rule 5 Draft. The Diamondbacks liked his arm and plate discipline and were able to retain him by dealing 2006 supplemental first-round pitcher Brooks Brown to the Tigers. The left-handed catcher was assigned to AA Mobile and hit .207/.349/.288 between AA and A Adv. levels.

The Diamondbacks retained Kroenke, their major league Rule 5 selection from the Yankees, for no compensation. He remains on the club's 40-man roster, however, in contrast to the other Rule 5 picks who have seen their rights transferred to the drafting club—that's Chuck Lofgren (to the Brewers), Edgar Osuna (Royals), Mike Parisi (Cubs) and Ben Snyder (Rangers). But then Kroenke's situation was unique

from the get-go. A Rule 5 pick by the Marlins in ’08, he already had been exposed to the waiver process once before. Last year, he cleared waivers and was returned to New York. He cleared waivers again this spring, with a little help from a warning that if the Yankees claimed him, then he would opt for free agency. This according to Diamondbacks correspondent Jack Magruder. So rather than lose Kroenke as a free agent—his right as a player who has twice cleared waivers—Arizona compromised and kept him on the 40-man.

Atlanta Braves Signed: OF Alex Romero Released: RHP Patrick Currin, RHP Rudy Darrow, RHP Mike Mehlich, LHP Kevin Gunderson, C J.R. House, 1B Greg Creek, 2B Michael Fisher, OF C.J. Lee, OF Antoan Richardson, OF Stephen Shults Placed on restricted list: RHP Luis Valdez Added to 40-man roster: OF Jason Heyward Outrighted to high Class A, removed from 40-man: RHP Juan Abreu Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Jonny Venters, C Clint Sammons

Valdez did not report to Braves camp because he had trouble getting a visa that would allow him to travel from the Dominican Republic. This forced Atlanta to place him on the restricted list.

The Braves signed Abreu, a minor league free agent, to a big league contract last November. But after the 24-year-old righthander's challenging spring, they decided to remove him from the 40-man and start him with high Class A Myrtle Beach, where his arm strength could serve him well as closer.

Baltimore Orioles Signed: OF Joey Gathright Released: RHP Colin Allen, RHP Andrew Barb, RHP Joe Esposito, LHP Chris Salberg, LHP Brian Sisk, C Chad Moeller, C Brendan Monaghan, 1B Elvin Polanco, 3B Mike Costanzo, OF David Cash, OF Richard D'Oleo, OF Joe Nowicki Acquired: C Steve Lerud from Royals for future considerations Added to 40-man roster: LHP Will Ohman Designated for assignment: 1B Michael Aubrey Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Kam Mickolio, RHP Chris Tillman, LHP Alberto Castillo, 2B Justin Turner, OF Lou Montanez

A 2nd round Draft pick by the Phillies in 2005, Costanzo (26) was traded with Michael Bourn and Geoff Geary to the Astros for Brad Lidge and Eric Bruntlett on Nov. 7, 2007, and traded again with Troy Patton, Matt Albers, Dennis Sarfate and Luke Scott to the Orioles for Miguel Tejada before the 2008 season. Last season, Costanzo hit .202/.304/.316 between Norfolk/AAA & Bowie/AA.

Boston Red Sox Released: RHP Scott Patterson, RHP Chad Povich, RHP Chad Rhoades, RHP Jorge Sosa, C Ty Weeden, 1B Brett Harper, 1B Michael Jones, 2B Jeff Natale, 3B Christian Colonel, OF Kade Keowen Added to 40-man roster: LHP Scott Schoeneweis Optioned to Triple-A: C Dusty Brown, 2B Kevin Frandsen, 2B Tug Hulett, OF Josh Reddick

Natale, 27, was selected by the Red Sox in the 32nd round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft. Last year, he hit a solid .282/.397/.400 in 58 games at Pawtucket/AAA. With Kevin Frandsen and Tug Hulett on the AAA roster, the Red Sox didn’t find a spot for him.

Chicago Cubs Released: RHP Todd Blackford, RHP Dan McDaniel, RHP Arismendy Mota, RHP Julio Pena, RHP Jake Schmidt, 1B Kevin Millar, 3B Derek Helenihi Added to 40-man roster: LHP James Russell, 1B Chad Tracy Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Micah Hoffpauir, OF Sam Fuld

Option transferred: RHP Rafael Dolis and RHP David Patton (Double-A to high Class A); RHP Marcos Mateo (Triple-A to Double-A)

The Cubs signed Helenihi in December as a nondrafted free agent from Louisiana State, where he played alongside Cubs' second-rounder D.J. Lemahieu.

Chicago White Sox Released: RHP Ryan Strauss, LHP Wander Perez Added to 40-man roster: C Donny Lucy Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Dan Hudson, SS Brent Lillibridge, OF Alejandro De Aza Option transferred: RHP Jhonny Nunez (Triple-A to Double-A) Voluntarily retired: RHP Levi Maxwell, OF Harold Baines Jr.

Cincinnati Reds Released: RHP Arshwin Asjes, RHP Josh Beal, RHP Forest Cannon, RHP Ramon Geronimo, RHP Adian Kummet, RHP Luis Montano, RHP Zach Ward, RHP Kip Wells, RHP Jake Wiley, C Jason Bour, 1B Dave Stewart, 2B Yen-Wen Kuo, OF Tony Brown, OF Albert Laboy, OF Kevin West Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jared Burton, RHP Carlos Fisher, LHP Aroldis Chapman, LHP Matt Maloney, LHP Travis Wood, 2B Drew Sutton Option transferred: 1B Yonder Alonso (Triple-A to Double-A)

Cleveland Indians Released: RHP Dallas Cawiezell, RHP Guido Fonseca, RHP Tom Mastny, RHP Mike Pontius, C Rolando Petit, 1B Chris Nash, 2B Lurvin Basabe, 2B Matt Willard, SS Mark Thompson, OF Matt Brown, OF Stephen Head, OF Adam White Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jamey Wright, 2B Mark Grudzielanek, OF Austin Kearns Designated for assignment: C Wyatt Toregas Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: LHP Jeremy Sowers Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Carlos Carrasco, C Wyatt Toregas, OF Trevor Crowe

A 2nd round Draft pick by the Indians in 2005 (Signing Bonus: $605,000), Head (26) hit a combined .263/.324/.425 in five pro seasons, reaching AAA level in 2009.

Colorado Rockies Released: RHP Rick Bauer, RHP Austin Chambliss, RHP Chris Gissell, RHP Carlos Guevara, RHP Carlos Luna, RHP Justin Speier, LHP Tommy Baumgardner, LHP Adam Bright, LHP Xavier Cedeno, LHP Josh Muecke, 1B Josh Phelps, 1B Chris Vasami, OF Daniel Carte, OF Kevin Clark, OF Jay Cox, OF Alex Escobar, OF Robert Perry Recalled: RHP Esmil Rogers Optioned to Triple-A: 2B Eric Young Jr.

A Rockies second-round pick in ’05, Carte earned second-team All-America honors that season for his play at Winthrop. But the 25-year-old stalled in Double-A, hitting .251/.303/.358 in 674 at-bats over two seasons with Tulsa. His walk-to-strikeout ratio (39-to-181) tells the story, but he's not alone among college outfielder disappointments (Eli Iorg, Brian Pettway, Carte, Ryan Patterson and Sergio Pedroza).

The Aussie Bright, 26, was a minor league free agent following the 2009 season, after spending seven years in the Rockies organization (1-2-1 4.30 ERA in 36 relief app. last season at Tulsa/AA). In 291 games, all as a reliever, he had a 17-27 record with a combined ERA of 4.28. He struck out 256 batters in 334 1/3 innings, walking 168. Bright also was a member of the Australian National Team during several international tournaments, including the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classics and the Baseball World Cups 2005, 2007 and 2009. Last winter he won the Claxton Shield Tournament in his home country with the Victoria Aces and worked as a pitching coach in the Melbourne Winter Baseball League.

Colorado re-signed him last February. UPDATE (06/10/2010): Bright signed a contract with Rimini of the Italian Baseball League for the remainder of the 2010 season.

Detroit Tigers Released: RHP Jose Diaz, RHP Drew Graham, RHP Mike LaLuna, RHP Matt Rusch, LHP Chad Linder, LHP Michael Manus, LHP Macay McBride, LHP Sam Narron, LHP Jose Siso, C Joe Bowen, C Keith Hernandez, C Jordan Newton, 1B Ryan Roberson, 1B Devin Thomas, 3B Kory Casto, OF Eddie Rush Traded: LHP Nate Robertson to Marlins for LHP Jay Voss Optioned to Triple-A: SS Brent Dlugach, OF Clete Thomas Option transferred: OF Wilkin Ramirez (Triple-A to Double-A)

Florida Marlins Released: RHP Seth McClung, RHP Jarrett Santos, C Torre Langley, C Jameson Smith, 1B Ricky Orton, OF Nate Simon Traded: LHP Jay Voss to Tigers for LHP Nate Robertson Recalled: RHP Tim Wood Added to 40-man roster: RHP Clay Hensley, RHP Jose Veras, 3B Brian Barden, 3B Mike Lamb Designated for assignment: RHP Cristhian Martinez, OF Jai Miller Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Rick VandenHurk, RHP Tim Wood

Santos was a 34th Round draft pick by the Marlins in 2004. In 2008, he was a Southern League All-Star; last season posted a solid 8-8 3.85 ERA in 40 games (15 starts) between Jacksonville/AA & New Orleans/AAA. He’s a control guy: only 17 BB in 117 IP in 2009 (but he didn’t strike out much: 55 K).

The Marlins tabbed high school catchers with third-round picks in consecutive drafts, taking Torre Langley in ’06 and Jameson Smith in ’07. Langley made it no higher than low Class A Greensboro, where he played only part time, and batted .222/.250/.337 in four pro seasons. Smith peaked at high Class A Jupiter, but was similarly ineffective as a hitter, batting .233/.331/.297 in three seasons.

Houston Astros Released: RHP Matt Ginter, RHP Scott Migl, RHP Philip Rummel, RHP Jack Tilghman, LHP Mike Hacker, LHP Chris Salamida, LHP Jon Switzer, C Reinaldo Pestana, 1B Phil Disher, 1B Matt Weston, SS Chris Jackson, OF Steve Brown, OF Russell Dixon Added to 40-man roster: OF Cory Sullivan Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Wilton Lopez, 2B Edwin Maysonet

With the release of Dixon, a seventh-round pick, the Astros have only one player left to show for the top 10 rounds of their notoriously poor ’07 draft. That would be fifth-round outfielder Collin Delome, who for all his faults, at least cracked 20 homers and slugged .465 in the Double-A Texas League last year. Curiously enough, 10th-rounder Matt Cusick and 11th-rounder Robert Bono have been leveraged in trades (for LaTroy Hawkins and Matt Lindstrom, of course), while 12th-rounder Brian Pellegrini cracked 34 home runs last season, good for a third place finish in the minors.

Kansas City Royals Released: RHP Jason Godin, RHP Matt Kniginyzky, RHP Ryan Morgan, RHP Zach Peterson, RHP Brett Richardson, RHP Francisco Rosario, LHP Gilbert de la Vara, LHP Nelson Payano, C Vance Wilson, OF Eric Shortell Traded: C Steve Lerud to Orioles for future considerations Added to 40-man roster: LHP John Parrish Outrighted to Double-A, removed from 40-man: LHP Edgar Osuna Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Blake Wood, 1B Kila Ka'aihue Optioned to Rookie ball: RHP Brian Anderson

The Royals placed Osuna on waivers with the intention of returning him to the Braves. But Atlanta opted not to pay the $25,000 fee to reacquire the Mexican lefty.

An erstwhile center fielder, Anderson will stay behind in extended spring training to try his hand at pitching. For Royals fans, it’s Tony Pena Jr. all over again. Take an excellent defensive player who can’t hit a lick (in Anderson’s case: .227/.290/.370 in 355 games) and see if some value can be derived from the mound.

Los Angeles Angels Released: RHP Travis Chick, C Flint Wipke, 2B Phil Bando, 2B Hector Estrella, 3B Wilberto Ortiz, OF Coby Smith Added to 40-man roster: 1B Robb Quinlan Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Sean O'Sullivan, 3B Freddy Sandoval, OF Peter Bourjos

Los Angeles Dodgers Released: LHP Sean Thompson, 1B Doug Mientkiewicz, 2B Adolfo Gonzalez, 2B Argenis Reyes, SS Nick Green, OF Jovanny Rosario Loaned to Mexican League: RHP Francisco Felix, LHP Thomas Melgarejo Added to 40-man roster: RHP Ramon Ortiz, RHP Russ Ortiz, RHP Jeff Weaver, OF Garret Anderson Optioned to Triple-A: C A.J. Ellis, SS Chin-lung Hu, OF Xavier Paul Option transferred: C Lucas May (Triple-A to Double-A)

Milwaukee Brewers Released: RHP Mike Burns, RHP Wes Etheridge, RHP Brandon Rapoza, RHP Juan Sandoval, LHP Rafael Lluberes, C Derrick Alfonso, C J.R. Hopf, 2B Shane Justis, OF Tike Redman Option transferred: OF Lorenzo Cain (Triple-A to Double-A)

Minnesota Twins Released: RHP Dan Berlind, RHP Blair Erickson, RHP Jason Jones, LHP Kyle Carr, LHP Mark McLemore, C Jeff Lanning, 1B Paul-Michael Klingsberg, 1B Rene Leveret, 1B Jon Waltenbury, 3B Dominic de la Osa, OF Nick Freitas, OF Charlton Jimerson, OF Adan Severino Recalled: RHP Alex Burnett Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Glen Perkins, C Wilson Ramos

Selected by the Twins in the 7th round of the 2006 Draft, the Canadian 1B Jon Waltenbury was an Appalachian League All-Star after batting .319/.382/.540 with 10 HR and 22 doubles in 2008. But league observers just were not convinced he had the bat speed or the ability to pull the ball for power. In fact, in 2009, his first full season, he hit .236/.306/.326 with only 5 homers and 38 RBI in 109 games at Beloit/A.

New York Mets Signed: LHP Pat Misch (outrighted) Released: RHP Will Morgan, RHP Phillips Orta, RHP Henry Owens, LHP Neal Musser, 3B Nick Giarraputo, SS Jake Eigsti, OF Evan LeBlanc Loaned to Mexican League: LHP Arturo Lopez Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: LHP Pat Misch Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Manny Acosta, RHP Bobby Parnell, OF Chris Carter, OF Fernando Martinez

Misch cleared waivers and decided to stay with the Mets on a minor league deal rather than risk the choppy free agency waters. It’s the wrong time of year to be looking for work with a new organization.

The Mets claimed Acosta, an arm strength, fastball/changeup reliever, on waivers after the Braves tried to sneak him right on through to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Lopez will pitch on loan for Mexico City.

New York Yankees Released: RHP Jonathan Hovis, RHP Luke Prihoda, RHP Ryan Zink, C Mike Rivera, OF James Cooper Added to 40-man roster: OF Marcus Thames Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Boone Logan

Oakland Athletics Signed: RHP Josh Lansford Released: RHP Jason Fernandez, RHP Steve Sharpe, RHP Juston Street, LHP Nick Walters Added to 40-man roster: RHP Tyson Ross Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Henry Rodriguez, LHP Brad Kilby, C Landon Powell, 2B Steven Tolleson

Philadelphia Phillies Signed: RHP Josh Fogg, RHP Ty Taubenheim, C Jeff Lanning, C James Skelton Released: RHP Freddy Ballestas, RHP Ryan Bergh, RHP Joe Bisenius, RHP Darren Byrd, RHP Rick Guttormson, RHP Santos Hernandez, RHP Eryk McConnell, RHP Jordan Meaker, RHP Pat Overholt, RHP Todd Van Steensel, RHP Jessie Zuber, LHP Spencer Arroyo, LHP Sean Grieve, LHP Jason Mackintosh, LHP Jason Salers, LHP Jared Simon, C Jorge Guerra, C John Purdom, 1B Jeremy Hamilton, 3B Eric Campbell, 3B Zak Farkes, 3B Yonderman Rodriguez, OF Freddy Guzman, OF Gus Milner, OF Arlon Quiroz, OF Brad Wilkerson Recalled: RHP Drew Carpenter Option transferred: RHP J.C. Ramirez (Double-A to high Class A) and OF Quintin Berry (Triple-A to Double-A)

The Phillies made a couple last-minute additions to their organizational stable by scooping up recently released catchers Lanning (Twins) and Skelton (Diamondbacks).

A 18th round Draft pick in 2005, Byrd (23) had a good showing in Puerto Rico last winter pitching for the champions Mayaguez Indios: he was 9th in the League for ERA (3.04), 3rd for Wins (4) and Innings pitched (50.1). Earlier, the right-hander pitched at Clearwater/A Adv. (5-7-1 3.99 ERA in 88 IP).

Jeremy Hamilton carried a reputation as a pure hitter into the ’08 draft. The Phillies bought in and made the Wright State first baseman a fifth-round pick, but in his first taste of low Class A last year, he batted just .255/.344/.357 in 294 at-bats for Lakewood.

Pittsburgh Pirates Released: RHP Harrison Bishop, RHP Chris Cullen, RHP Rafael de los Santos, RHP Wilson Ortiz, RHP Moises Robles, RHP R.J. Rodriguez, LHP Kyle Bloom, LHP Corey Hamman, LHP Nelson Pereira, C Billy Killian, C Craig Parry, 1B Chris Garcia, 2B Daniel Bomback, 3B Henry Henry, OF Edward Garcia Traded: RHP Virgil Vasquez to Rays for a player to be named Added to 40-man roster: RHP D.J. Carrasco, LHP Jack Taschner Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Steve Pearce

St. Louis Cardinals Optioned to Triple-A: RHP P.J. Walters Option transferred: RHP Francisco Samuel and OF Daryl Jones (Triple-A to Double-A)

San Diego Padres Released: RHP David Erickson, RHP Brett Holland, RHP Eduardo Perez, RHP Robert Woodard, LHP Derrick Loop, 2B Anthony Contreras, OF Cameron Monger Recalled: LHP Cesar Ramos Added to 40-man roster: OF Matt Stairs

Designated for assignment: OF Chad Huffman Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Adam Russell, LHP Wade LeBlanc

Nowhere can the Padres’ new emphasis on speed and defense be seen better than in their decision to remove Huffman from the 40-man roster. You'll have to ignore for a moment that they made the move to make room for 42-year-old Matt Stairs, who has played a grand total of 34 games in the field during the past two seasons. He does make for a powerful pinch-hitter, however. As to Huffman, he went an abysmal 1-for-23 in spring training before being sent out. The Yankees claimed him on waivers; he could be a key piece in another run to the International League playoffs for Scranton.

