National Baseball Report

Diamondbacks sign Adam LaRoche

The Arizona Diamondbacks signed first baseman Adam LaRoche to a one-year contract worth $4 million - $6 million according to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com.  The signing moves Conor Jackson to left field and Gerard Parra to the bench as the fourth outfielder.  LaRoche hit .277 with 25 home runs and 83 RBI for the Atlanta Braves in 2009.

Braves sign Melkey Cabrera for $3.1 million

The Atlanta Braves avoided arbitration with outfielder Melky Cabrera by signing him to a one-year, $3.1 million contract Thursday according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.  This is Cabrera's second arbitration eligible season.  He avoided arbitration last year by signing for $1.4 million.  The Braves acquired Cabrera in the trade which sent pitcher Javier Vazquez to the New York Yankees.  Cabrera hit .274 with 13 home runs and 68 RBI for the Yankees in 2009.

Braves sign Troy Glaus

The Atlanta Braves finalized a one-year, $1.75 million contract with Troy Glaus according to the Associated Press.  Glaus missed most of last season with a right shoulder injury while with the St. Louis Cardinals.  He will play first base for the Braves.

"I have no concerns about being able to go out there and play," he said. "I've been able to get myself this winter in the quality of shape I wasn't able to the winter before. I foresee continuing on where I left off."

Braves sign Eric Hinske

The Atlanta Braves signed infielder Eric Hinske to a one-year contract according to Scott Miller of CBSSports.com.  Hinske gives the Braves a veteran left-handed bat off the bench and insurance at first base.  Hinske hit .242 with eight home runs and 25 RBI between the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees in 2009.

Diamondbacks sign Kelly Johnson

The Arizona Diamondbacks signed second baseman Kelly Johnson to a one-year, $2 million contract pending a physical according to Jon Heyman of SI.com.  Johnson was non-tendered by the Atlanta Braves this offseason.  Johnson hit .224 with eight home runs, 29 RBI and a .692 OPS for the Atlanta Braves in 2009.

Braves sign Troy Glaus

The Atlanta Braves signed third baseman Troy Glaus to a one-year contract according to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com.  Glaus will play first base for the Braves.  He has only played first base in six games in his career.

Glaus had shoulder surgery last season but did return to play 14 games in September.  In 2008, he hit .270 with 27 home runs, 99 RBI and an .856 OPS for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Almost all of Glaus' appearances have been at third base in his career.  He led all third basemen in the major leagues in fielding percentage while with the Cardinals in 2008.  He did play eight games at shortstop with the Blue Jays in 2006.

Yankees and Braves make 5 player trade

The New York Yankees acquired pitchers Javier Vazquez and Boone Logan from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for outifelder Melky Cabrera and prospects Mike Dunn and Arodys Vizcaino.  Cabrera hit .274 with 13 home runs, 68 RBI and a .752 OPS for the Yankees in 2009.  Vazquez was 15-10 with a 2.87 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP for the Braves in 2009.

Trading away Cabrera means the Yankees will need a left fielder.  Johnny Damon, Matt Holliday and Jason Bay are all still unsigned.

Braves sign Joe Thurston

The Atlanta Braves signed utility player Joe Thurston to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league Spring Training.  Thurston can play several infield and outfield positions.  Thurston hit .225 with one home run, 25 RBI and a .645 OPS for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009.

Braves non-tender Johnson and Church

The Atlanta Braves non-tendered second baseman Kelly Johnson and outfielder Ryan Church.  Both players are now free agents.

Johnson hit .224 with a .692 OPS for the Braves in 2009.  He lost playing time in June when Martin Prado took over more time at the position.  Soon after that he was demoted to the minor leagues.

Church hit .260 with two home runs and a .749 OPS with the Braves and New York Mets in 2009.  The Braves acquired him in the trade which sent Jeff Francoeur to the Mets.  He struggled with injuries with the Braves.

Braves sign Matt Diaz

The Atlanta Braves avoided arbitration by signing outfielder Matt Diaz to a one-year, $2.55 million contract.  The new contract is a raise of $1.313 million from 2009.  He is expected to start in left or right field in 2010.  Diaz hit .313 with 13 home runs and 58 RBI and an .878 OPS for the Braves in 2009.