The Mets sign veteran C Rod Barajas to a contract, joining a crowded catching corps that also includes Henry Blanco, Omir Santos and top prospect Josh Thole.

ByTom

The Mets sign veteran C Rod Barajas to a contract, joining a crowded catching corps that also includes Henry Blanco, Omir Santos and top prospect Josh Thole.

The Cleveland Indians shake up their front office: they announce that GM Mark Shapiro will become team President at the end of the season, when his assistant Chris Antonetti becomes General Manager. Current President Paul Dolan, the son of owner Larry Dolan, will become Chairman and CEO in his father’s place. Antonetti, like newly-appointed Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos, began his career as an intern with the Montreal Expos. He joined the former franchise in 1997, before moving to the Indians in 1999, where he has held a number of front office positions.

ByTom

The Cleveland Indians shake up their front office: they announce that GM Mark Shapiro will become team President at the end of the season, when his assistant Chris Antonetti becomes General Manager. Current President Paul Dolan, the son of owner Larry Dolan, will become Chairman and CEO in his father’s place. Antonetti, like newly-appointed Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos, began his career as an intern with the Montreal Expos. He joined the former franchise in 1997, before moving to the Indians in 1999, where he has held a number of front office positions.

The Dodgers offer former Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagné a minor league contract. One of LA’s most popular players in the 2000s, Gagné saw his career hit the skids following elbow and back surgeries in 2005 and 2006, then was named in the Mitchell Report in 2007. Last season, he pitched for the Québec Capitales of the independent Can-Am Association, but he will fail in his attempt to return to the big leagues.

ByTom

The Dodgers offer former Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagné a minor league contract. One of LA’s most popular players in the 2000s, Gagné saw his career hit the skids following elbow and back surgeries in 2005 and 2006, then was named in the Mitchell Report in 2007. Last season, he pitched for the Québec Capitales of the independent Can-Am Association, but he will fail in his attempt to return to the big leagues.

The Nationals sign former Yankees starter Chien-Ming Wang to a one-year contract. Wang saw his 2008 season end early with a foot injury, and struggled to a 1-6 record while being bothered with various ailments in 2009. He won’t return to a major league mound until 2011.

ByTom

The Nationals sign former Yankees starter Chien-Ming Wang to a one-year contract. Wang saw his 2008 season end early with a foot injury, and struggled to a 1-6 record while being bothered with various ailments in 2009. He won’t return to a major league mound until 2011.

The Indians bring back 1B Russell Branyan, whom they originally drafted in 1994 and who played for the team until 2002. Coming off his best year in the majors, in which he slugged 31 homers for Seattle, Branyan missed the last month of the season with an ailing back and his health remains a concern.

ByTom

The Indians bring back 1B Russell Branyan, whom they originally drafted in 1994 and who played for the team until 2002. Coming off his best year in the majors, in which he slugged 31 homers for Seattle, Branyan missed the last month of the season with an ailing back and his health remains a concern.

The Rangers also add an outfielder renowned for his speed, inking Endy Chavez to a minor league deal. He is coming off knee surgery, the result of an on-field collision with SS Yuniesky Betancourt on June 19th that ended his 2009 season after 54 games; he is not expected to be ready for Opening Day.

ByTom

The Rangers also add an outfielder renowned for his speed, inking Endy Chavez to a minor league deal. He is coming off knee surgery, the result of an on-field collision with SS Yuniesky Betancourt on June 19th that ended his 2009 season after 54 games; he is not expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Washington signs speedy outfielder Willy Taveras to a minor league contract. Coming off a disappointing season with the Reds in which he hit .240 with 1 home run and 15 RBI, Taveras was recently designated for assignment by the Athletics.

ByTom

Washington signs speedy outfielder Willy Taveras to a minor league contract. Coming off a disappointing season with the Reds in which he hit .240 with 1 home run and 15 RBI, Taveras was recently designated for assignment by the Athletics.