San Francisco Giants Released: C Joel Collins, 1B C.J. Ziegler Acquired: LHP Edwin Escobar from Rangers as compensation for the rights of Rule 5 pick LHP Ben Snyder Added to 40-man roster: RHP Guillermo Mota, RHP Todd Wellemeyer Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Kevin Pucetas, RHP Henry Sosa, LHP Alex Hinshaw, C Buster Posey, 2B Matt Downs, 3B Ryan Rohlinger

Seattle Mariners Released: RHP Brian Cloud, RHP Jason Franzblau, RHP Nelson Germocen, RHP Billy Kitchen, RHP Brooks Mohr, RHP Philip Roy, RHP Christian Staehely, RHP Kenta Suda, LHP Eddy Hernandez, LHP Brandon Pullen, LHP Jose Rios, C Travis Howell, C John Parham, 1B Kris Sanchez, OF Mark Angelo, OF Corey Patterson, OF Greg Waddell Added to 40-man roster: 1B Mike Sweeney Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Luke French, LHP Garrett Olson

Suda (20) pitched in IBAF AAA (Under 18) Championship in Taiwan in 2007 as a member of Japan team. He signed as a non-drafted free agent in November 2007. In his first pro season reached A-ball, but last year things didn’t go so well: 3-2 5.06 ERA in 14 G (5 starts) between Arizona & Appalachian Leagues.

Olson qualifies for a fourth option year, which the Mariners are taking advantage of to send him to Tacoma, because he already has been optioned three times in his young career.

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: 1B Dan Johnson (outrighted) Released: RHP Joey Callender, RHP Neal Frontz, RHP Austin Hinkle, C Tyler Hauschild, 3B Jeremy Beckham, OF Jason Corder Acquired: RHP Virgil Vasquez from Pirates for a player to be named Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: 2B Elliot Johnson Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Dale Thayer

Dan Johnson batted .215/.30/.462 with 24 home runs and 52 walks in just 325 at-bats last year while playing for Yokohama. The 30-year-old’s power outburst in Japan prompted the Rays to sign him to a major league deal and guarantee him a place on the 40-man roster. Johnson fared poorly in spring training (.231/.333/.385) and the organization rethought its plan and sent him outright to the minors. He accepted an assignment with Triple-A Durham, where he spent the ’08 season. Tampa Bay wound up carrying Willy Abyar and Pat Burrell as well as 12 pitchers and two backup middle infielders in Reid Brignac and Sean Rodriguez, leaving no room for a part-time first base/DH type like Johnson.

Texas Rangers Signed: RHP Willlie Eyre, 3B Esteban German Released: RHP Kelvin Arendell, RHP Reinier Bermudez, RHP Keith Campbell, RHP Jose Rafael Diaz, RHP Clayton Hamilton, RHP Jared Hyatt, RHP Chris Matlock, RHP Jorge Quintero, RHP J.K. Ryu, RHP Jared Schrom, RHP John Slusarz, RHP Robert Wilkins, LHP Winston Marquez, LHP Glenn Swanson, C Billy

O'Conner, C John Otness, 2B Michael Hollander, SS Denny Duron, OF Santo DeJesus, OF Kyle Rhoad, OF Tim Rodriguez Traded: LHP Edwin Escobar to Giants as compensation for Rule 5 pick LHP Ben Snyder Outrighted to Double-A, removed from 40-man: LHP Ben Snyder Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Guillermo Moscoso, C Max Ramirez Option transferred: RHP Omar Beltre and LHP Michael Kirkman (Double-A to Triple-A)

The Rangers shed Eyre and German from their 40-man roster last December. Each player accepted his outright assignment to Triple-A Oklahoma, only now coming to terms on a minor league contract for ’10.

The Twins lost two pitchers in the minor league Rule 5 draft last winter. Philadelphia cut right-hander Angelo Sanchez on March 22, while Texas parted ways with lefty Winston Marquez about a week later.

Toronto Blue Jays Released: RHP Jonah Bayliss, RHP Chris Holguin, RHP Lance Loftin, RHP Yorman Mayora, RHP Sean Stidfole, LHP Evan Teague, SS Luis Fernandez, OF Nick Zaleski Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Josh Roenicke, LHP Jesse Carlson, LHP Brett Cecil, LHP David Purcey

Washington Nationals Signed: 3B Josh R. Johnson Released: RHP Ryan Speier, C Josh N. Johnson, C Scott Thomas, 2B Greg Veloz, 3B Angel Gonzalez, 3B Yeurys Tejeda, SS Dani Arias, OF Carl Loadenthal, OF Pedro Powell, OF Jay Sferra, OF Sean Smith Added to 40-man roster: RHP Miguel Batista, OF Willy Taveras Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Luis Atilano, RHP J.D. Martin, LHP Scott Olsen, OF Roger Bernadina Option transferred: LHP Matt Chico (Triple-A to Double-A)

The Nats released Josh Nels Johnson, a catcher who played in the Atlantic League last year.

March 22-28 Arizona Diamondbacks Released: RHP Matt Elliott, RHP Daniel Vasquez, 2B Eli Rumler

Atlanta Braves Released: RHP Cody Railsback, LHP Eric Barrett, LHP Derick Himpsl, LHP Clayton McMillan Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Todd Redmond Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Manny Acosta, RHP Luis Valdez, OF Gregor Blanco

Atlanta cleared a path for right fielder Jason Heyward to make the big league team by removing Redmond from the roster. Because Redmond cleared waivers, the Braves will have him available for emergency situations as he heads back to Triple-A Gwinnett, where last year he went 9-6, 4.41 with 106-47 K-BB in 145 innings.

Baltimore Orioles Signed: RHP Bob McCrory Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Michael Aubrey, 1B Rhyne Hughes, 1B Brandon Snyder, 3B Josh Bell Optioned to Double-A: SS Pedro Florimon

McCrory signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox last November, only to have the contract rescinded after a failed physical. He's back with the organization that made him a fourth-round pick in ’03.

Boston Red Sox Signed: RHP Wilson Matos, LHP Scott Schoeneweis Released: RHP Dustin Mercadante, RHP Josh Papelbon, LHP Tyler Wilson, 2B Tom DiBenedetto, OF Reid

Engel Voluntarily retired: RHP Richie Lentz Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Michael Bowden, RHP Ramon A. Ramirez, LHP Fabio Castro, 1B Aaron Bates

Josh Papelbon is Jonathan's little brother, of course, and with his release, only Jeremy remains on the minor league side. Both Josh and Jeremy (Cubs) entered pro ball as ’06 draft picks from North Florida. Even though they're twins, Jeremy is a lefthander.

A fifth-round pick from a Colorado high school in ’05, Engel played for Double-A Portland last season, batting .234/.310/.346 in 214 at-bats.

Chicago Cubs Released: RHP Diego Encarnacion, RHP Robert Hernandez, RHP Jeff Kennard, RHP Kevin Kreier, RHP Josh Lansford, RHP Dionis Nunez, RHP Greg Reinhard, RHP Josh Whitlock, RHP Hank Williamson, 1B John Contreras, 2B Dwayne Kemp, 3B Jordan Petraitis, SS Robert Bautista, OF Kevin Soto, OF Sean Williams Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Mike Parisi Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeff Gray, RHP Marcos Mateo, LHP John Gaub, OF Jim Adduci

Lansford converted to pitcher last season at Boise, in the Short-Season Northwest League (1-1 3.51 ERA in 33.1 IP). He was selected by the Cubs in the 6th round of the 2006 Draft.

Kemp, 22, signed with the Cubs in 2007 out of the Netherlands. In two pro seasons, he reached A-short season level; last year he played for the Cubs AZL team (.248/.303/.416). He promptly came back to Holland signing a 2010 contract for the DOOR Neptunus.

The Cubs retained Parisi, a big league Rule 5 pick, for no compensation after he cleared waivers and the Cardinals opted not to fork over the $25,000 to get him back.

Chicago White Sox Signed: RHP Scott Elarton, 3B Javier Castillo Released: RHP Kevin Asselin, RHP Ben Fritz, RHP Brett Graffy, RHP Jacob Marceaux, RHP Orber Moreno, LHP Matt Jernstad, C John Curtis, C Zach Larson, 1B Todd Gossage, 2B Jesus Avila, 3B Jose Fulgencio, OF T.J. Bohn, OF Kent Gerst, OF Sergio Morales, OF Joe Persichina Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Carlos Torres, C Tyler Flowers

Marceaux was the 29th overall pick of the 2005 draft. In 2009 played just one game in AA.

Cincinnati Reds Released: RHP Michael Bohana, RHP Enrique Garcia, RHP Hector Santana, LHP Mark Pawelek, LHP Matteo Pizziconi, OF Stephen Chapman Optioned to Triple-A: OF Chris Heisey

Another first round pick of the 2005 Draft released this week, Pawelek (20th overall) pitched in Sarasota (A Adv.) in 2009 (0-2 4.67 ERA, with 33 BB in 27 IP).

The Italian-born Pizziconi, 20, lasted only two years in the Reds organization though pitching well in the GCL: 5-2 1.13 ERA with 23 SO, 21 BB and 28 H in 40 IP. He promptly joined Nettuno of the Italian Baseball League.

Cleveland Indians Signed: RHP Justin Germano (SoftBank (Japan)) Released: RHP Eddie Burns, RHP Gary Campfield, RHP Jonathan Holt, RHP Mike McGuire, RHP Sung-Wei Tseng, LHP Ryan Miller, SS Jose Camargo, OF John Allman, OF Ryan Blair, OF Darling Read Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jess Todd

Germano, 27, pitched for SoftBank in Japan's Pacific League last year, going 5-4, 4.38 in 14 starts for the Fukuoka-based team.

Tseng, played in the 2006 WBC for Taiwan, and was named the 2006 Taiwanese amateur pitcher of the year. He signed with Cleveland, in 2007, and reached AA, but control problems force the Indians to assign him to their Arizona Rookie League team last season.

Colorado Rockies Signed: LHP Joe Beimel (re-signed) Released: RHP Rod Scurry, LHP David Born, LHP Kyle Walker, C Austin Rauch, 3B Patrick Rose Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jhoulys Chacin, RHP Samuel Deduno

Detroit Tigers Released: RHP Nick Cassavechia, RHP Andrew Hess, RHP Gary Perinar, 1B Chris Carlson, 1B Jason Stokes, 3B Joe Tucker, OF Ryan Patterson Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Daniel Schlereth, OF Wilkin Ramirez

Florida Marlins Released: RHP Skyler Crawford, RHP Rodolfo Encarnacion, RHP Jesse Foppert, RHP Mike MacDougal, RHP Wilson Matos, RHP Chris Mobley, RHP Sean Teague, RHP Brandon Todd, RHP Jermaine Van Buren, RHP Jared Yecker, LHP Ricardo Hernandez, 2B Jose Nunez, OF Justin Jacobs, OF Brandon McDougall Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Chris Leroux, LHP Hunter Jones, LHP Andrew Miller, C Brett Hayes

Houston Astros Released: RHP Casey Hudspeth, RHP Ben Paxton, RHP Jordan Powell, LHP Spencer Hylander, LHP Antonio Noguera, LHP Kirkland Rivers, 2B Craig Corrado, 2B Mike Diaz, 3B Gabriel Suarez, OF Sean Barksdale Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Wesley Wright

Hudspeth, a fifth-round pick in ’06 from South Florida, pitched for Double-A Corpus Christi in each of the past two seasons. In that time he compiled a 5.88 ERA and 65-to-62 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Kansas City Royals Signed: RHP Rodolfo Encarnacion, OF Brawlun Gomez Released: RHP John Bannister, RHP Pernell Halliman, LHP Carlos Rivas, 1B Alberto Espinosa, 3B Antonio Jimenez Voluntarily retired: 2B Ben Tschepikow Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Gaby Hernandez

Los Angeles Angels Released: RHP Juan Mateo, RHP Chad Orvella, RHP Michael Rocco, LHP Daniel Haigwood, C Ben Johnson, C Chris Rosenbaum

Los Angeles Dodgers Released: RHP K.J. Childs, RHP Eric Gagne, RHP Daigoro Rondon, LHP Graham Miller, SS Angel Berroa, OF Brian Barton, OF Brandon Watson Option transferred: RHP Kenley Jansen (Triple-A to high Class A)

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: C Ben Johnson Released: RHP Joel Morales, RHP Ryan Platt, LHP Donald Brandt, LHP Scott Schoeneweis, LHP David Welch, 3B John Delaney, 3B Jose Duran, SS Yohannis Perez Traded: C Matt Treanor to Rangers for 3B Ray Olmedo Traded: 3B Edgar Trejo to Mariners for cash considerations

Voluntarily retired: C Corey Kemp, OF Chris Ellington Added to 40-man roster: OF Jim Edmonds Optioned to Triple-A: RHP John Axford, RHP Josh Butler, 3B Adam Heether, SS Luis Cruz

Last season (his fifth with the Brewers), the Aussie Welch, 26, pitched in Huntsville (AA) with a 8-8 4.03 ERA in 118.1 IP record.

The Cuban Perez signed with Milwaukee in Oct. 2006, after defecting from Cuba, where he played for Matanzas from 1999-2004. Last season, he played in AA Huntsville (.262/.317/.355).

Minnesota Twins Signed: LHP Ron Mahay (re-signed) Released: RHP Tom Wright, 2B Matt Gaski, OF Lee Bistagne Optioned to Triple-A: 2B Matt Tolbert

New York Mets Released: RHP Travis Babin, RHP Steven Cheney, RHP Serguey Linares, RHP Mike Lynn, RHP Manuel Olivares, RHP Zach Rosenbaum, RHP Jake Ruckle, RHP Tim Smith, RHP Nick Waechter, C Rafael Arroyo, 1B Val Pascucci, 3B Tyler Vaughn, SS Jolbert Cabrera, SS Gered Mochizuki, OF Justin Garber, OF Josh Petersen, OF Caleb Stewart Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Tobi Stoner, OF Nick Evans, OF Jason Pridie

Another Cuban player released: Linares pitched in the Pirates organization in 2007-2008 (7-9 4.70 ERA overall), reaching A Adv. Level.

New York Yankees Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jonathan Albaladejo, RHP Mark Melancon, 1B Juan Miranda, 2B Reegie Corona, 2B Kevin Russo, SS Eduardo Nunez, OF Greg Golson Returned Rule 5 pick: OF Jamie Hoffmann (to Dodgers)

Miranda qualified for a fourth option year.

Oakland Athletics Traded: SS Gregorio Petit to Rangers for RHP Edwar Ramirez Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Vin Mazzaro, 1B Chris Carter

Philadelphia Phillies Released: RHP Mark Doll, RHP Miguel Matos, RHP Angelo Sanchez, RHP Jason Standridge, LHP Walter Tejeda, LHP Bill White, 1B Gaby Martinez, SS Evan Porter, SS Jesus Villegas Andino, OF Javis Diaz, OF Carl Uhl Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Mike Zagurski, OF John Mayberry Jr.

The Phillies tabbed the Twins' Sanchez in the minor league Rule 5 draft last December. Standridge was released so he could sign with the Hansin Tigers (Japan). It’s a come-back for him, given that he pitched for Softbank in 2007-2008.

Pittsburgh Pirates Released: RHP Brad Clapp, RHP Diomedes Garcia, RHP Edgar Gutierrez, RHP Papiro Juan, RHP Ricardo Paulino, RHP Rafael Quintero, LHP Andres Santos, C Jesus Aguilera, 3B Carlos Silva, OF Jeff Corsaletti, OF Gemmy Gonzalez, OF Ciro Rosero Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Kevin Hart, RHP Chris Jakubauskas, 3B Neil Walker

St. Louis Cardinals Released: RHP Jonathan Gonzalez, RHP Marco Gonzalez, RHP Reynier Gonzalez, RHP Tyler Lavigne, RHP

Santo Maertz, RHP Yoffri Martinez, RHP Pedro Rodriguez, RHP Andres Rosales, RHP Randy Santos, RHP Adam Veres, RHP Charlie Zink, LHP Justin Fiske, LHP Brad Furnish, C Blake Murphy, 1B Matt Arburr, OF Edwin Gomez, OF Travis Mitchell Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Adam Ottavino, C Matt Pagnozzi, SS Tyler Greene, OF Jon Jay

A second-round pick from Texas Christian in ’06, Furnish was undone by a 6.7 walks per nine innings rate last season. The 25-year-old racked up a combined 6.69 ERA in the high Class A Florida State League and Double-A Texas League.

San Diego Padres Released: RHP Tyson Bagley, RHP Nick Hall, RHP Sean Heimpel, RHP Tom Porter, LHP Andrew Albers, LHP Allen Harrington, LHP Euclides Viloria, C Dylan Tonneson, C Kurt Wideman, 2B Brett Dowdy, 2B Keoni Ruth, 2B Kevin Winn, OF Chadd Hartman, OF Kyle Loretelli, OF Danny Putnam Voluntarily retired: 3B Brayden Drake Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Cesar Carrillo, RHP Ernesto Frieri, C Dusty Ryan, 2B Matt Antonelli, OF Aaron Cunningham, OF Luis Durango

Putnam was selected by the Athletics with the 36th overall pick of the 2004 Draft and played 11 games in MLB in 2007. In July 2009, Oakland traded the outfielder to the Padres to complete an earlier trade for RHP Chad Reineke. He hit. .258 with 17 HR and 78 RBI in 126 games from A Adv. to AAA levels (Stockton, Midland, Sacramento, Portland).

San Francisco Giants Released: RHP Chance Corgan, RHP Geivy Garcia, RHP Daniel Griffin, RHP Mike Loree, RHP Gary Moran, RHP Steve Palazzolo, RHP Ryan Shaver, RHP Donnie Smith, LHP Steve Hammond, LHP Paul Oseguera, C Todd Jennings, C Trent Kline, 2B Vladimir Frias, 3B David Maroul, OF Erold Andrus, OF Breland Brown, OF Dom Duggan, OF Bobby Felmy, OF Jonathan White Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Joe Martinez, LHP Madison Bumgarner, OF Darren Ford Optioned to high Class A: OF Francisco Peguero

The Venezuelan Andrus, 24, played in the Yankees/Twins/Rays organizations from 2000-08, reaching AA. Last year, the outfielder hit .302/.371/.454 for Florence (Frontier League).

Seattle Mariners Released: RHP Colin Buckborough, RHP Brodie Downs, RHP Andres Esquibel, RHP Kyle Haas, RHP Matt Otteman, RHP Brad Reid, RHP Matt Renfree, RHP Kyle Witten, C Enmanuel Familia, C Alexis Fonseca, C Tommy Johnson, C Israel Nunez, C Josh Rodriguez, 3B Edgar Trejo Acquired: 3B Edgar Trejo from Brewers for cash considerations Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Mike Carp

The Cuban-born Fonseca, 26, signed last year and hit .314 in 17 games between three stops (peak level A Adv.).

Tampa Bay Rays Released: RHP Jamie Bagley, RHP Jeff Cinadr, RHP Tyler Oakes, LHP Brian Flores, LHP Ryan Owen, SS Dan Rhault Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: 1B Dan Johnson Optioned to Triple-A: OF Justin Ruggiano

Johnson played in Japan last year but signed a big league deal with the Rays last winter. He batted .231/.333/.385 in 26 at-bats this spring and lost his 40-man roster spot.

Texas Rangers Traded: 3B Ray Olmedo to Brewers for C Matt Treanor

Traded: RHP Edwar Ramirez to Athletics for SS Gregorio Petit Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: 2B Hernan Iribarren Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Brandon McCarthy, RHP Alexi Ogando, RHP Pedro Strop, LHP Derek Holland, LHP Michael Kirkman, OF Brandon Boggs, OF Craig Gentry

At just about the same time as the Iribarren outright, the Rangers struck a deal for defensive whiz Andres Blanco, who could satisfy the organization's desire for a backup shortstop.

