National Baseball Report

Dodgers sign Brian Giles

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed outielder Brian Giles to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.  Giles had surgery on his right knee last June and was out the rest of the year.  He hit .191 with two home runs and 23 RBI in 225 at-bats for the San Diego Padres in 2009.  Giles is expected to battle for a fifth outfielder spot or as a left-handed bat off the bench.

Mariners re-sign Erik Bedard

The Seattle Mariners signed pitcher Erik Bedard to a one-year, $1.5 million contract with a mutual option for 2011 of at least $8 million according to Larry Stone of the Seattle Times.  The 2011 option can increase above $8 million depending on his performance in 2010.  The Mariners designated Yusmeiro Petit for assignment to make room for Bedard in the 40-man roster.

"We think Erik is an important piece for us to add," GM Jack Zduriencik said in the press release.. "We're confident he'll be ready to pitch major league games this season. We've carefully monitored his recovery from surgery and his rehabilitation process and are confident he'll be a contributor to our 2010 campaign. We are looking forward to him returning and being a part of this organization as we move forward."

Blue Jays get Dana Eveland from Athletics

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired pitcher Dana Eveland from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for cash considerations according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.  Eveland spent most of 2009 in Triple-A where he went 8-6 with a 4.94 ERA.  The Blue Jays are making pitching depth a priority after trading away Roy Halladay this offseason.

Nationals sign Shawn Estes

The Washington Nationals signed left-handed pitcher Shawn Estes to a minor league contract according to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com.  Estes will make $600,000 plus possibly $400,000 more in performance bonuses if he makes the major league club.  Estes spent all of 2009 in Triple-A where he went 3-4 with a 3.07 ERA.  He stopped in June because he did not have interest in pitching in the minor leagues.

Rockies sign Melvin Mora

The Colorado Rockies signed infielder Melvin Mora to a one-year, $1.3 million contract according to the Associated Press.  Mora will backup Ian Stewart at third base and can play every infield and outfield position.  He won the American League Gold Glove award at third base in 2004.  Mora hit .260 with eight home runs and 48 RBI in 450 at-bats for the Baltimore Orioles in 2009.

Padres sign Yorvit Torrealba

The San Diego Padres signed catcher Yorvit Torrealba to a one-year, $1.25 million contract according to Buster Olney of ESPN.com.  The contract includes a mutual option for 2011 for $3.5 million.  Torrealba turned down a two-year, $4.5 million offer from the Colorado Rockies earlier in the offseason.  He hit .291 with two home runs and 31 RBI in 213 at-bats for the Rockies in 2009.

Nationals sign Adam Kennedy

The Washington Nationals signed second baseman Adam Kennedy to a one-year, $1.125 million contract according to ESPN.com.  The Nationals turned to Kennedy after Orlando Hudson agreed to a contract with the Minnesota Twins.  Kennedy hit .289 with 65 runs and 20 stolen bases for the Oakland Athletics in 2009.

Twins reach agreement with Orlando Hudson

The Minnesota Twins have reached an agreement on a one-year, $5 million contract with Orlando Hudson according to Jon Heyman of Si.com.  Heyman expects the Washington Nationals to go after Adam Kennedy since they lost out to the Twins on Hudson.  Hudson hit .283 with 74 runs and 62 RBI for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2009.

Orioles sign Joel Guzman

The Baltimore Orioles signed Joel Guzman to a minor league contract according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.  Guzman hit .268 with 12 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A for the Washington Nationals in 2009.

Rangers lose catching prospect for 2010

The Texas Rangers lost the services of catching prospect Tomas Telis because of Tommy John surgery according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.  Telis signed for $130,000 in 2007 and played at the age of 17.  He switched from shortstop to catcher for the Rangers and is now considered their second best catching prospect behind Max Ramirez.