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: RHP Nick Purdy (NDFA—Hillsborough (Fla.) CC)) Released: RHP Leon Boyd, RHP Celson Polanco, RHP Bob Zimmermann, LHP Edgar Estanga, OF Chris Emanuele, OF Joey Gathright

Drafted once each in ’07 and ’08, Purdy won over Toronto in a workout, and he has roots in Canada. He played for St. Mary's Secondary School in Grafton, Ontario.

The Canadian/Dutch Boyd signed with the Blue Jays last year after the World Baseball Classic, in which he pitched for the Netherlands. He posted a 1-6 record with a 4.77 ERA in two stops (A adv./AA), struggling with his control (49 BB in 64.1 IP, with 51 SO). After the cut, he signed to play the 2010 season for the DOOR Neptunus of the Dutch League, for which he pitched in 2007-2008.

Estanga signed with Toronto in Nov. 2003 out of Venezuela. Last year (3-4-2 4.23 ERA in 66 IP), he primarily pitched at AA level.

Washington Nationals Signed: RHP Mike MacDougal Released: RHP Gary Amato, RHP Chris Lugo, RHP Nick Maness, RHP Carlos Peralta, RHP Osvaldo Rodriguez, LHP Mike Venafro, LHP Mike Wlodarczyk Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Shairon Martis, OF Justin Maxwell

The Nationals made Wlodarczyk a minor league Rule 5 pick last December, taking him from the Rays.

March 16-21

Arizona Diamondbacks Signed: RHP Kris Benson Released: RHP Alex Thieroff, 1B Clayton Conner, 2B David Cooper, OF Tyrell Worthington Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jose Marte Optioned to Double-A: RHP Roque Mercedes, RHP Bryan Augenstein

Worthington entered the organization as a athletic prep football recruit and unrefined baseball player. And that's exactly how he leaves the Diamondbacks, who took a $220,000 gamble on the outfielder in the fifth round of the ’07 draft. Worthington, 20, hit just .175/.258/.232 with one home run and a 36-to-140 walk-to-strikeout ratio in three pro seasons, two of them with Rookie-level Missoula and the third with short-season Yakima.

Atlanta Braves Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeff Lyman, LHP Mike Dunn

Baltimore Orioles Optioned to Double-A: LHP Wilfrido Perez

Boston Red Sox Signed: RHP Zach Hammes, LHP Alan Embree Acquired: RHP Miguel Celestino from Mariners as player to be named in trade that sent 1B Casey

Kotchman to Mariners for 3B Bill Hall Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Felix Doubront, LHP Dustin Richardson, C Mark Wagner

The Dodgers selected Hammes, a projectable 6-foot-6 righty from an Iowa high school, in the second round of the ’02 draft. They deemed him worthy of a 40-man roster spot following his ’06 campaign, when he mixed good (8.8 strikeouts per nine innings) with bad (4.5 walks per nine, 4.32 ERA) while making three starts and 38 relief appearances for high Class A Vero Beach. Hammes improved his walk rate in Double-A, but struck out fewer batters and racked up a 5.26 ERA in two seasons with Jacksonville. Los Angeles removed him from the 40-man following the ’07 season and then lost him to minor league free agency after ’08. From what we can tell, Hammes, now 25, did not pitch in ’09.

Chicago Cubs Released: RHP Vince Perkins Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Blake Parker, RHP Jeff Stevens, C Welington Castillo Optioned to Double-A: RHP Rafael Dolis

Chicago White Sox Released: RHP Daniel Cabrera, 2B Lee Fischer, 2B Keith Ginter, OF Jason Botts Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Freddy Dolsi, RHP Lucas Harrell, RHP Jeff Marquez, RHP Jhonny Nunez, RHP Brian Omogrosso, RHP Clevelan Santeliz, 3B Dayan Viciedo, OF Stefan Gartrell Optioned to Double-A: RHP Santo Luis

Cincinnati Reds Released: RHP Greg Dombrowski Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Enerio Del Rosario, RHP Sam LeCure, LHP Bill Bray, LHP Pedro Viola, 1B Yonder Alonso, SS Chris Valaika Optioned to Double-A: RHP Jordan Smith, LHP Philippe Valiquette

Bray qualifies for a fourth option year because, even though he had been optioned to Louisville in ’07, ’08 and ’09, he has not yet accrued five seasons of professional experience. A player is not credited with a "pro season" when he spends fewer than 90 days on the major or minor league active list. This definition rules out short-season experience as well as the time Bray spent pitching for Brevard County after he signed out of the draft in ’04.

Cleveland Indians Acquired: RHP Omar Aguilar from Brewers as compensation for the rights on Rule 5 pick LHP Chuck Lofgren Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: SS Brian Bixler Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeanmar Gomez, RHP Hector Rondon, C Carlos Santana, 3B Wes Hodges, SS Jason Donald, OF Jordan Brown Optioned to Double-A: OF Nick Weglarz, SS Carlos Rivero

The Indians claimed middle infielder Anderson Hernandez on a waiver claim from the Mets, relegating Bixler to non-roster status. Hernandez offers a bit more defense than Bixler, and considerably more contact.

Colorado Rockies Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Esmil Rogers, SS Chris Nelson

Detroit Tigers Signed: RHP Casey Fien Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Alfredo Figaro, RHP Armando Galarraga, RHP Jay Sborz, 1B Ryan Strieby, OF Brennan Boesch, OF Casper Wells

Optioned to Double-A: SS Audy Ciriaco Optioned to low Class A: RHP Jacob Turner

Fien went from the Tigers to the Red Sox to the Blue Jays this March. But what came next was a shock: The Blue Jays, after going through the trouble of claiming him and making room on the 40-man, unexpectedly released him. "This game can be cruel sometimes. Nobody gave me any answers. I asked the Jays why and they told me I was a liability," Fien told the Detroit News after the Tigers signed him to a minor league deal, landing him right back where he started. Detroit originally selected the Cal Poly product in the 20th round of the ’06 draft.

Of all the players drafted out of high school last year, Turner is the only one to report to the minor leagues this season on optional assignment. The reason? Detroit signed him to a big league contract last August, starting his option clock early. Other notable prep draft picks to sign big league deals: Josh Beckett, Delmon Young and the Tigers' own Rick Porcello, whom they selected in the first round in ’07. Porcello made 24 starts for high Class A Lakeland in ’08, which remains the extent of his minor league apprenticeship.

Florida Marlins Released: RHP Josh Roberts, RHP Derrick Turnbow, LHP Casey Fry, LHP Brian Schultz, LHP Matt Vieira Returned Rule 5 selection: 3B Jorge Jimenez (to Red Sox) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jay Buente, RHP Cristhian Martinez, RHP Brett Sinkbeil, LHP Taylor Tankersley, OF Scott Cousins, OF Jai Miller Optioned to Double-A: RHP Kris Harvey

Houston Astros Released: OF Alex Romero Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: 2B Jose Vallejo Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Evan Englebrook, RHP Jose Valdez, LHP Polin Trinidad, SS Wladimir Sutil, OF Brian Bogusevic, OF Yordany Ramirez Optioned to Double-A: RHP Matt Nevarez, RHP Henry Villar, LHP Fernando Abad

Vallejo had surgery to repair severed tendons in his right hand and was expected to miss most of the season. Houston acquired him when they traded Ivan Rodriguez to the Rangers last August.

Kansas City Royals Released: RHP Jack Adams Voluntarily retired: SS Scott Lyons Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Victor Marte, RHP Carlos Rosa, OF Jarrod Dyson, OF Jordan Parraz Optioned to Double-A: RHP Aaron Crow, C Manny Pina

After spending the past three seasons on optional assignment, Rosa qualifies for a fourth option because he has not yet accrued five years of "pro experience." The 25-year-old righty does not receive credit for any of his seasons between his ’02 debut and his ’05 lost while recovering from Tommy John surgery. To qualify for a "pro season" a player must spend at least 90 days on the active list for an affiliated club.

Los Angeles Angels Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Trevor Bell, RHP Bobby Mosebach, RHP Fernando Rodriguez, RHP Rafael Rodriguez, RHP Rich Thompson, 1B Mark Trumbo

Los Angeles Dodgers Released: RHP Brian Akin, RHP Jhonny Caraballo, RHP Justin Dignelli, RHP Matt Smith, LHP Jon Dutton, OF Travis Vetters Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jon Link, RHP James McDonald, C Lucas May Optioned to Double-A: RHP Javy Guerra, OF Trayvon Robinson

Selected in the 14th round of June 2004 First-Year Player Draft, Akin, 28, reached AAA level with the Dodgers. He had his best season with Vero Beach (A Adv.: 3-3-7 1.80 ERA, 48 SO in 35 IP) and Jacksonville (AA: 2-1-6 2.95 ERA, 25 hits in 36.2 IP) in 2006. Since then, he hasn’t been effective anymore, struggling with his control.

Milwaukee Brewers Released: LHP John Halama Traded: RHP Omar Aguilar to Indians as compensation for Rule 5 pick LHP Chuck Lofgren Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: LHP Chuck Lofgren Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Marco Estrada, C Angel Salome, OF Lorenzo Cain

As it turns out, the Brewers won't have to keep Rule 5 pick Lofgren on their 25-man active roster all season after all. They traded Aguilar to Cleveland for his full rights. And now after outrighting Lofgren to Nashville, they won't have to keep him on the 40-man, either. If he pitches well in Triple-A, then he could surface in Milwaukee as a situational reliever. If not, then the club won't have to make a decision on him again until the offseason, when they'll have to re-add him to the 40-man to prevent him from becoming a minor league free agent.

Minnesota Twins Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Alex Burnett, RHP Rob Delaney, RHP Jeff Manship, RHP Anthony Swarzak, 3B Danny Valencia, SS Trevor Plouffe, OF Luke Hughes

New York Mets Signed: RHP Henry Owens Released: RHP Josh Fogg, RHP Kyle Snyder Outrighted to Mexican League: RHP Rolando Valdez, LHP Orlando Lara

A nondrafted free agent signed by the Pirates from Division II Barry (Fla.), Owens seemed like a revelation after the Mets made him a minor league Rule 5 pick in December ’04. He struck out a staggering 12.3 and then 16.6 batters per nine innings as he moved from high Class A St. Lucie in ’05 to Double-A Binghamton in ’06. The Marlins acquired Owens when they traded Jason Vargas to the Mets following the ’06 season, and the hard-throwing reliever shined as a rookie the following year. But then Owens missed the ’08 season with a shoulder injury, got dumped from the 40-man that October and then in November received a 50-game suspension for failing a test for performance-enhancing drugs. He returned last season to make 11 wild appearances in the Marlins system, walking 12 batters in 13 2/3 innings but surrendering only one run. Owens last appeared with Double-A Jacksonville on June 28 before being granted free agency at season's end.

Lara and Valdez have a few things in common. Each is a native of Mexico who signed with the Padres in ’05. They both joined the Mets in last December's minor league Rule 5 draft, and now both have been outrighted to the Mexican League (where Lara had spent the previous two seasons). Because the ML season begins in March, Lara already has pitched for Mexico City and Valdez for Oaxaca.

New York Yankees Released: RHP Julian Arballo, RHP Griffin Bailey, RHP Paul Heidler, RHP Dan Miller, C Buck Afenir, 1B Mike Lyon, 1B Chris Malec, 2B Issac Harrow, OF Seth Fortenberry Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Romulo Sanchez

Oakland Athletics Loaned to Mexican League: LHP Bob Cramer Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Justin Souza Option transferred: RHP Justin Souza (Triple-A to Double-A)

Cramer, 30, was loaned to the Quintana Roo Tigres. The former Mariners farmhand, pitched 62.2 innings between three levels with Oakland in 2009 (from A Adv. to AAA), posting a good 5-5 3.88 ERA record.

Philadelphia Phillies Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Drew Carpenter, SS Brian Bocock Optioned to Double-A: LHP Sergio Escalona

Pittsburgh Pirates Optioned to Triple-A: 3B Pedro Alvarez, OF Jose Tabata

St. Louis Cardinals Returned Rule 5 selection: LHP Ben Jukich (to Reds) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Josh Kinney

San Diego Padres Released: RHP Jon Ellis Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Radhames Liz, RHP Luis Perdomo, RHP Ryan Webb, OF Chad Huffman

Selected in the 6th round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, Ellis (29) pitched in a relief role for Portland (AAA) in 2009: 7-3-1 4.13 ERA in 72 IP.

San Francisco Giants Released: RHP Byung-Hyun Kim, LHP Idelfonso Bohorquez, LHP Ricardo Castro Returned Rule 5 selection: RHP Steve Johnson (to Orioles) Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Brett Pill, 3B Conor Gillaspie

Kim retired one batter during spring training (on a strikeout), but otherwise gave up two hits (one a home run) before asking for his release. He did not pitch in ’08 or ’09.

Speaking of not pitching in the past two seasons, Bohorquez, 22, spent that entire period on the disabled list. A native of Venezuela, he pitched in the Dominican Summer League for three seasons beginning in ’05, compiling a 2.92 ERA over 11 starts and 20 other relief outings.

Seattle Mariners Signed: RHP Yusmeiro Petit (re-signed) Released: RHP Luke Burnett, RHP Yusmeiro Petit, SS Erick Monzon Traded: RHP Miguel Celestino to Red Sox as player to be named in deal that sent 3B Bill Hall to Red Sox for 1B Casey Kotchman Optioned to Triple-A: OF Ezequiel Carrera, OF Michael Saunders Optioned to Double-A: RHP Danny Cortes, RHP Ricky Orta, RHP Anthony Varvaro, LHP Edward Paredes, 1B Dustin Ackley

Burnett generated buzz for the ’08 draft based on his strong showing in the Cape Cod League the year before. "He intimidated hitters with his 6-foot-8, 260-pound frame and a fastball that sat at 96 mph," we wrote, adding, "When it's on, his splitter can be devastating." The Mariners, under previous scouting director Bob Fontaine, took a chance on the Louisiana Tech product, signing him for $200,000 as what constituted a 14th-round gamble. But after racking up big strikeout numbers in his first two college seasons, Burnett turned in an atrocious junior year, going 0-4, 8.41 in eight starts (plus two relief appearances), with 30 strikeouts, 32 walks and eight home runs allowed in 41 innings. His tenure with the Mariners was not much better. In making 14 starts for short-season Everett last season, Burnett went 2-4, 4.66 with 7.1 strikeouts, 5.8 walks and 1.1 home runs allowed per nine innings. A performance that did not exactly qualify as a mark of distinction for a 22-year-old, second-year pro in the Northwest League.

The Puerto-Rican Monzon hit .248/.315/.392 in six seasons with the Mariners (reaching AAA level).

Tampa Bay Rays Released: RHP Mike Southern, C Alex Jamieson, C John Mollicone, 1B Lucas Nakandakare Optioned to Triple-A: C John Jaso, C Jose Lobaton, OF Fernando Perez

Texas Rangers Optioned to Double-A: RHP Omar Beltre, RHP Omar Poveda, LHP Zach Phillips

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: 2B Luis Figueroa Released: RHP Casey Fien, RHP Brian Justice, RHP Chase Lirette, RHP Brandon Magee, RHP Wade Townsend, LHP Davis Romero, LHP Nathan Starner, C Chris House Returned Rule 5 selection: RHP Zech Zinicola (to Nationals) Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: LHP Sean Henn Optioned to Triple-A: 1B Brian Dopirak, 2B Jarrett Hoffpauir

The Panamian Romero spent ten seasons with the Blue Jays, pitching 16.1 good innings for the Major League club in 2007. Last season, he didn’t pitch well in AAA (3-6-1 5.98 ERA in 93.1 IP), then was removed from the 40-man roster in November and elected minor league free agency. The Blue Jays re-signed him later that month.

Henn had previously been outrighted from a 40-man roster (Padres, June ’08), giving him the option to seek free ageny. He opted to re-sign with the Blue Jays instead.

The Blue Jays viewed Magee as a low-risk senior sign when they made him a fourth-round pick in ’06, thinking that at worst he'd make a fine organizational pitcher. It didn't turn out that way. Magee lost effectiveness with each step up the minor league ladder, and his time with Double-A New Hampshire resulted in a record of 11-18, 4.85 with barely more strikeouts (91) than walks (87). He's 26 and still waiting for his first dose of success as a pro. As an amateur, however, he ranks second on Bradley's all-time strikeout list.

Like Magee, Lirette represents a ’06 draft gamble that did not pay off for Toronto. (They selected Travis Snider in the first round that year, but had no second- or third-round pick after signing A.J. Burnett and B.J. Ryan as free agents the previous winter.) Signed to a six-figure bonus as a 16th-rounder out of South Florida, Lirette hasn't been healthy enough to make more than 20 appearances in any one of his four pro seasons. Just as telling, he spent last season as a 24-year-old in low Class A, racking up a 5.70 ERA for Lansing.

Washington Nationals Signed: C Josh Johnson Released: LHP Ron Villone Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Matt Chico Optioned to Double-A: RHP Stephen Strasburg

March 7-15 Arizona Diamondbacks Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Cesar Valdez, SS Pedro Ciriaco Optioned to Double-A: RHP Daniel Stange, LHP Leyson Septimo

Atlanta Braves Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Stephen Marek, RHP James Parr, RHP Todd Redmond, LHP Lee Hyde, LHP Jose Ortegano Optioned to Double-A: RHP Juan Abreu, RHP Kyle Cofield

Baltimore Orioles Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Brandon Erbe, LHP Troy Patton Optioned to Double-A: RHP Luis Lebron, RHP Chorye Spoone

Boston Red Sox Signed: 1B Nomar Garciaparra Voluntarily retired: 1B Nomar Garciaparra Optioned to Double-A: SS Jose Iglesias

Chicago Cubs Signed: RHP Juan Serrano Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Mitch Atkins Optioned to Double-A: RHP David Patton

The Cubs signed Cuban defector Serrano, listed as a 21-year-old, and intend to start him with high Class A Daytona.

A big league Rule 5 pick a year ago who appeared in 20 games for the Cubs and 52 for the disabled list, Patton is free to resume his career at the Double-A level. Prior to his selection, he had spent two seasons with the Rockies' high Class A Modesto affiliate.

Chicago White Sox Signed: RHP Orber Moreno Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Brandon Hynick

Moreno, 32, a former Royals top prospect, played in parts of three seasons in the Majors (with Kansas City in ’99 and NY Mets in 2003-04), posting a record of 3-1-1 and 4.44 ERA in 47 games and 50.2 IP. He pitched in 14 games for Triple-A Memphis in ’06 and in 34 games in the Mexican League last season. Moreno has pitched for his local Caracas club in the Venezuelan League in each of the past four winters, pitching very well each time.

Cincinnati Reds Released: RHP Brandon Rice Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Brandon Rice

Rice, an 11th-round pick in ’06, spent all of last season on the restricted list.

Cleveland Indians Optioned to Double-A: LHP Kelvin de la Cruz

Colorado Rockies Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Al Alburquerque, Edgmer Escalona, RHP Shane Lindsay, RHP Chaz Roe, C Michael McKenry Optioned to Double-A: SS Hector Gomez Optioned to high Class A: RHP Juan Nicasio

Florida Marlins Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Ryan Tucker, LHP Sean West Optioned to Double-A: RHP Jose Ceda

Houston Astros Released: LHP Jarred Holloway, OF Jacob Priday

Kansas City Royals Signed: LHP Jose Sanchez (NDFA—Montgomery JC-Germantown (Md.)) Released: RHP Deybi de la Cruz, LHP Aneidy Toribio, 3B Josh Johnson, OF Shawn Griffin Optioned to Double-A: SS Jeff Bianchi Optioned to high Class A: LHP Noel Arguelles

Hailing from the Juco World Series runner-up, Sanchez first signed with the Royals last June, but then spent about two weeks on the restricted list before drawing his release. Now he's back.

Los Angeles Angels Signed: RHP Erik Gregersen (37th round), RHP Jeremy Hill (re-signed) Released: RHP T.J. Kelly

The signing deadline did not apply to Gregersen, drafted as a Stephen F. Austin State senior, because he had no college eligibility remaining.

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: LHP Brandon Mann Released: RHP Kyle Wilson Returned Rule 5 selection: LHP Armando Zerpa (to Red Sox) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Kenley Jansen, RHP Travis Schlichting, LHP Scott Elbert, LHP Brent Leach, SS Ivan De Jesus Jr.

Milwaukee Brewers Optioned to Double-A: RHP Alex Periard, RHP Amaury Rivas, RHP Mark Rogers Optioned to high Class A: RHP Cody Scarpetta Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Wes Etheridge, SS Matt Cline

Both ’07 draft picks, Etheridge (12th round) and Cline (22nd round) missed the ’09 season while on the restricted list.

Minnesota Twins Optioned to Double-A: RHP Deolis Guerra, RHP Loek Van Mil, SS Estarlin de los Santos

New York Mets Released: LHP Matias Carrillo Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Clint Everts, RHP Eddie Kunz, C Josh Thole Optioned to Double-A: 3B Shawn Bowman

Signed by the New York Mets as a non-drafted free agent on Jan. 17, 2006 out of Mexico, Carrillo, 23, reached A Advanced level in four seasons. Last year he pitched well for Brooklyn (NYP-League), but was hit hard with St. Lucie (FSL): 9.38 ERA in 10.2 IP.

New York Yankees Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Ivan Nova, LHP Wilkin de la Rosa Optioned to Double-A: RHP Christian Garcia Optioned to high Class A: RHP Andrew Brackman, RHP Hector Noesi

Oakland Athletics Returned Rule 5 selection: RHP Bobby Cassevah (to Angels) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Clay Mortensen Optioned to Double-A: RHP Fautino de los Santos, LHP Pedro Figueroa

Philadelphia Phillies Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Scott Mathieson, OF Quintin Berry Optioned to Double-A: RHP Drew Naylor, RHP J.C. Ramirez, LHP Yohan Flande Optioned to high Class A: RHP Jesus Sanchez

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: OF Jason Cooper (Lancaster (Atlantic)) Released: RHP Gerardo Esparza Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Brad Lincoln, LHP Donald Veal, SS Argenis Diaz, OF Brandon Jones Optioned to Double-A: RHP Ramon Aguero, RHP Ronald Uviedo, OF Gorkys Hernandez Optioned to high Class A: RHP Bryan Morris

Cooper, 29, was selected by Cleveland in the 3rd Round of the 2002 Draft. He spent seven seasons with the Indians (parts of five in AAA Buffalo). A minor league free agent after the 2008 season, he played again for Buffalo (this time a Mets affiliate) and for St. Paul (American Association), where he belted 11 HR in 54 games (.543 SLG) and Lancaster in 2009.

St. Louis Cardinals Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Francisco Samuel, LHP Tyler Norrick, C Bryan Anderson, 1B Mark Hamilton, OF Daryl Jones, OF Shane Robinson

San Diego Padres Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Aaron Poreda, LHP Cesar Ramos Optioned to Double-A: RHP Craig Italiano, LHP Steve Garrison

San Francisco Giants Signed: OF Nick Nordgren (NDFA—Creighton)

Seattle Mariners Released: RHP Jeff Breedlove, RHP Tyler Brundridge, RHP Terry Engles Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Ryan Feierabend, OF Greg Halman

That didn't take long. Seattle selected Engles as a minor league Rule 5 pick in December.

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: 1B Hank Blalock Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jeremy Hellickson, LHP Jake McGee, OF Desmond Jennings Optioned to Double-A: LHP Alex Torres

Texas Rangers Signed: RHP John Slusarz (re-signed)

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: OF Chris Aguila (SoftBank (Japan)) Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Casey Fien, RHP Rei Gonzalez, RHP Robert Ray, LHP Brad Mills, LHP Luis Perez Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Casey Fien

Washington Nationals Signed: 3B Luis Ordaz Released: LHP Shawn Estes, LHP Eddie Guardado, LHP Jeff Ridgway, OF Charlie Fermaint Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Collin Balester, LHP Atahualpa Severino Optioned to Double-A: RHP Ryan Mattheus, LHP Aaron Thompson Optioned to high Class A: RHP Juan Jaime

Feb. 27-March 6 Atlanta Braves Released: C Mike Payne

Colorado Rockies Signed: RHP Rick Bauer (LG (Korea)), LHP Scott Rice (Newark (Atlantic))

Bauer, 33, made three appearances in the Atlantic League last spring before signing on to play in Korea Baseball Organization. Rice, 28, struggled to find the strike zone last season, a problem that did not abate when the Padres released him in August. He finished with 6.4 walks per nine in his 34 combined relief appearances for Double-A San Antonio and Newark. Both players were originally drafted by the Orioles, Bauer in 1997 and Rice in 1999.

Detroit Tigers Released: 3B Michael Hollimon

The switch-hitting Hollimon (16th Round pick in 2005) seemed destined for, if not stardom, then at least utility when in '07 he batted .282/.371/.478 with 14 homers, 34 doubles and 64 walks as a second baseman in Double-A. Granted, the red flags were present. Hollimon struck out in nearly 26 percent of his at-bats with Erie, and that June he turned 25. With Triple-A Toledo in '08, Hollimon struck out at an even more furious pace (33 percent of at-bats) but also clubbed 15 homers in 91 games. He had dislocated his left shoulder during spring training, at least partially accounting for his failings with the Mud Hens. Hollimon had surgery on his torn labrum in September '08, and his play appeared to be affected last season. In a 29-game spell in Double-A, the 27-year-old, now playing third base, batted just .212/.320/.385 with 35 whiffs and 17 walks. He did not play after June 23.

Houston Astros Released: RHP Bryan Hallberg Reinstated from inactive list: OF Jacob Priday

An 11th-round pick in '08, Priday spent the entirety of last season on the restricted list.

Kansas City Royals Reinstated from inactive list: C Jin-Ho Shin

Los Angeles Angels Signed: RHP Chad Orvella

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: RHP Rick Rivas (El Paso (American Association), LHP Sean Thompson (New Jersey (Can-Am)), OF Garret Anderson

You may remember Thompson from his days as a Padres prospect—he peaked at No. 8 on our '05 list—but of late he's made the indy ball rounds. The 27-year-old went to spring training with the Rockies in '08 and the Phillies a year ago, only to be cut each time. Undeterred, Thompson signed on last year with Evansville (for nine innings), then Windy City (for two more Frontier League innings) and finally New Jersey (for 23 innings). When the dust settled, he had compiled an ugly 22-to-28 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 35 innings.

Rivas, 26, declined to sign either of the times he was drafted out of El Paso CC, instead opting to attend Oklahoma State for the 2005-06 seasons. Undrafted after both those campaigns, he took the indy ball route, playing for Kansas City (Northern) in '08 and then El Paso last year.

Milwaukee Brewers Released: RHP Ryan DeLaughter

Minnesota Twins Signed: RHP Brad Hennessey, RHP Yoslan Herrera

Hennessey, 30, spent April and May of last year on the disabled list for Norfolk, the Orioles' top farm club. Baltimore cut him loose in June and he sat out the season. The Giants' first-round pick in '01, Hennessey overcame two tumors in his back to be a serviceable arm for the big club from 2005-07, logging a 4.22 ERA over 286 innings.

Back in '06, the Pirates heralded Herrera as their first foray into Cuba in more than 50 years. Perhaps they should have remained on the sidelines. Over the life of his three-year, $1.92 million contract, Herrera made all of five starts for the big club, going 1-1, 9.82 and allowing 35 hits and 12 walks in 18-odd innings. He barely sniffed Triple-A in that time, instead spending most of his time with Double-A Altoona. There he at least exhibited solid control (2.8 walks per nine innings) if not over powering stuff (5.4 strikeouts per nine). Pittsburgh released Herrera, 28, in October.

New York Mets Signed: RHP Kiko Calero, RHP Kyle Snyder (re-signed), LHP Arturo Lopez (outrighted)

New York Yankees Signed: 1B Myron Leslie (New Jersey (Can-Am))

Leslie had his moments as a member of the Athletics organization, making it to Double-A as a patient, switch-hitting third baseman with modest power. Cut during spring training last year, he spent his age-27 season in the Can-Am League, batting a solid .272/.410/.494 with 18 homers in 92 games. At a hefty 6-foot-3, 225 pounds and probably limited to first base, he'll need to continue to strike the long hits.

Oakland Athletics Signed: RHP Jason Jennings, RHP Brett Tomko (re-signed), SS Gregorio Petit (outrighted), OF Matt Carson (re-signed)

Philadelphia Phillies Signed: 2B Keoni DeRenne (York (Atlantic)) Released: RHP Reginal Simon

A 5-foot-7 middle infielder from the University of Arizona by way of Honolulu, DeRenne spent the last three seasons with York. Last year the 30-year-old batted .289/.378/.381 with a 63-to-47 walk-to-strikeout ratio, showing skills in line with his Triple-A résumé, i.e. lots of contact, singles and walks. The Braves made him a 12th-round pick in 2000.

According to Baseball-Reference, no player born in Haiti ever has made it to the big leagues. And if Simon, the sole Haitian minor leaguer to play in the U.S. last year, is to become the first, he'll have to do so with a new organization.

Pittsburgh Pirates Released: LHP Chris Aure

Aure was a 15th-round pick in 2008 out of North Pole High in Alaska, making him the third-highest drafted player ever out of an Alaska high school. He pitched just 33 innings as a pro the last two seasons.

San Diego Padres Signed: C Eric Munson

San Francisco Giants Signed: RHP Matt Kinney (re-signed), LHP Andy Sisco, 3B Michael Sandoval (Newark (Atlantic))

A Cubs' second-round pick in '01, Sisco made steady progress in his first four pro seasons. But then Chicago left the 6-foot-10 lefty off its 40-man roster, and the Royals pounced, making Sisco a big league Rule 5 pick for the '05 season. Not only did he stick all year but the results weren't half bad—3.11 ERA, 76 strikeouts and 42 walks in 75 relief innings. The 22-year-old rookie seemed poised for bigger things. But alas, poor control undermined his progress, and in his two follow-up seasons in the bigs, Sisco posted a 7.34 ERA and 6.3 walks per nine innings over 84 appearances. He had Tommy John surgery in '08 and then appeared to be on the comeback trail with the A's last March. But his minor league pact was quickly voided and he sat out his second consecutive season.

Sandoval, 28, is the older brother of Giants third baseman Pablo. Though he hasn't played affiliated ball since '04, Michael has remained active on the international scene and in the Venezuelan League. Signed by the Twins in '97, he made it to high Class A Fort Myers before the ride ended. Sandoval batted a respectable .291/.375/.417 in 175 at-bats for Newark last season in his return to U.S. soil.

Seattle Mariners Signed: RHP Pat Bresnehan, RHP Wes Littleton, RHP Tom Wilhelmsen (Tucson (Golden)) Released: 2B Ben Billingsley, 2B Blake Trinkler

Wilhelmsen, 26, might be the active record holder for transactions-to-innings pitched ratio. A Brewers' seventh-round pick out of high school in '02, he debuted for low Class A Beloit the following season and went 5-6, 2.76 with 63 strikeouts in 88 innings. To this point, that's the extent of his affiliated ball experience. Wilhelmsen failed two drug tests administered by the Brewers and spent '04 on the suspended list. He followed that up by taking a year off in '05—which goes down officially as a visit to the restricted list. He threw in the towel for good and retired on June 21, 2005. But even though Milwaukee still held his rights, they did not prevent Wilhelmsen from playing independent ball last summer—nearly six years after he had thrown his last pitch—with his hometown Tucson Toros. At least not initially. Wilhelmsen recovered his 97 mph velocity and struck out 13 batters in 11 2/3 innings in the independent Golden League, prompting the Brewers to call him back for a tryout. He subsequently pinched a nerve in his shoulder, though, and drew his release from the Brewers in August. That's where this story picks up, with Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik, who originally drafted Wilhelmsen as Brewers scouting director nearly eight years ago, helping to orchestrate his new contract with Seattle.

Texas Rangers Signed: C Toby Hall, OF Endy Chavez

Washington Nationals Signed: RHP Livan Hernandez (re-signed) Released: OF Aaron Seuss Reinstated from inactive list: C Gianison Boekhoudt

Boekhoudt, a 26th-rounder last year, has yet to play professionally, having spent his time on the restricted list.

Feb. 19-26 Atlanta Braves Signed: C J.R. House, SS Edward Salcedo Released: RHP Rico Reid, 1B Ryohei Shimabukuro

The Braves inked Salcedo, 18, to the richest bonus in franchise history ever handed out to an international amateur—$1.6 million. They've initiallly assigned him to the roster of the Gulf Coast League Braves, but Atlanta seems to think he'll be ready for low Class A Rome at some point in the near future.

Shimabukuro (20), was signed by the Braves out of Japan in 2006. Last season, he played only in 2 games for Danville (Appalachian League/Rookie).

Baltimore Orioles Signed: RHP Armando Gabino (outrighted), RHP Dennis Sarfate (outrighted)

Boston Red Sox Released: LHP Jose Capellan

The 23-year-old Dominican-born Capellan signed with Boston in 2003. Last season, he posted a 6-4-1 record with a 6.34 ERA for Salem (Carolina League/A Adv.). He rebounded during the winter in his homeland, pitching for Toros (1-3, 3.55 ERA in 25.1 IP), but continued to struggle with his control (28 BB).

Chicago Cubs Signed: C Garrett Maines (Midwest (Frontier))

Maines, 22, batted .185 (10-for-54) in his 22-game stint in the Frontier League, but with a healthy 10-to-17 walk-to-strikeout ratio. A product of the University of Tampa, he played for the Spartans' Division II World Series winners in '07 but also dislocated his ribs four times in three years there. As a redshirt junior last year he hit .340/.389/.689 with eight homers in 103 at-bats.

Chicago White Sox Released: SS Freddie Bynum

Bynum appeared to be on the verge of signing with Orix of Japan's Pacific League.

Cleveland Indians Signed: RHP Tom Mastny (Yokohama (Japan)) Added to 40-man roster: RHP Anthony Reyes Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: C Chris Gimenez

The way it turned out, Mastny, 29, took a leave from the Indians for one year to play for Yokohama of Japan's Central League. He went 1-5, 5.69, notching 43 strikeouts, 25 walks and eight home runs allowed in 15 games.

Colorado Rockies Signed: RHP Tim Redding, LHP Josh Muecke, 1B Brad Eldred, 3B Travis Metcalf

Florida Marlins Signed: RHP Mike MacDougal, C Neil Wilson (re-signed)

Houston Astros Signed: OF Jason Bourgeois Released: RHP Carlos Gil

Kansas City Royals Signed: LHP Oswaldo Bravo

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: RHP Eric Gagne (Quebec (Can-Am)), 1B Dustin Yount (Tucson (Golden)), 3B Chris Gutierrez, OF Brandon Watson

Montreal native Gagne pitched as a starter for Quebec last year, going 6-6, 4.65 with 64 strikeouts and 34 walks in 103 innings. The 34-year-old presumably will slide back into a relief role if he lands with Triple-A Albuquerque. One reason for optimism: While not all 17 of Gagne's Can-Am starts were quality, he enjoyed a productive month of August, when he posted a 30-to-12 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 35 innings to go with a 2.80 ERA.

The son of Brewers Hall of Famer Robin, Dustin Yount helped lead Tucson to the Golden Baseball League finals. The 27-year-old batted .310/.381/.491 with 11 homers and 58 RBIs during the regular season.

Milwaukee Brewers Released: RHP Garrett Sherrill

Minnesota Twins Signed: OF Jacque Jones (Newark (Atlantic))

Jones latched on with Newark in June and July last summer, after the Reds released him in spring training. The Twins, of course, originally drafted him in the second round in 1995 out of Southern California. The 34-year-old proved he had a bit left in the tank by batting .311/.339/.504 in Atlantic League play.

New York Mets Signed: 2B Rylan Sandoval (NDFA—Long Beach State) Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: LHP Arturo Lopez

Drafted twice out of Chabot (Calif.) JC, in '06 and '07 (including once by the Mets), Sandoval finally turned pro as a nondrafted free agent. He batted .245 in two years with the Dirtbags and had most recently been scouted in the Arizona Winter League, an instructional outfit run by the independent Golden Baseball League.

The signing of Rod Barajas bumped Lopez off the roster. The Mets claimed him from the Padres last June, but never bothered to call him up, not even in September.

New York Yankees Signed: RHP Dustin Moseley, RHP John Van Benschoten

Philadelphia Phillies Signed: RHP Rick Guttormson (Kia (Korea))

The 33-year-old Guttormson returns to the U.S. after five years spent playing in the Far East, most recently in Korea. Prior to that he spent two years apiece with Yakult and SoftBank in Japan, amassing a record of 27-29, 3.52 while working as both a starter and reliever. The Padres selected Guttormson in the 22nd round of the '97 draft, only to cut him prior to '02 after he hit a wall in Double-A. He played indy ball for two years before earning a second shot at affiliated ball with the Mariners, but that lasted only one season, 2004, which remains (for now) the last he played on U.S. soil.

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: LHP Jack Taschner

San Diego Padres Signed: RHP Greg Burke (re-signed), 2B Josh Barfield, OF Matt Stairs

San Francisco Giants Signed: RHP Byung-Hyun Kim, RHP Guillermo Mota

Kim pitched for the Rockies, Marlins, Diamondbacks and Marlins (again) in '07, his last season in pro ball. Now the 31-year-old will attempt to shake off the rust of two years away from the game.

Tampa Bay Rays Released: 2B Jacinto Cipriota

Texas Rangers Signed: 1B Wes Bankston

Toronto Blue Jays Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Jose Lorenzo

Washington Nationals Signed: LHP Doug Slaten (outrighted), LHP Ron Villone (re-signed), C Carlos Maldonado, OF Sean Smith (Somerset (Atlantic))

Feb. 12-18 Arizona Diamondbacks Released: 2B Manuel Ferrer Reinstated from inactive list: 2B Manuel Ferrer

Atlanta Braves Signed: C Ryan Query (NDFA—Catawba (N.C.))

Query had been ready to embark on his first season as assistant coach at his alma mater when the Braves signed him. As a Catawba (N.C.) senior last year, he batted .384 with 20 homers and 75 RBIs and made the Division II All-America squad on the third team.

Baltimore Orioles Signed: LHP Will Ohman, OF Zach Moore

Boston Red Sox Signed: LHP Tyler Wilson, 1B Brett Harper Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Robert Manuel

Harper, 29, is a 9-year minor league pro, who was selected in the 45th round of the 2001 Draft by the Mets. He played in the organization from 2001 – 2007 reaching AA level (in 2007, he was an Eastern League All-Star after hitting .296/.350/.500 with 24 HR and 88 RBI in 131 G for Binghamton). The left-handed continued to hit for above average hitting and power the last two seasons at AAA: .315 with 20 HR (.577 SLG) for Fresno (SF) in 2008; a combined .292, 19 HR, 71 RBI (.508 SLG) for Las Vegas (TOR) and Albuquerque (LAD) last season. His minor league career line is .296/.350/.497 with 136 HR. So he is one of the most prolific hitters in the minors, deserving a look at the Major League level.

Chicago Cubs Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Jordan Latham

Cincinnati Reds Signed: RHP Enrique Garcia, RHP Kip Wells (re-signed), LHP Daryl Harang (York (Atlantic))

The younger brother of Reds' workhorse (and fellow San Diego State product) Aaron, Daryl Harang pitched for York in the Atlantic League last year, going 10-12, 4.08 in 23 starts plus another 10 relief outings. The 27-year-old sported a 85-to-45 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 154 innings. The Blue Jays made Harang a 23rd-round pick in '04 but then released him during spring training last year.

The White Sox, Diamondbacks, Cubs and Reds each drafted Garcia in the years 2005-08, first out of Potomac State (W.Va.) JC and then Miami. The Reds signed him in the last of those years, only to cut him loose in February '09. He appears to have taken a year off before re-signing with Cincinnati.

Cleveland Indians Signed: RHP Jamey Wright

Colorado Rockies Signed: RHP Stuart Pomeranz (New Jersey (Can-Am)), LHP Nick Bierbrodt

The ranks of Rockies signees who did not play professionally in '09 grows with the signing of the 31-year-old Bierbrodt. It's a group that also includes Alex Escobar, Paul Lo Duca, Jay Payton and Bronson Sardinha. Bierbrodt became the Diamondbacks' first-ever draft pick back in '96 when the franchise selected him 30th overall. He made pop-ins in the big leagues in '01, '03 and '04, racking up a 6.66 ERA over 145 innings, but since drawing his release from the Rangers in July '04, he had not found his way back to affiliated ball. Bierbrodt spent four years in indy ball, mostly in the Atlantic League, and a little time pitching in Taiwan before sitting out last season.

Florida Marlins Signed: 1B Mark Saccomanno, 3B Mike Lamb

Houston Astros Released: RHP Max Fearnow

Kansas City Royals Signed: RHP Jose Brazoban, RHP Enrique Franco, OF Rene Oriental, RHP Roque Colon

Los Angeles Angels Signed: LHP Daniel Davidson (re-signed), 1B Robb Quinlan (re-signed), OF Paul McAnulty

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: RHP Jeff Weaver (re-signed), OF Andres Perez (re-signed)

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: C Brent Dean (NDFA—UCLA)

Dean spent last season as an assistant coach for the Bruins after his college career ended following the '08 season. A transfer from Los Angeles Harbor JC, he didn't play much as a junior at UCLA and batted .278/.362/.329 with one homer in 79 at-bats as a senior.

Minnesota Twins Signed: OF Charlton Jimerson (Newark (Atlantic))

Jimerson led the Atlantic League in 2009 in batting average (.335) and slugging percentage (.567). The California native hit 21 homers, 27 doubles, with 62 RBI in 103 games for Newark. The 30-year-old paced the Bears in hits (133) and runs scored (91) and is the favorite to play center field for Triple-A Rochester this season. The Astros drafted Jimerson in the fifth round in '01 after he took home Most Outstanding Player honors at that summer's College World Series. The Miami product showed an all-or-nothing approach in eight pro seasons, batting .249/.303/.444 in affiliated ball. He also stands as the Pacific Coast League's record holder for most strikeouts in a season, which he accomplished when he fanned 183 times with Round Rock in '06.

New York Mets Signed: LHP Hisanori Takahashi, C Shawn Riggans, 1B Mike Jacobs, 2B Alex Cintron

Along with righty reliever Ryota Igarashi (big league deal), Takahashi joins the Mets as this offseason’s only two Japanese imports. A 10-year veteran of the Yomiuri Giants, Takahashi went 10-6, 2.94 last season, while striking out 126 and walking 36 in 144 innings. He will be 35 on Opening Day.

New York Yankees Signed: C Brian Baisley (re-signed)

Oakland Athletics Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: SS Gregorio Petit

San Francisco Giants Signed: RHP Todd Wellemeyer

Seattle Mariners Signed: RHP Jesus Colome, RHP Luis Munoz (re-signed), 1B Mike Sweeney (re-signed)

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: RHP Joaquin Benoit, 1B Luis Bautista (Pensacola (American Association))

Benoit's run of dominance from 2005-07 may be a distant memory, especially as he's now 32 and is trying to come back from a year-long layoff while recovering from rotator cuff surgery. He sported a nifty rate of 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings in his five seasons as a fixture in the Rangers' pen, and he represents the type of risk that could pay off handsomely for the Rays if he rediscovers the zip on his fastball and the bite on his slider.

The Dominican-born Bautista, 25, was selected by the Cubs in the 32nd Round of the 2007 Draft and released prior the 2009 season. In 2008, he hit .313 with 13 HR and 50 RBI (.515 SLG) in 89 games for Peoria (A). In the American association the right-handed hit .270/.322/.352.

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: RHP B.J. LaMura (Long Island (Atlantic)), OF Daniel Perales

Washington Nationals Signed: RHP Rafael Martin, OF Willy Taveras Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: LHP Doug Slaten

Martin, 25, has spent most of the past three seasons in the bullpen of the Mexican League's Saltillo franchise. Last season, he posted strong ratios over his 63 innings and 54 appearances, including 9.2 strikeouts, 3.1 unintentional walks and 0.9 home runs per nine innings. He continued rolling in the Mexican Pacific League (33 whiffs, 13 walks, zero homers in 35 frames) and capped it off with a four-strikeout, no-run showing in 2 1/3 Caribbean Series innings.

Feb. 1-11 Baltimore Orioles Signed: LHP Will Startup Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Armando Gabino, RHP Dennis Sarfate

Boston Red Sox Signed: RHP Joe Nelson

Chicago Cubs Signed: 1B Kevin Millar, OF Jason Dubois

Chicago White Sox Signed: RHP Ben Fritz (Lancaster (Atlantic))

An Athletics' first-round pick in '02, Fritz made his way to the Tigers via the '07 Rule 5 draft, minor league edition. His journey through affiliated ball stopped abruptly in August '08 when Detroit released him amid a rough season with Double-A Erie. Fritz, 28, joined the independent ranks and made 34 starts for Lancaster in the past two seasons, compiling a record of 8-10, 4.13.

Cincinnati Reds Released: RHP Luis Machuca

Machuca, 22, was signed by the Reds as a non-drafted free agent out of Panama in 2005. In five seasons, he didn’t pitch above rookie level (8-4, 2.35 ERA last year between DSL and GCL).

Colorado Rockies Signed: RHP Justin Speier, LHP Adam Bright (re-signed), LHP Jimmy Gobble, 1B Josh Phelps, OF Alex Escobar, OF Bronson Sardinha

Even if he doesn't crack the Rockies' roster, Speier will be one of Triple-A's highest-paid players. The Angels are still on the hook for the $5.2 million they committed when they signed the slider specialist for four years following the '06 season.

Neither Escobar nor Sardinha played affiliated or independent ball last year, though Escobar did put in time for Magallanes of the Venezuelan League this winter. The 31-year-old batted .273/.359/.394 with four doubles in 17 games. Seeing as the Rockies are swimming in lefty outfield bats, Escobar may provide insurance in case Ryan Spilborghs doesn't bounce back.

Detroit Tigers Signed: OF Josh Burrus (Lincoln (American Association))

Burrus, a Braves' first-round selection in '01, spent the past two season in independent ball, batting a composite .273/.356/.431 in 722 at-bats. The Rockies cut him in spring training '08, sending Burrus, still just 26, to the Atlantic League and then to the American Association.

Florida Marlins Signed: RHP Seth McClung, RHP Jermaine Van Buren (La New (Taiwan)), OF Jason Lane

Van Buren last pitched in the U.S. in '07, suiting up for Triple-A Sacramento in the A's system. From what we gather, he pitched in Taiwan for La New in 2008-09, though records for the CPBL are spotty.

Houston Astros Signed: LHP Edwin Walker

Walker, 26, was a 9th round pick by the Brewers in the 2002 Draft out a Texas high school. Released in 2004 after pitching in the Pioneer Rookie League (4-2, 5.57 ERA), he spent parts of the last three seasons in Indy ball (United, Frontier and Northern Leagues). Last year, the Yankees acquired his contract from Gary (Northern League), where he was pitching effectively out of the pen (3-0-3, 3.26 ERA in 16 G, with 29 K, 10 BB and 14 hits in 19.1 IP), and assigned him to Charleston (South Atlantic League/A), where he pitched well as a 25-year-old against younger players (2-0-1, 0.78 ERA in 14 G, with 20 K, 4 BB and 14 hits in 23 IP). New York released Walker during the off-season.

Kansas City Royals Signed: OF Jose Giron Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: SS Mario Lisson

Lisson, 25, was signed by the Royals out of Venezuela in 2002. Baseball America has ranked him as the best defensive infielder in the Royals organization entering the 2010 season. He was added to the 40-man Roster after the 2007 season in which he was a Carolina League All-Star. He spent last year between AA and AAA level hitting .227 with 14 HR and 60 RBI in 131 games. After the season, played with Caracas of the Venezuelan Winter League hitting .232 with 7 HR and 21 RBI in 33 G (.545 SLG).

Los Angeles Angels Signed: RHP Bobby Korecky, RHP Ryan Woods (NDFA—Lewis-Clark State (Idaho)) Released: C John Rickard, 1B Alibay Barkley

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: RHP Seth Etherton, RHP Ramon Ortiz, 3B Corey Smith, OF Alfredo Amezaga, OF Brian Giles Released: RHP Jean Eusebio

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: LHP Scott Schoeneweis, LHP Chase Wright (re-signed) Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Tim Dillard, RHP Chris Smith

Minnesota Twins Signed: LHP Mike Maroth

Maroth, 32, did not pitch during the regular season, but did a fair imitation of himself in the Puerto Rican League last winter, going 3-0, 2.60 with a 15-to-13 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 35 innings for the league champions Mayaguez Indios.

New York Mets Signed: RHP Josh Fogg, LHP Travis Blackley, LHP Neal Musser (Lancaster (Atlantic)), OF Frank Catalanotto Released: LHP Raul Batis Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Jack Egbert Reinstated from inactive list LHP Raul Batis

Egbert lost his place on the 40-man when the Mets claimed former Twins outfielder Jason Pridie on waivers. Elsewhere, Musser re-joins the organization that made him a second-round pick in '99. Released by the Astros last April, he migrated to the Atlantic League, where the 29-year-old notched 48 strikeouts in 44 innings out of Lancaster's bullpen.

Blackley, 27, was 4-7-3, 4.85 ERA with Reno (D’backs/AAA) last season, then pitched well for Hermosillo of the Maxican-Pacific League during the winter (5-1, 3.62 ERA in 8 GS, with 35 K, 13 BB, 43 H in 49.2 IP), representing Mexico in the Carribean Series. The southpaw played for Australia in the 2009 World Baseball Classic starting a no-decision vs. Cuba (5.2 IP, 4 K, 2 BB, 5 H, ER). Cuba won that game 5-4.

New York Yankees Signed: RHP Paul Bush (re-signed), 3B Marcos Vechionacci (re-signed), OF Edwar Gonzalez (re-signed), OF Marcus Thames

Oakland Athletics Released: C Dante Love Reinstated from inactive list C Dante Love

Philadelphia Phillies Signed: RHP Oscar Villarreal, C Zak Farkes, C John Purdom (York (Atlantic)), 1B Gaby Martinez

Yet another recent signee who did not play in '09, Villarreal drew his release from the Royals after his elbow injury necessitated Tommy John surgery.

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: 2B Josh Bonifay

The Pirates continue to re-sign Bonifay, the of former general manage Cam, each spring to serve as an instructor in the organization. He last played minor league ball in '06.

San Diego Padres Signed: RHP Scott Munter, RHP Mark Worrell (re-signed), 2B Brett Dowdy Released: 1B Felix Carrasco

Signed by the Padres as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2006, Carrasco (24) played in the California League (A Adv.) last season, his fourth as a pro, hitting .252/.344/.394 with 9 HR and 69 RBI in 115 games.

San Francisco Giants Released: RHP Robert Grace Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: 1B Jesus Guzman Reinstated from inactive list RHP Robert Grace

Grace spent two years on the restricted list and had not played since the '07 season, which he spent mostly with low Class A Augusta.

Guzman was jettisoned to make way for the re-signing of Bengie Molina. You have to appreciate the symmetry of Guzman's big league line for San Francisco last year: He batted .250/.250/.250 in going 5-for-20 with five singles and no walks.

Seattle Mariners Released: C Guy Welsh Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Yusmeiro Petit, 1B Tommy Everidge

No team has out-bustled the Mariners this offseason. So despite being offseason waiver claims themselves, Petit and Everidge found themselves back on the waiver wire when Seattle inked big league pacts with Eric Byrnes and Erik Bedard.

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: 3B Angel Chavez, SS J.J. Furmaniak

Texas Rangers Signed: RHP J.K. Ryu, C Guy Edmonds

Ryu did not pitch in '09 after MLB voided the waiver claim that Cleveland made coming out of spring training. Once returned to the Padres, San Diego summarily released him.

A 16-year-old Aussie catcher, Edmonds reportedly received $150,000 to sign.

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: RHP Jonah Bayliss (re-signed)

Washington Nationals Signed: LHP Mike Venafro, OF Edgardo Baez (re-signed)

Venafro held big league lefthanded batters to a .240/.318/.310 line in parts of seven seasons. The 36-year-old hasn't pitched anywhere (at the professional level) since '07.

Baez, 24, was a 4th round pick by Montreal in the 2003 Draft. In 7 seasons, the Puerto-Rican reached AA level. He had a strong season in the Puerto Rican Winter League playing for Caguas: the right-handed hitter was among the League leaders in hitting .329 (7th), RBI (23/5th), runs (27/3rd), representing Puerto Rico in the Carribean Series.

Jan. 25-31 Arizona Diamondbacks Signed: OF Doug Deeds Deeds was a 9th round draft pick by Minnesota in 2002. In 2008, he was an All-Star while playing for Tennessee (AA) in the Cubs system (.325/.389/.514). Last season, he hit .281 with 10 HR and 38 RBI in 113 games between Double and Triple A with the Cubs.

Baltimore Orioles Signed: RHP Andy Mitchell (re-signed)

Chicago Cubs Signed: 1B Chad Tracy

Chicago White Sox Signed: RHP Daniel Cabrera

Cincinnati Reds Signed: 2B Miguel Cairo

Colorado Rockies Signed: RHP Chris Gissell, RHP Carlos Guevara, LHP Damian Moss (re-signed), 3B Kenny Perez (re-signed)

Detroit Tigers Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: 1B Jeff Larish

Larish lost his foothold on a 40-man roster spot when Detroit signed closer Jose Valverde. Larish, the Tigers' fifth-round pick ’05, batted .242/.323/.404 in 74 games with the big club during the past two seasons.

Florida Marlins Signed: RHP Derrick Turnbow

Houston Astros Signed: C Kevin Cash

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: RHP Will Savage (Lancaster (Atlantic)), C Justin Knoedler, OF Timo Perez

Cut by the Tigers in spring training last year, Perez latched on in the Mexican League before finishing out the slate with New Jersey (Can-Am). With Veracruz, he batted .323/.406/.476 with eight homers and 11 steals in 77 games. The 34-year-old struck out just 19 times in 288 at-bats. Perez has been the best hitter (.356) in the Dominican League this winter playing for Licey; he was fifth in RBI (26), second in OBP (.408), fourth in slugging (.515).

Minnesota Twins Signed: 2B Matt Gaski

New York Mets Signed: OF Val Pascucci

Pascucci, 31, will gun for his 200th career home run in the minors this season. (He spent two years in Japan in 2005-06.) He finished the ’09 season with 193 bombs, having hit them in nine seasons for clubs like Vermont, Cape Fear, Jupiter, Harrisburg, Edmonton, Albuquerque (two stints), New Orleans, Lehigh Valley and Portland (Ore.). In all likelihood he'll begin ’10 with Buffalo.

New York Yankees Traded: 3B Mitch Hilligoss to Rangers for OF Greg Golson

The Yankees gamble on Golson's athleticism, acquiring the ’04 first-rounder on the cheap after he had been designated for assignment by the Rangers. As a righthanded hitter, the 24-year-old may find a niche in New York's left-leaning outfield. He'll have to battle past Rule 5 pick Jamie Hoffmann on the depth chart, however. Golson batted just .258/.299/.344 for Triple-A Oklahoma City last year, sporting a 114-to-29 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Oakland Athletics Signed: RHP Dan Giese (re-signed), OF Archie Gilbert (re-signed) Released: RHP Jorge Arrioja, RHP Logan Duran, RHP Ronald Ferreras, RHP Jose Oliveros, RHP Luis Reyes, 2B Matt Ray, OF J.D. Pruitt

Pruitt, 24, was signed by the A’s as a 23rd draft choice in 2007. In two season in Vancouver (A/short season), he hit .240 in 101 games, but collected 89 BB good for an impressive .470 OBP.

Philadelphia Phillies Signed: RHP Brian Gordon, LHP Brian Mazone (re-signed), 2B Luis Maza, OF Freddy Guzman

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: C Billy Killian, 3B Kevin Melillo, SS Doug Bernier, OF Anthony Norman Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Anthony Claggett, RHP Steven Jackson

Claggett and Jackson, both waiver-claim acquisitions from the Yankees last year, were bumped from the roster in favor of Ryan Church and Octavio Dotel. Both righthanders cleared waivers and were assigned to Indianapolis.

St. Louis Cardinals Signed: RHP Houston Summers

San Diego Padres Released: RHP Gabe DeHoyos, 3B Justin Baum

DeHoyos, 29, a non drafted free agent out of Eastern New Mexico University in 2002, played in the Northern independent League from 2002 to 2004, then was acquired by Kansas City. He stayed with the Royals throughout the 2007 season and pitched in the Padres system in 2008-2009. In six pro seasons, he reached AAA level. Last season he was 1-4 1.97 ERA in 35 G between Rookie league/AA/AAA with 45 K in 50.1 IP. During the winter, DeHoyos played for Mazatlan resulting the co-leader of the Mexican-Pacific League in saves with 12 (Hector Navarro).

San Francisco Giants Released: RHP Brian Bowles

Bowles, 33, had been retired since May ’07.

Seattle Mariners Signed: RHP Preston Vancil (Florence (Frontier)), C John Parham (Traverse City (Frontier))

Vancil signed with Florence in July after he finished his senior season at Abilene Christian (Texas). He went 6-4, 3.26 for the Freedom, striking out 61 and walking 44 in 66 1/3 innings. Though he did not appear in a game for Traverse City, Parham also has roots in the Frontier League, having signed to play there after finishing at Cal State Northridge last summer.

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: RHP Matt Bush, LHP Heath Phillips

The No. 1 overall pick in ’04, Bush fizzled out as a shortstop with the Padres but then seemed destined for at least minor league mediocrity when he converted to pitcher in ’07. He struck out 16 in 7 1/3 innings in the Arizona League, showing serious heat and a strong breaking ball. Promoted to low Class A, Bush blew out his elbow while facing his second Midwest League batter. He had Tommy John surgery and missed all of ’08, then passed through the Blue Jays system without throwing a pitch last year. Bush did manage to make headlines, however, when arrested for suspicion of DUI. Toronto released him prior to the season.

Texas Rangers Traded: OF Greg Golson to Yankees for 3B Mitch Hilligoss

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: RHP Wade Townsend, 2B Howie Clark (re-signed)

Washington Nationals Signed: RHP Nick Maness, LHP Chuck James, 3B Angel Gonzalez, OF Kevin Mench Placed on restricted list: RHP Randy Matias

Mench enjoyed a few productive years with the Rangers in his mid-20s, but he hasn't played with any regularity since ’06. He signed with the Hanshin Tigers of Japan's Central League for the ’09 season, batting .148 (8-for-54) with three doubles.

You may remember Maness from such prospect lists as the Mets' Top 10 from ’01, when we wrote that his "low-90s fastball is the best in the system." Drafted in the 12th round in ’97, he ascended to New York's 40-man roster but never did harness his control enough to pitch any meaningful number of innings above Double-A, let alone make it to the big leagues. The Mets cut ties with Maness during the ’03 season and he pitched in indy ball for four seasons before taking leave from the game for two years.

Jan. 19-24 Atlanta Braves Signed: RHP Chris Resop Resop was dealt to the Hansing Tigers during the 2008 season. He didn’t pitch effectively in Japan: 0-2 6.75 ERA in 21.1 IP during the first season. Last season, he pitched in the farm system of Hansin, but the outcome wasn’t different (1-1 5.21 ERA, with 21 K in 19 IP).

Boston Red Sox Signed: C Gustavo Molina

Chicago White Sox Signed: OF Brady Clark Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: C Cole Armstrong

Cincinnati Reds Signed: RHP Jose Arredondo

After a splendid rookie season with the Angels in ’08, Arredondo appeared poised to take over a high-leverage bullpen role in Anaheim. But then Arredondo slumped badly in ’09 as he dealt with elbow discomfort. The club non-tendered him in December, and the Reds signed him even knowing he'll miss 2010 while he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

Cleveland Indians Signed: 2B Mark Grudzielanek

Colorado Rockies Signed: C Robby Hammock, C Paul Lo Duca, OF Jay Payton

Detroit Tigers Signed: RHP Ruddy Lugo, LHP Sam Narron, C Mike Rabelo, 1B Cesar Nicolas

A Diamondbacks' fifth-round pick in ’04, Nicolas spent last season playing indy ball after Arizona released him during spring training. The 27-year-old batted .335 with 14 homers and 103 RBIs in 96 games for Grand Prairie of the American Association. He hit well in 10 games in the Atlantic League to close the year.

Florida Marlins Signed: RHP Brian Lawrence (re-signed), 3B Lee Mitchell (re-signed), OF Jason Delaney

Lawrence pitched poorly last season between Portland and New Orleans (7-4, 5.10 ERA), but bounced back pitching well for Carolina in the Puerto Rican Winter League: his 2.23 ERA was 2nd in the league (Levale Speigner, 2.03), and his 33 K were good for 5th.

Houston Astros Signed: RHP B.J. Hagen, RHP Shane Loux, RHP Jared Wells, OF Cory Sullivan

Hagen, 23, signed his first deal with an affiliated club after playing in the Frontier League last year. The Charlotte product appeared in 29 games for Traverse City, striking out 38 and walking 16 in 40 innings. Opponents hit just .178 as he compiled a 2.48 ERA.

Kansas City Royals Released: LHP John Flanagan

Los Angeles Angels Signed: RHP Juan Mateo

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: RHP Scott Dohmann, RHP Harvey Garcia (re-signed), RHP Russ Ortiz, LHP John Koronka, SS Nick Green, OF Michael Restovich

Milwaukee Brewers Released: RHP Mark Holliman, RHP Greg Miller, LHP Jose Romero Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Greg Miller

Holliman signed with the Cubs as a 3rd round pick in the 2005 Draft. In 2009, in his fourth pro season, pitched for Huntsville (AA) posting a 7-10, 4.65 ERA in 26 starts.

Minnesota Twins Signed: LHP Mark McLemore

New York Mets Released: C Rogelio Del Campo

Del Campo, 23, was signed by New York in march 2006 out of Mexico. In four seasons, the catcher didn’t play much and reached AAA Buffalo last season (playing only one game).

New York Yankees Signed: 3B Fu-Lin Kuo

New York made its second foray into Taiwan to sign 18-year-old Fu-Lin Kuo. Their first was Chien-Ming Wang.

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: RHP D.J. Carrasco

St. Louis Cardinals Signed: 2B Kevin Howard

San Diego Padres Released: RHP Walter Silva, 1B Brian Joynt

The Padres signed Silva, a veteran of Mexican baseball, before the 2009 season. The right-hander didn’t pitch effectively: in 6 ML starts he was 0-2, 8.76 ERA, while posted a 7-5, 6.09 ERA in 81.1 IP for AAA Portland.

San Francisco Giants Released: RHP Andrew Kerth, LHP Steven Calicutt, C Adam Witter, 2B Brooks Lindsley, 3B Evan McArthur, OF Caleb Curry, OF Ryan Mantle Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Andrew Kerth

Texas Rangers Signed: 3B Lee Soto, SS Travis Adair

Soto earned notoriety as a Blue Jays farmhand as a $600,000 bust. He signed out of the Dominican in April ’05 and hit all of .201/.248/.293 in 539 pro plate appearances through ’08.

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: RHP Shawn Hill, RHP Steven Register, RHP Bob Zimmermann, OF Jeremy Reed

A native of Mississauga, Ontario, Hill returns to his Canadian roots. Injuries have hampered the 28-year-old to the point where the Blue Jays would rejoice if he gave them 97 effective innings, as he did the Nationals in ’07.

Zimmermann returns to affiliated ball after spending his ’09 with York of the Atlantic League. The results weren't pretty: 4.43 ERA in 38 games, 61-to-60 strikeout-to-walk ratio and seven homers in 89 innings.

Washington Nationals Signed: OF Chris Duncan

2010 Jan. 1-18 Arizona Diamondbacks Signed: SS Jake Wald Released: RHP Tony Barnette Barnette, 26, was a 10th round pick of the 2006 Draft. In his fourth pro season, posted a 14-8, 5.79 ERA as a starter with Reno (AAA). The D’backs released him so he could sign a contract worth $535.000 with the Yakult Swallows (Japan).

Atlanta Braves Signed: 3B Joe Thurston

Baltimore Orioles Signed: C Phillip Britton, SS Andy Gonzalez, OF Jeff Salazar

Boston Red Sox Signed: RHP Chad Paronto, RHP Scott Patterson, RHP Kelvin Pichardo, RHP Jorge Sosa, LHP Brian Shouse, 2B Ray Chang, 3B Christian Colonel Released: RHP Matt Goodson, SS Zach Borowiak, OF Brad Wilkerson Reinstated from inactive list: OF Brad Wilkerson

Sosa is coming off a solid season in the Dominican Winter League: playing for Licey Tigres, he posted a 3.83 ERA (9th in the circuit).

Chicago Cubs Signed: C Mark Johnson (re-signed), 3B Scott McClain

The 37-year-old McClain embarks on his second go-round with the Cubs as returns from his second tour of duty in Japan. Last year (after being released from his Giants contract), he batted .244/.319/.423 for Hiroshima of the Central League, while popping 18 home runs in 114 games. He bashed 71 homers in four years with Seibu from 2001-04. A prolific slugger here in the U.S., McClain has clubbed 292 home runs in 16 seasons.

Chicago White Sox Signed: 3B Jeff Hulett

Cincinnati Reds Signed: RHP Jesus Delgado, RHP Justin Lehr (re-signed), RHP Daryl Thompson (re-signed), OF Josh Anderson, OF Luis Terrero

Terrero enjoyed a huge year in the Mexican League last season, batting .345/.440/.603 with 21 home runs in 103 games for Laguna. Of course, the run-scoring environment in Mexico is elevated, but Terrero still ranked fifth in the ML in slugging (Ruben Rivera finished on top), third with 54 extra-base hits and fourth with 90 RBIs. At the conclusion of the Mexican League season, Terrero played indy ball with Kansas City of the Northern League for 10 games.

Cleveland Indians Signed: RHP Adam Miller (re-signed), 2B Mark Grudzielanek, OF Shelley Duncan, OF Austin Kearns Traded: LHP Zach Jackson to Blue Jays for a player to be named Traded: 3B Jesus Brito to Pirates for SS Brian Bixler

Colorado Rockies Signed: SS Eider Torres

Released: 2B Andy Goff Voluntarily retired: RHP Randall Taylor

Florida Marlins Released: RHP Kenny Fernandez, RHP Brett Harker, RHP Andy Ramirez, LHP Brandon Barrow, C Zach Moore, 1B Matt Lokken, 2B Daniel Garcia

Houston Astros Signed: RHP Jeremy Johnson (re-signed) Released: C Pedro Gonzalez Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: OF Jason Bourgeois

Kansas City Royals Signed: RHP Matt Herges, 1B Wilson Betemit, OF Jamie Romak Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Roque Colon, LHP John Flanagan

Kansas City goes back to the well for two more former Braves. Betemit, who’s coming off a .329/.385/.600 run in the Dominican League (playing for Cibao), originally signed with the Braves back in 1996. Romak’s lineage may be a bit more obscure, but the Ontario native signed with Atlanta as a fourth-rounder in 2003.

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: RHP Jordan Pratt (re-signed), C J.D. Closser (re-signed), 2B Argenis Reyes, OF Sergio Pedroza

A Dodgers third-round pick in 2005, Pedroza played in the independent Golden League last season after the Rays released him during spring training. Tampa Bay acquired him in 2006, in the trade that sent Julio Lugo to the playoff-bound Dodgers.

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: OF Norris Hopper Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Omar Aguilar

Minnesota Twins Signed: LHP Mike Maroth, 1B Brock Peterson (re-signed)

New York Mets Signed: RHP Manuel Alvarez (re-signed), LHP Adam Pettyjohn (re-signed)

New York Yankees Signed: RHP Zach Segovia, LHP Royce Ring, OF David Winfree

Winfree, 24, was selected by the Twins in the 13th round of the 2003 Draft. In seven seasons in the organization the right-handed batter reached AAA level (in 2009) showing average hitting and power abilities. Last season he hit .273 with 14 HR and 61 RBI in 116 games for Rochester.

Oakland Athletics Signed: LHP Lenny DiNardo Traded: OF Aaron Cunningham and OF Scott Hairston to Padres for 2B Eric Sogard and 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff

Philadelphia Phillies Signed: RHP Brandon Duckworth, RHP Jordan Meaker, RHP Jason Standridge, RHP Ryan Vogelsong, RHP Ehren Wassermann, C Dane Sardinha, 1B Tagg Bozied, 3B Brandon Pinckney

This list reads like a who’s who for pitching prospects, circa 2001, with Duckworth, Standridge, Vogelsong all seeking redemption as 30-somethings. Duckworth has made at least seven big league appearances in each of the past eight seasons (who knew?), and in his three years with the Royals he made 18 spot starts.

The Devil Rays’ top pick in 1997 (31st overall), Standridge ran up a 5.80 ERA in parts of seven big league seasons for the Rays, Rangers, Reds and Royals. He departed Kansas City for Japan to pitch for Fukuoka during 2007-08. He spent a month with the Marlins’ Triple-A New Orleans affiliate last year before earning his release and signing on with Somerset of the Atlantic League.

Vogelsong racked up a 5.86 ERA in parts of six seasons for the Giants and Pirates. But he spent the last three years in Japan, striking out 197 batters in 214 innings to go with a 4.17 ERA pitching for Orix.

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: C Luke Carlin Traded: SS Brian Bixler to Indians for 3B Jesus Brito

Signed as nondrafted free agent by Indians out of the Dominican Republic on Dec. 8, 2005., Brito (22) hit .353/431/567 with 19 doubles, 10 triples, 3 HR, 43 RBI and 52 R in 60 games played between the Arizona League (BA ranked him the 14th best prospect of the League) and the NYP-League in 2009 (his fourth pro season).

St. Louis Cardinals Signed: RHP Oneli Perez (re-signed), RHP Charlie Zink, LHP Evan MacLane (re-signed) Released: RHP Geney Rios, 3B Juan B. Cabrera Placed on restricted list: RHP Pablo Ortiz

MacLane is coming off a strong winter season pitching in the Dominican Republic for Estrellas. The southpaw ranked among the league leaders in ERA (2.87/5th), wins (5/2nd), strikeout (41/2nd) and IP (62.2/1st).

San Diego Padres Released: RHP Colin Lynch, LHP Andrew Bovich, LHP Andrew Morton, LHP Will Startup, 2B Joey Railey, 3B Seth Johnston, OF Julian Alvarez, OF Jason Codiroli, OF Angel Mercado Traded: 2B Eric Sogard and 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff to Athletics for OF Aaron Cunningham and OF Scott Hairston

San Francisco Giants Signed: RHP Santiago Casilla, RHP Mike MacDonald, RHP Osiris Matos (re-signed), C Todd Jennings (re-signed), OF Breland Brown Released: RHP Javier Hernandez, C Josh Emmerick Reinstated from inactive list: C Josh Emmerick

Emmerick spent the past three seasons on the retired list. In the case of Brown, a product of Northeast Mississippi CC, he spent three games in the Frontier League and another 13 in the Can-Am League last season.

Seattle Mariners Signed: RHP Chad Cordero (re-signed), C Josh Bard, 1B Brad Nelson (re-signed), SS Chris Woodward Released: RHP Felix Bautista, RHP Bruno Mercedes, LHP Kyle Brown, OF Joel Mendez, OF Angel Zapata

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: LHP Stepan Havlicek, C Alvin Colina, OF Rashad Eldridge (re-signed)

The Rays signed Havlicek, a 16-year-old Czech lefty, and will start him on his pro career in the Australian Summer League this season.

Texas Rangers Signed: RHP Jailen Peguero, RHP Elizardo Ramirez (re-signed), LHP Clay Rapada, 1B Matt Brown Released: RHP Dustin Brader, RHP Jake Geglein, RHP Brock Piper, 2B Dave Berg Reinstated from inactive list: 2B Dave Berg

This is the same Dave Berg who served as a utility infielder for the Marlins and Blue Jays from 1998 to 2004. He signed with the Rangers in May 2006, only to retire about a month later.

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: LHP Willie Collazo, 2B Callix Crabbe, SS Jesus Merchan, OF Jorge Padilla Acquired: LHP Zach Jackson from Indians for a player to be named

Washington Nationals Signed: 2B Chase Lambin, SS Pedro Lopez, OF Pedro Powell Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: LHP Victor Garate

A switch-hitting middle infielder with power, Lambin played in Japan last year but batted .192 in 58 games for Chiba Lotte.

Dec. 21-31 Arizona Diamondbacks Signed: 1B Jeff Bailey, SS Ed Rogers (re-signed)

Atlanta Braves Traded: RHP Javier Vazquez and LHP Boone Logan to Yankees for RHP Arodys Vizcaino, LHP Mike Dunn and OF Melky Cabrera

Baltimore Orioles Released: RHP Chase Phillips

Chicago Cubs Signed: RHP Jeff Kennard

Chicago White Sox Signed: OF Jason Botts, OF Josh Kroeger (re-signed), OF Ozzie Lewis

Botts left midway through the 2008 season to play for Nippon Ham of Japan's Pacific League. He batted .254/.327/.423 with five homers in 55 games that season and played only in 11 games for the club in ’09.

Cleveland Indians Signed: RHP Anthony Reyes (re-signed), RHP Saul Rivera Released: RHP Franklin Soto

Soto was signed in 2007 out of the Dominican Republic. In his third pro season, he reached the Arizona rookie League where posted a 0-1 6.57 ERA in 2009.

Colorado Rockies Signed: RHP Juan Rincon (re-signed), C Anthony Aguilera (NDFA—San Jose State)

Detroit Tigers Signed: 1B Jason Stokes

Stokes in 2004 bashed 24 home runs, mostly with Double-A Carolina in the Marlins system. At the time, the 22-year-old appeared poised to make his mark as a slugger. Consider that he had hit 17 homers in the Florida State League in ’03 and a whopping 27 in the Midwest League in ’02. But then injuries befell Stokes, Florida's second-rounder in ’00, and he missed huge swaths of the ’05 through ’07 seasons. He didn’t play at all in ’08 and ’09, meaning that in the past five years, Stokes, now 27, has made just 395 plate appearances.

Florida Marlins Signed: RHP Chris Schroder, 2B Danny Richar, OF Jeff Pruitt, RHP Kasey Olenberger

Houston Astros Signed: RHP Josh Banks

Kansas City Royals Signed: LHP John Parrish

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: RHP Hyang-Nam Choi (re-signed), C Gabriel Gutierrez (re-signed), 1B Doug Mientkiewicz (re-signed), SS Angel Berroa, OF Brian Barton, OF Jay Gibbons

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: C Matt Treanor

New York Mets Signed: RHP R.A. Dickey, C Luke Montz, 2B Andy Green (re-signed)

New York Yankees Signed: C Mike Rivera, OF Reid Gorecki Traded: RHP Arodys Vizcaino, LHP Mike Dunn and OF Melky Cabrera to Braves for RHP Javier Vazquez and LHP Boone Logan

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: RHP Tyler Yates (re-signed), LHP Brian Burres, LHP Neal Cotts

San Diego Padres Signed: LHP Derrick Loop Acquired: C Dusty Ryan from Detroit for a PTBNL.

San Francisco Giants Signed: RHP Kevin Cameron

Seattle Mariners Traded: RHP Brandon Morrow to Blue Jays for RHP Brandon League and OF Johermyn Chavez

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: 1B Ryan Shealy

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: C Raul Chavez (re-signed), OF Chris Lubanski Traded: RHP Brandon League and OF Johermyn Chavez to Mariners for RHP Brandon Morrow

Washington Nationals Signed: LHP Eddie Guardado, 1B Josh Whitesell, SS Eric Bruntlett Released: RHP Julio Perez, RHP Jose Pinales, LHP Kevin Light, LHP Jose Taveras, SS Valerio Heredia, OF Yhonson Lopez

Dec. 11-20 Arizona Diamondbacks Signed: RHP Rodrigo Lopez

Atlanta Braves Released: RHP Adam Bullard, RHP Casey Hodges, LHP Dennis Accomando, C Dan Coury, SS Travis Adair, SS Chais Fuller, SS Chad Lundahl, OF Kuyaunnis Miles, OF Jon Mark Owings

Micah Owings’ younger brother, Jon Mark went untaken in the recent Rule 5 draft after missing most of the ‘09 season. Injuries have plagued Owings in his six pro seasons, but he’s got considerable power when healthy. He hit .275/.336/.480 with 16 homers for high Class A Myrtle Beach in ‘08.

Baltimore Orioles Signed: LHP Chris Lamb Released: RHP Jason Hallerman, RHP Shane Mathews, RHP Scott Mueller, C Edinho Meyer, 1B Tom Edwards, OF Arthur Bonevacia, OF Jose Kianes, OF Jason Rook

The 19-year-old Lamb comes to the States via Australia, where he worked with eight-year big league veteran Dave Nilsson.

Boston Red Sox Signed: RHP Stephen Fox (Sussex (Can-Am)), 2B Nate Spears Traded: RHP Chris Province to Twins for RHP Boof Bonser Placed on restricted list: RHP Austin Bailey

Fox made 19 relief appearances for Sussex, posting a 3.98 ERA and a 42-to-22 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 40 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old went undrafted out of Hofstra last summer but was one of the Top 10 Independent League Prospects this year.

Chicago Cubs Signed: 3B Derek Helenihi (NDFA—Louisiana State) Released: RHP Erik Hamren, RHP Billy Muldowney, RHP George Pineda, LHP Jayson Ruhlman, LHP Melvin Vasquez

Helenihi played third base for College World Series champion Louisiana State, the same program that produced Cubs’ second-rounder D.J. LeMahieu.

Chicago White Sox Signed: RHP Greg Aquino, LHP Erick Threets Released: RHP Daniel Albritton Traded: RHP John Ely and RHP Jon Link to Dodgers for OF Juan Pierre

Cincinnati Reds Signed: RHP Arshwin Asjes (Midwest (Frontier)), RHP Chad Reineke, OF Sean Danielson, OF Laynce Nix (re-signed)

A native of Curacao, Asjes went undrafted out of Temple in ‘08 and signed on to play in the Frontier League. The 24-year-old saved 12 games in 33 appearances this year, notching a 34-to-16 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 36 innings. He later was added to the Dutch roster for the 2009 IBAF World Cup, where

he had a 7.71 ERA in five games (4.2 IP, 3 SO, 2BB), taking the loss in relief against Canada. The Dutch pitching coach during this tournament, Jim Stoeckel, also works as a scout for the Reds and brought Asjes into his organization.

Cleveland Indians Signed: RHP Anthony Reyes (re-signed) Released: LHP Kaimi Mead, LHP Jose Urena

Colorado Rockies Signed: RHP Matt Wilhite (re-signed)

Florida Marlins Signed: RHP Matt DeSalvo (re-signed), RHP Clay Hensley (re-signed), RHP Matt Peterson (re-signed), RHP Scott Strickland, RHP Nic Ungs (re-signed), LHP Robert Zarate, 2B Donnie Murphy

Zarate, 22, was released by the Blue Jays during the 2009 season (his 5th as a pro). After his release he pitched very well for Venezuela in the IBAF World Cup: 1-0-1 0.00 ERA in 4 G, 8.1 IP, 10 K, 3 BB, 3 H. For the performance in the tournament, I included him in the list of 18 players to keep an eye on (see the international baseball section). This winter he’s playing for Lara Cardenales of the Venezuelan Winter League.

Houston Astros Signed: RHP Matt Ginter, LHP Jon Switzer, OF David Cook Released: RHP Tio McLean, 1B Kyle Miller, 2B Jeff Hulett, SS Jan Baldee, SS Brandon Wilkerson, OF Nathan Metroka, OF Eric Suttle, OF Marques Williams

Kansas City Royals Signed: RHP Philip Humber, RHP Devon Lowery (re-signed), RHP Julio Pimentel (re-signed), RHP Francisco Rosario, LHP Adam Bostick, LHP Bruce Chen (re-signed), LHP Nelson Payano (Chunichi (Japan)), C Vance Wilson (re-signed), 1B Ernesto Mejia, OF Shane Costa (re-signed), OF Damon Hollins

Mejia, 24, is showing good power in the Venezuelan Winter League while playing for Zulia: he was the HR leader at the end of the regular season with 14 round-trippers and 4th with .557 SLG. He received the MVP and the Rookie of the year awards. Signed by the Atlanta Braves as a non-drafted free agent on July 8, 2002 out of Venezuela, was declared a minor league free agent at the end of the 2009 season (in which he reached AA level).

Los Angeles Angels Signed: LHP Camilo Vazquez, OF Nick Gorneault Released: RHP Francis Cabrera

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: RHP Luis Ayala Released: RHP Bobby Hernandez Traded: OF Juan Pierre to White Sox for RHP John Ely and RHP Jon Link

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: RHP Mark DiFelice (re-signed), RHP Kameron Loe (Softbank (Japan)), LHP Chris Waters, SS Anderson Machado (Lancaster (Atlantic))

Minnesota Twins Traded: RHP Boof Bonser to Red Sox for RHP Chris Province

A fourth-rounder from Southeastern Louisiana in ‘07, Province pitched for Double-A Portland last year, going 2-4, 2.60 in 43 games. He struck out 55 and walked 32 in 79 2/3 innings. He allowed just three home runs and compiled a 3.29 ground-to-fly out ratio.

New York Mets Signed: RHP Elmer Dessens (re-signed)

New York Yankees Signed: OF Javier Herrera Released: RHP Pablo Hernandez, RHP Alejandro Martinez, RHP Paul Patterson, RHP Brett Smith, RHP Jeff Williams, LHP Edwin Walker, 1B Chris Smith, OF Tommy Baldridge, OF Mitch Delaney, OF Chad Gross

Herrera, 24, signed with Oakland as a non-drafted free agent on July 27, 2001 out of Venezuela. The right-handed batter ranked as the Athletics’ No. 9 farmhand in the prestigious Baseball America’08 Prospect Handbook, in which he’s descripted as a five-tool player with exceptional bat speed. In 2004, at SS-A Vancouver was named Northwest League Most Valuable Player after batting .331 with 12 home runs and 47 RBI in 65 games... in 2005, at Single-A Kane County he batted .275 with 13 home runs and 62 RBI in 94 games... was named to the Midwest League Post-Season All-Star Team and that year was selected for the Futures Game. In 2006, he was with the A's during spring training and went 2-for-10 with a double and a RBI in six games before he was optioned to Sacramento on March 13... was placed on the disabled list on April 6 with an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow... had "Tommy John" surgery on the elbow and missed the entire season. The 2007 season was shortened by an hamstring injury. He was released by Oakland last May while on the Midland roster (AA). He’s hitting .331 with 2 HR and 6 RBI (.511 SLG), but only 2 BB and 13 SO in 22 games for the Lara Cardenales in the Venezuelan Winter League.

Oakland Athletics Signed: RHP Marcus McBeth, RHP Trey Webb, LHP Cedrick Bowers Released: RHP Rocky Roquet, 3B Blake Crosby, OF Larry Cobb Traded: 3B Brett Wallace to Blue Jays for OF Michael Taylor

Philadelphia Phillies Signed: RHP Nate Bump, RHP John Ennis (re-signed), RHP Santos Hernandez (re-signed), RHP Jay Stephens, LHP Jason Mackintosh (re-signed), LHP Jake Woods (re-signed), C Kevin Nelson (re-signed), C John Suomi, 2B Melvin Dorta, 3B Eric Campbell, 3B Cody Ransom, SS Fidel Hernandez (re-signed), OF Javis Diaz (re-signed), OF Kevin Mahar (re-signed), OF Mike Spidale (re-signed), OF Brian Stavisky (re-signed) Released: RHP Robert Roth, LHP Dan Brauer, LHP Esmelvin Jimenez, C Brendan Akashian, C Phil Aviola, C Francisco Murillo, 1B Cory Wine, OF Vladimir de los Santos, OF David Hissey, OF T.J. Warren Traded: LHP Cliff Lee to Mariners for RHP Phillippe Aumont, RHP J.C. Ramirez and OF Tyson Gillies Traded: RHP Kyle Drabek, C Travis d’Arnaud and OF Michael Taylor to Blue Jays for RHP Roy Halladay

Campbell, 24, was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. In 2005, was rated by Baseball America as the overall 9th best prospect in the Braves organization while he dominated the Appy League in power statistics, leading with 26 doubles, 18 home runs, 64 RBIs, 77 runs scored and a .634 slugging percentage. ... His 18 homers were best among all short-season players; was a member of the Appy League All-Star team. In 2006, played first full season at Class A Rome as a third baseman and overcame a midseason back injury to lead the South Atlantic League with 22 home runs (second most among Braves Minor Leaguers) and rank fifth in both slugging percentage (.571) and extra-base hits (52) and was a Sally League All-Star. Was released by the Braves last August while at AA/Mississipi (.241, 5 HR, 38 RBI in 104 G). When healthy, he offers solid power.

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: RHP Jeremy Powell (re-signed), LHP Corey Hamman (re-signed), 1B Brian Myrow (re-signed) Released: 2B Deybis Benitez

St. Louis Cardinals Released: RHP Mark McCormick

McCormick, 26, was a 1st round choice (43rd overall) of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2005 Draft. He didn’t play last season due to injury. In 2008, he reached Double A level. He’s a power pitcher who struggles a lot with his control.

San Diego Padres Signed: RHP Jackson Quezada (re-signed), C Chris Stewart, OF Chris Denorfia Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Hayden Beard, LHP Brent Carter

Seattle Mariners Signed: RHP Mike Koplove (re-signed), RHP David Pauley, C Ralph Henriquez Traded: RHP Phillippe Aumont, RHP J.C. Ramirez and OF Tyson Gillies to Phillies for LHP Cliff Lee

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: RHP Jeff Bennett (re-signed), 1B Chris Richard, 2B Chris de la Cruz, 3B Joe Dillon

Texas Rangers Signed: C Robbie Alcombrack (Traverse City (Frontier)), C John Otness, SS Ray Olmedo Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: LHP Clay Rapada, 3B Esteban German

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: RHP Lance Broadway, OF Joey Gathright Traded: RHP Roy Halladay to Phillies for RHP Kyle Drabek, C Travis d’Arnaud and OF Michael Taylor

Washington Nationals Signed: RHP Joel Peralta Released: RHP Steven Stewart, RHP Federico Tanco, C Chris Solis, SS James Keithley

Nov. 24-Dec. 10 Arizona Diamondbacks Signed: RHP T.J. Beam, C Carlos Corporan, OF Drew Macias Granted free agency: C Luke Carlin Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Kyler Newby, C Luke Carlin Rule 5 selection: RHP Hector Ambriz (Indians, MLB)

Atlanta Braves Signed: LHP Mariano Gomez (re-signed), 1B Gerardo Avila, 1B Mauro Gomez, 2B Luis Bolivar, 2B Juan Gonzalez, 3B Eric Duncan, OF Brent Clevlen Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: 1B Barbaro Canizares Rule 5 selection: LHP Edgar Osuna (Royals, MLB)

The Braves here sign a pair of players with serious draft pedigree, each of whom has spent the past three years at Triple-A. The 26-year-old Clevlen, a Tigers’ second-rounder in ’02, stumbled in his first try with Toledo but came on strong in each of the past two seasons, batting a cumulative .272/.343/.468 with 38 home runs. He struck out a lot in that time (nearly 32 percent of at-bats) but has real power (isolated power just shy of .200) and some defensive chops in the outfield.

The Yankees’ first-round pick in ’03, Duncan has regressed in each of his three seasons with Scranton as he counted down the days until free agency. The 25-year-old New Jersey native never has shown much feel for hitting (.242 career average) or for the finer points of playing third base. But if you go back far enough you can see the trappings of power that made him a premium draft pick in the first place. Duncan smacked 19 homers with Double-A Trenton in ’05.

Baltimore Orioles Signed: RHP Frank Mata, RHP Alfredo Simon (re-signed), LHP Mike Hinckley, C Chad Moeller (re-signed) Granted free agency: LHP Chris Waters Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: LHP Chris Waters Rule 5 selections: RHP Steve Johnson (Giants, MLB), LHP Jake Stevens (Giants, AAA), SS Rodolfo Cardona (Pirates, AAA)

Boston Red Sox Signed: RHP Fernando Cabrera (re-signed), RHP Devern Hansack (re-signed), RHP Bob McCrory, RHP Edwin Moreno, SS Angel Sanchez, SS Gilbert Velazquez (re-signed), OF Darnell McDonald Released: RHP Jason Blackey, C John Otness, OF Sean Danielson, OF Jered Stanley Rule 5 selections: LHP Armando Zerpa (Rays, MLB), 3B Jorge Jimenez (Astros, MLB)

Neither of the players plucked from Boston’s minor league ranks stuck with the team that Rule 5’ed them. Jimenez headed to the Marlins as the player to be named in their Matt Lindstrom trade with the Astros, while the Rays sent Zerpa to the Dodgers for cash considerations.

Chicago Cubs Traded: 3B Jake Fox and 2B Aaron Miles to Athletics for RHP Jeff Gray, RHP Ronny Morla and OF Matt Spencer Acquired: RHP Arismendy Mota from Nationals for cash considerations Rule 5 selection: RHP Miguel Sierra (Rays, AAA)

In a rare trade of a minor league Rule 5 pick, the Nationals drafted Mota (22) from the White Sox in the Triple-A phase and then sent him to the Cubs. Signed with the White Sox as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic in June 2006, he spent his first 4 professional seasons in the Rookie–level Dominican Summer League (last season went 7-2 1.81 ERA in 16 G, 15 starts).

Chicago White Sox Signed: RHP Dylan Axelrod (re-signed), SS Freddie Bynum, OF T.J. Bohn Rule 5 selections: RHP John Lujan (Mets, AAA), RHP Arismendy Mota (Nationals, AAA)

Cincinnati Reds Signed: RHP Jon Adkins (Lotte (Korea)), RHP Federico Baez (re-signed), RHP Po-Cheng Chi, LHP Alexander Smit (re-signed), C Brandon Yarbrough, SS Chris Burke, OF Kevin West (Winnipeg (Northern)) Rule 5 selection: LHP Ben Jukich (Cardinals, MLB)

Adkins went 3-5, 3.70 last season and led the Korean Baseball Organization with 26 saves. He grew up following the Reds and rejoins the organization for which he last pitched in 2008.

A Twins’ 16th-round pick in ’99, West smacked a total of 37 home runs while playing for Winnipeg the past two seasons. In 2009, he batted .285 with 19 bombs and 66 RBIs in 94 games.

Selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 13th round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, then dealt to the Reds in 2007, Jukich had a solid 2009 season at Louisville (AAA) going 9-6 4.10 ERA in 29 G (17 Starts). He followed with a strong showing in the Dominican Winter League playing for Aguilas and resulting one of the best pitcher in the league with 4 wins (3rd), 2.86 ERA (4th), 42 SO (1st), and 56.2 IP (3rd) (Updated

31/12/2009).

Cleveland Indians Signed: RHP Jason Grilli, LHP Mike Gosling (re-signed), 3B Brian Buscher Voluntarily retired: LHP Russell Young Rule 5 selections: LHP Chuck Lofgren (Brewers, MLB), LHP Anillins Martinez (Marlins, AAA), LHP Matt Meyer (Cardinals, AAA)

Colorado Rockies Signed: OF Ryan Harvey (re-signed)

Detroit Tigers Signed: RHP Enrique Gonzalez, LHP Macay McBride (re-signed), C Robinzon Diaz Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Zach Simons

Florida Marlins Signed: RHP Jesse Foppert, RHP Jon Fulton (re-signed), LHP James Houser, 1B Vinny Rottino, 3B Brian Barden, 3B Hector Luna Traded: RHP Matt Lindstrom to Astros for RHP Robert Bono, 3B Jorge Jimenez and SS Luis Bryan Rule 5 selections: C Andy Jenkins (Rangers, AAA), OF John Raynor (Pirates, MLB)

Houser still has to serve a suspension of 25 games before he can suit up for a Marlins’ minor league affiliate. As a member of Double-A Montgomery in ’07, he failed a test for amphetamines, netting a 50-game penalty. However, Houser served just half the suspension before being added to the Rays’ 40-man roster that offseason, thus moving out of minor league baseball’s jurisdiction.

Houston Astros Signed: RHP T.J. Burton (re-signed), RHP Gary Majewski, RHP Ryan Sadowski, LHP Gustavo Chacin, LHP Andy Van Hekken, OF Freddy Parejo, OF Alex Romero Traded: RHP Robert Bono, 3B Jorge Jimenez and SS Luis Bryan to Marlins for RHP Matt Lindstrom Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Brad James Rule 5 selections: RHP Jose Duran (Orioles, AAA), OF Nick Moresi (Nationals, AAA)

Kansas City Royals Signed: RHP Bryan Bullington, RHP Juan Mora, RHP Josh Rupe, C Edwin Bellorin, C Steve Lerud, OF Jorge Bonifacio, OF Buck Coats

Bullington, the first overall pick in the ’02 draft, quietly had a strong season working as a reliever in the Blue Jays’ system. Over 38 1/3 innings for Triple-A Las Vegas, he struck out 43, walked seven and allowed just two home runs in a hitter’s paradise. The 29-year-old went 3-for-3 with his save opportunities, for what that’s worth.

Coats, 27, also played for Vegas last season, batting .302/.361/.416 and showing his usual mix of strike zone judgment (47 walks, 64 strikeouts) and modest speed (25 steals in 32 attempts). A lefthanded batter, he’s also a solid center fielder, the type of player who has big league extra written all over him.

Los Angeles Angels Signed: RHP Travis Chick, SS Gary Patchett (re-signed), OF Cory Aldridge Rule 5 selections: RHP Bobby Cassevah (Athletics, MLB), RHP David Herndon (Phillies, MLB)

A 30-year-old slugger who began the ’08 season playing in the independent Atlantic League, Aldridge quietly has amassed 166 home runs in the minors. Playing for the Royals’ Triple-A Omaha affiliate last year, he struck 22 longballs while batting an impressive .316/.361/.582 in 354 at-bats.

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: RHP Tim Corcoran (re-signed), RHP Francisco Felix (re-signed), RHP Justin Miller, RHP Josh

Towers, LHP Juan Perez, 1B John Lindsey, 2B Ramon Nivar (re-signed), 3B Cesar Suarez (Lancaster (Atlantic)), OF Prentice Redman, OF James Tomlin (re-signed) Rule 5 selections: OF Jamie Hoffmann (Nationals, MLB), OF James Tomlin (Rangers, AAA)

Rule 5 curiosity: the Dodgers purchased the rights to (not one, but) two big league picks, who they must carry on their 25-man roster to retain: righthander Carlos Monasterios (taken by the Mets) and lefty Armando Zerpa (taken by the Rays), both Venezuelan players.

Miller had a good 2009 ML season with the Giants, posting a 3-3 3.18 ERA in 44 G and 56.2 IP (36 K 27 BB, 47 H). He was outrighted to the minors after the season and elected free agency.

Milwaukee Brewers Signed: RHP Ruben Flores (re-signed), LHP Chris Capuano (re-signed), LHP John Halama, LHP A.J. Murray, OF Trent Oeltjen

Minnesota Twins Rule 5 selections: RHP Angelo Sanchez (Phillies, AAA), LHP Winston Marquez (Rangers, AAA)

New York Mets Signed: 2B Russ Adams, 2B Alejandro Machado, 3B Mike Cervenak, 3B Mike Hessman, OF Jesus Feliciano (re-signed) Rule 5 selection: RHP Hayden Beard (Padres, AA)

New York Yankees Signed: OF Jon Weber Granted free agency: OF Shelley Duncan Rule 5 selections: RHP Kanekoa Texeira (Mariners, MLB), LHP Zach Kroenke (Diamondbacks, MLB)

This marks the second time Kroenke has been taken in the Rule 5 draft. The Marlins took him a year ago but returned him to New York prior to the ’09 season. If he does not stick with the Diamondbacks, he will have the right to elect for free agency, as would any player who has twice been outrighted off a 40-man roster.

Oakland Athletics Signed: RHP Fernando Hernandez, RHP Jose Pina, RHP Matt Wright, 1B Matt Whitney, 3B Dallas McPherson Traded: RHP Jeff Gray, RHP Ronny Morla and OF Matt Spencer to Cubs for 3B Jake Fox and 2B Aaron Miles Voluntarily retired: 1B Blake Crosby

Philadelphia Phillies Signed: LHP Bill White, OF Chris Duffy Rule 5 selection: RHP Carlos Monasterios (Mets, MLB)

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: RHP Vinnie Chulk, C Milver Reyes (re-signed), 1B Chris Garcia (New Jersey (Can-Am)) Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Jeff Karstens, RHP Jeff Sues, LHP Justin Thomas

Garcia, an Angels’ 15th-round pick in ’07, spent most of the year with Shreveport-Bossier of the American Association, batting .361 with 17 doubles in 296 at-bats.

St. Louis Cardinals Signed: 3B Ruben Gotay Rule 5 selection: RHP Mike Parisi (Cubs, MLB)

San Diego Padres Signed: C Michael Collins (re-signed), 1B Joe Agreste (Gateway (Frontier)), 3B Anthony Contreras (re-signed) Rule 5 selections: RHP Rolando Valdez (Mets, AAA), LHP Orlando Lara (Mets, AAA)

Agreste endured a tough senior year at West Virginia, batting just .264 with five home runs in 55 games. A 6-foot-4, 190 pound lefthanded batter, he went undrafted in June and signed with Gateway. He performed much better in indy ball than he had in the NCAA, batting .303 with 18 doubles and five homers in 46 games. BA ranked him the 7th best Indy prospect in 2009.

San Francisco Giants Signed: RHP Tony Pena Jr., OF Erold Andrus, OF Joe Borchard (re-signed) Rule 5 selections: RHP Raul Burgos (Dodgers, AA), LHP Ben Snyder (Orioles, MLB), OF Brian Horwitz (Indians, AAA)

Seattle Mariners Signed: RHP Levale Speigner, LHP Chris Seddon (re-signed), 2B Travis Denker, SS Josh Wilson (re-signed), OF Corey Patterson Rule 5 selection: 1B Marshall Hubbard (Mets, AAA)

(UPDATE: 23/01/2010) Speigner, 29, was named the best pitcher in the Puerto Rican Baseball League where he pitched for Arecibo. Speigner’s record was 7-0, 2.03 ERA (leading the circuit in both categories).

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: RHP Winston Abreu (re-signed), RHP Richard de los Santos (re-signed), LHP Jason Cromer (re-signed), LHP Carlos Hernandez (re-signed) Granted free agency: RHP Jeff Bennett Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Jeff Bennett Rule 5 selections: RHP Doug Salinas (Reds, AA), LHP Mike Wlodarczyk (Nationals, AAA)

Texas Rangers Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Willie Eyre Rule 5 selection: RHP Beau Vaughan (Athletics, AAA)

Toronto Blue Jays Granted free agency: RHP Brian Wolfe Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Brian Wolfe

Washington Nationals Signed: RHP Andrew Kown, RHP Ryan Speier, LHP Jeff Ridgway, 3B Adam Fox, OF Carl Loadenthal (Newark (Atlantic)), OF Jerry Owens Traded: RHP Arismendy Mota to Cubs for cash considerations Rule 5 selections: RHP Ruben de la Rosa (Blue Jays, AAA), RHP Terry Engles (Mariners, AAA), RHP Johan Figuereo (Mets, AA), RHP Zech Zinicola (Blue Jays, MLB)

Nov. 18-23 Arizona Diamondbacks Traded: LHP Scott Maine and 1B Ryne White to Cubs for RHP Aaron Heilman

Added to 40-man roster: RHP Roque Mercedes, RHP Daniel Stange, LHP Jordan Norberto, OF Cole Gillespie

Atlanta Braves Signed: RHP Jon Huber, C J.C. Boscan Added to 40-man roster: RHP Kyle Cofield, RHP Jeff Lyman, LHP Lee Hyde, LHP Jose Ortegano, LHP Jonny Venters

Baltimore Orioles Signed: RHP Ross Wolf Added to 40-man roster: RHP Brandon Erbe, RHP Luis Gustavo, 1B Rhyne Hughes, 1B Brandon Snyder, 3B Josh Bell, SS Pedro Florimon Reinstated from inactive list: C Ansony LaPaix

Chicago Cubs Signed: RHP Vince Perkins Traded: RHP Aaron Heilman to Diamondbacks for LHP Scott Maine and 1B Ryne White Added to 40-man roster: RHP Rafael Dolis, RHP Blake Parker, LHP John Gaub, C Welington Castillo, OF James Adduci

The Cubs left unprotected Italian RHP Alessandro Maestri (2008 BA best slider in the Cubs system). Last season, Maestri played with Tennessee (Southern League/AA), pitching 85.1 innings with 73 K, 52 BB, 71 H for a 4-2-3 3.69 ERA. In 4 years in the minors the 24-year-old holds a record of 19-12-16 3.42 ERA.

Chicago White Sox Added to 40-man roster: RHP Brandon Hynick, RHP Santo Luis, RHP Brian Omogrosso, RHP Sergio Santos, OF Stefan Gartrell

Santos, a converted shortstop averaged nearly 96 mph on his fastball in the Arizona Fall League, which ranked second only to some guy named Stephen Strasburg.

Cincinnati Reds Signed: OF Albert Laboy Placed on restricted list: RHP Rafael Gonzalez Granted free agency: OF Laynce Nix Added to 40-man roster: RHP Enerio Del Rosario, RHP Logan Ondrusek, RHP Jordan Smith, LHP Philippe Valiquette, LHP Travis Wood, SS Chris Valaika, OF Chris Heisey Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Daryl Thompson, OF Laynce Nix Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Rafael Gonzalez

Cleveland Indians Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jeanmar Gomez, LHP Kelvin de la Cruz, 3B Wes Hodges, SS Jason Donald, SS Carlos Rivero, OF Jordan Brown, OF Nick Weglarz

Colorado Rockies Signed: C Paul Phillips Added to 40-man roster: RHP Al Alburquerque, RHP Edgmer Escalona, RHP Juan Nicasio, RHP Chaz Roe, C Michael McKenry

Detroit Tigers Added to 40-man roster: 2B Scott Sizemore, SS Audy Ciriaco, OF Brennan Boesch, OF Ryan Strieby

Florida Marlins Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jay Buente, RHP Jose Ceda, RHP Kris Harvey, RHP Brett Sinkbeil, OF

Scott Cousins Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Allen Baxter, RHP Jeremiah Haar

Houston Astros Signed: RHP Casey Daigle, 2B Drew Meyer Added to 40-man roster: RHP Evan Englebrook, RHP Matt Nevarez, RHP Henry Villar

Kansas City Royals Signed: RHP John Bannister, RHP Jorge Campillo, RHP Brad Thompson, C Edwin Bellorin Granted free agency: RHP Devon Lowery, RHP Doug Waechter Added to 40-man roster: RHP Blake Wood, C Manny Pina, SS Jeff Bianchi, OF Jarrod Dyson, OF Jordan Parraz Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Devon Lowery, RHP Doug Waechter

Los Angeles Angels Added to 40-man roster: OF Peter Bourjos

Los Angeles Dodgers Added to 40-man roster: RHP Javy Guerra, RHP Kenley Jansen, SS Ivan DeJesus Jr., OF Trayvon Robinson

Jansen (22) is a converted catcher. He played that position with the Netherlands at the last World Baseball Classic. The Curacao native signed with the Dodgers on Nov. 17, 2004

Milwaukee Brewers Released: SS David Fonseca Added to 40-man roster: RHP Amaury Rivas, OF Lorenzo Cain

Minnesota Twins Released: OF Hyun-wook Choi Added to 40-man roster: RHP Alex Burnett, RHP Rob Delaney, RHP Deolis Guerra, RHP Loek Van Mil, 3B Danny Valencia, SS Estarling de los Santos Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: 3B Deibinson Romero

The 19-year-old Choi signed out of South Korea in 2007. He played 2 seasons in the GCL. In 2009 hit .215/277/299.

Deolis Guerra (20) is the once top prospect the Mets gave to the Twins in the Johan Santana trade. In 4 seasons in the minors (peak level AA), the Venezuelan hasn’t fulfilled the expectations yet with a record of 32-34 4.43 ERA.

Another Dutch player added to the 40-man roster, Van Mil (25) played for the Netherlands at the 2008 Olympic Games. In 4 seasons in the minors (peak level AA), the right-hander has a record of 6-7-9 3.04 ERA.

New York Mets Released: RHP Eric Brown, C Ralph Henriquez

New York Yankees Added to 40-man roster: RHP Hector Noesi, RHP Ivan Nova, RHP Romulo Sanchez, 2B Reegie Corona, 2B Kevin Russo, SS Eduardo Nunez, OF Austin Jackson Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: OF Shelley Duncan

The Yankees have waited for ’06 fourth-rounder Colin Curtis, a left fielder with a career .375 slugging percentage, to increase his power output. The 24-year-old played very well in the Arizona Fall League, batting .397/.472/.731 and leading everybody in slugging. He’s Rule 5 eligible now, having not been added to the 40-man roster.

This time the Yankees decided to protect Nova and Corona, both selected in the Major League phase of the 2008 Rule 5 Draft and offered back at the end of spring training by S. Diego (Nova) and Seattle (Corona). Both are playing very effective winter baseball: Corona is hitting .359/.474/.594 in 25 games for Magallanes (Venezuela), while Nova is 1-0 1.05 ERA in 5 games (25.2 IP 17 K 4 BB, 17 H) for Escogido (Dominican Republic).

Oakland Athletics Added to 40-man roster: RHP Fautino de los Santos, RHP Justin Souza, LHP Pedro Figueroa, 1B Chris Carter

Philadelphia Phillies

Signed: RHP Jason Anderson, RHP Alexander Concepcion, 1B Andy Tracy, SS Wilson Valdez, OF Rich Thompson, OF Dewayne Wise

Valdez and Wise, a pair of minor league free agents who had notable big league playing time in ’09, signed early and provide quality insurance for the Phillies to stash at Triple-A.

Wise, who will be 32 next season, appeared in a career-high 84 games for the White Sox, batting .225/.262/.366 but serving mostly as a defensive replacement. He single-handedly saved Mark Buehrle’s perfect game in July, and in ’08 he started three playoff games for Chicago, belting a double and a homer against the Rays.

Valdez, 31, served a similar role for the Mets in ’09, garnering playing time mostly as the result of being the only ambulatory shortstop in New York after Jose Reyes and Alex Cora went down with injuries. He batted .256/.326/.337 in 86 at-bats.

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: RHP Virgil Vasquez, C Hector Gimenez Added to 40-man roster: RHP Ramon Aguero, RHP Brad Lincoln, RHP Bryan Morris, OF Gorkys Hernandez

St. Louis Cardinals Added to 40-man roster: RHP Adam Ottavino, RHP Francisco Samuel, LHP Tyler Norrick, C Bryan Anderson, 1B Mark Hamilton, 3B Allen Craig, OF Jon Jay, OF Daryl Jones

San Diego Padres Added to 40-man roster: RHP Craig Italiano, LHP Steve Garrison, OF Chad Huffman

A participant in the Pacific Coast League all-star game, Huffman bounced back with Triple-A Portland after a couple down years in power-suppressing San Antonio. He batted .269/.361/.469 with 20 homers in 135 games.

San Francisco Giants Placed on restricted list: 1B Angel Villalona Added to 40-man roster: RHP Kevin Pucetas, 1B Brett Pill, OF Darren Ford, OF Francisco Peguero

Seattle Mariners Signed: RHP Steve Bray, RHP Steven Shell, C Jose Yepez

Granted free agency: SS Josh Wilson Added to 40-man roster: RHP Danny Cortes, RHP Ricky Orta, RHP J.C. Ramirez, RHP Anthony Varvaro, LHP Edward Paredes, OF Ezequiel Carrera Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: SS Josh Wilson

Teammates with Double-A West Tenn, Orta and (in particular) Vavaro earned their way onto the 40-man with strong showings in the Arizona Fall League. A fourth-round pick from Miami in ’06, Orta continued to take to his relief role, striking out eight and walking none in eight AFL innings. Tommy John surgery wiped out most of Varvaro’s ’06 season, but the ’05 12th-rounder slowly has worked his way back. He walked more than seven batters per nine innings during the regular season, but appeared much sharper in the AFL, boasting an 11-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 13 1/3 innings. Oh, and the St. John’s product averaged nearly 93 mph on his fastball. Both relievers will be 25 next season and are poised to contribute in Seattle.

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: RHP Joe Bateman, LHP R.J. Swindle Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jeremy Hellickson, LHP Alex Torres, OF Desmond Jennings

Bateman and Swindle have long track records of success as minor league relievers—not to mention low arm angles—so at worst they’ll provide Triple-A Durham with significant tactical weapons.

Texas Rangers Added to 40-man roster: LHP Michael Kirkman, LHP Zach Phillips

Toronto Blue Jays Signed: LHP Davis Romero, C Kyle Phillips Added to 40-man roster: RHP Reidier Gonzalez

The Blue Jays selected the Cuban-born Gonzalez out of St. Petersburg College in the 19th round of the 2005 Draft. The 24-year-old right-hander pitched well for New Hampshire (Eastern League/AA), with a record of 4-6 2.90 ERA in 17 starts and 93 IP.

Washington Nationals Signed: RHP Logan Kensing, C Jamie Burke Added to 40-man roster: RHP Juan Jaime, LHP Atahualpa Severino, LHP Aaron Thompson

Nov. 6-17

Arizona Diamondbacks Granted free agency: OF Alex Romero

Atlanta Braves Signed: 3B Wes Timmons (re-signed) Released: OF Brian Barton

The Braves traded Blaine Boyer to the Cardinals in late April to acquire Barton, who had been a St. Louis big league Rule 5 pick in ’08. The Cardinals nabbed him from the Indians, meaning that in the past three years Barton played for three organizations. (Incidentally, the Cards lost Boyer to a waiver claim by the D’backs in June.) In 114 games for Triple-A Gwinnett last year, Barton batted .266/.354/.390 with seven homers and 46 RBIs. He intends to suit up for a fourth organization in ’10.

Baltimore Orioles Signed: LHP Chris George (re-signed), 3B Scott Moore (re-signed)

Boston Red Sox Released: RHP Michael Lennox, RHP Wang-Yi Lin, OF Juan Bonifacio, OF Roberto Feliz Granted free agency: RHP Fernando Cabrera, OF Joey Gathright Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Miguel Gonzalez

Boston tabbed Miguel Gonzalez as a big league Rule 5 pick a year ago from the Angels, who had signed the Mexico native from nearby Los Angeles Mission JC. Trouble was, Gonzalez was coming off an ’08 season wiped out by injury. He endured the same fate in ’09. He last pitched for Double-A Arkansas in ’07, posting a 3.38 ERA and an 81-to-42 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 131 innings. Now that he’s no longer bound by Rule 5 restrictions (or a member of the 40-man roster), Gonzalez will, in all likelihood, head back to Double-A next season.

Chicago Cubs Released: 3B Chris Weimer

Chicago White Sox Released: LHP Enrique Lechuga

Cincinnati Reds Granted free agency: C Corky Miller, OF Darnell McDonald Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Justin Lehr, C Wilkin Castillo

Colorado Rockies Granted free agency: C Paul Phillips Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: C Paul Phillips

Detroit Tigers Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jay Sborz Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: 2B Michael Hollimon

Sborz was a second-round pick back in 2003, so he’s out-lasted first-rounder Kyle Sleeth, who retired after arm trouble. Sborz has had his share of injury issues and has pitched just 253 innings in seven pro seasons. He advanced past A-ball this year for the first time.

Florida Marlins Signed: SS Tim Torres (re-signed) Added to 40-man roster: RHP Hayden Penn

Houston Astros Signed: C Brian Esposito (re-signed), C Lou Santangelo (re-signed), SS Marcos Cabral (re-signed)

Kansas City Royals Released: SS Lifete Jose Granted free agency: RHP Yasuhiko Yabuta, LHP Lenny DiNardo Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP John Bannister, RHP Yasuhiko Yabuta, LHP Lenny DiNardo Reinstated from inactive list: SS Lifete Jose

Los Angeles Dodgers Signed: SS Adolfo Gonzalez (re-signed)

Milwaukee Brewers Added to 40-man roster: 3B Adam Heether

Minnesota Twins Signed: RHP Henry Arias (re-signed), LHP Jose Lugo (re-signed) Released: 1B Justin Huber Added to 40-man roster: RHP Juan Morillo Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: 1B Justin Huber

Huber gets a deserved chance to strut his stuff in Japan’s Central League. He signed with Hiroshima this week. The Australia native turned 27 in July and turned in a fine season for Rochester, batting .273/.356/.482 with 22 homers, his highest total at the Triple-A level. His Triple-A tour has taken him from Norfolk to Omaha to Portland to Rochester, where he’s maintained a .474 slugging percentage over nearly 1,600 plate appearances.

Other reports indicate that the hard-throwing Morillo also was headed to the Far East. He reportedly signed on with Rakuten of the Pacific League.

New York Mets Released: RHP Jimber Mueses, RHP Johnathan White, C Julio Rivera, C Orlando Rodriguez, 1B Giovanni Ortiz, 2B Matt Gaski, OF Scott Grimes, OF John Servidio

New York Yankees Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: OF Freddy Guzman

Oakland Athletics Granted free agency: RHP Chad Reineke Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: OF Chris Denorfia

Philadelphia Phillies Released: C Luis Ramon Arzeno, C Tim Gradoville Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jesus Sanchez, LHP Yohan Flande, OF Quintin Berry Granted free agency: RHP Tyler Walker Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP John Ennis, RHP Tyler Walker, C Paul Hoover, 1B Andy Tracy

Pittsburgh Pirates Signed: RHP Jean Machi (re-signed) Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Eric Hacker, RHP Virgil Vasquez Outrighted to Double-A and removed from 40-man: C Steven Lerud Outrighted to Mexican League: RHP Rodolfo Aguirre

St. Louis Cardinals Released: RHP Omar Diaz Granted free agency: 3B Joe Thurston

San Diego Padres Signed: RHP Nick Hall (Windy City (Frontier))

A Northern Illinois graduate, Hall originally signed as a nondrafted free agent with the Phillies back in ’06. Philadelphia released him the following spring and he then sat out two seasons before latching on with Windy City of the independent Frontier League in ’09. Hall, 25, notched 59 strikeouts in 41 innings while serving as closer for the ThunderBolts.

Tampa Bay Rays Signed: RHP Jairo de la Rosa (re-signed) Released: OF Jason Perry

De la Rosa converted to pitching just this year after hitting .236 in five years as a shortstop.

Toronto Blue Jays Released: RHP Jonas Cuotto, RHP Ryan Koch, RHP Jason Roenicke, RHP David Slovak, LHP Hunter Moody, 1B Kevin Denis-Fortier, 2B Kyle Gilligan Added to 40-man roster: 1B Brian Dopirak Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: LHP Davis Romero, C Kyle Phillips

Washington Nationals Voluntarily retired: C John Poppert Granted free agency: RHP Logan Kensing Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Logan Kensing, 2B Pete Orr