In signings today, the Rays repatriate 1B Carlos Pena with a one-year contract; Pena played for Tampa Bay from 2007 to 2010 before spending last season with the Cubs. Also, the Rangers add OF/1B Brad Hawpe on a minor league contract and the Indians sign OF Ryan Spilborghs, also to a minor league contract.

ByTom

In signings today, the Rays repatriate 1B Carlos Pena with a one-year contract; Pena played for Tampa Bay from 2007 to 2010 before spending last season with the Cubs. Also, the Rangers add OF/1B Brad Hawpe on a minor league contract and the Indians sign OF Ryan Spilborghs, also to a minor league contract.

The Indians acquire P Kevin Slowey from the Rockies in exchange for P Zach Putnam. For Slowey, it’s a second trade this off-season, having gone from Minnesota to Colorado on December 6th.

ByTom

The Indians acquire P Kevin Slowey from the Rockies in exchange for P Zach Putnam. For Slowey, it’s a second trade this off-season, having gone from Minnesota to Colorado on December 6th.

Dominican Republic authorities arrest Indians­ pitcher Fausto Carmona on charges of using a false identity as he leaves the United States consulate where he is applying for a visa. A police spokesman explains that Carmona’s real name is “Roberto Hernandez Heredia”, and that he is three years older than his listed age. The arrest is part of a joint operation with U.S. immigration authorities to curb visa fraud in the Caribbean country; the campaign earlier nabbed Marlins pitcher Leo Nunez on similar charges last September.

ByTom

Dominican Republic authorities arrest Indians­ pitcher Fausto Carmona on charges of using a false identity as he leaves the United States consulate where he is applying for a visa. A police spokesman explains that Carmona’s real name is “Roberto Hernandez Heredia”, and that he is three years older than his listed age. The arrest is part of a joint operation with U.S. immigration authorities to curb visa fraud in the Caribbean country; the campaign earlier nabbed Marlins pitcher Leo Nunez on similar charges last September.

Ryan Braun, facing a 50-game suspension for showing abnormally high levels of testosterone in a PED test last season, pleads his case before a three-member panel in New York, NY. He strongly denies knowingly taking a banned substance. Ironically, Braun is in the “Big Apple” to receive his MVP Award at the annual dinner of the local chapter of the BBWAA, where he is to make his first statement since news of his positive test became public.

ByTom

Ryan Braun, facing a 50-game suspension for showing abnormally high levels of testosterone in a PED test last season, pleads his case before a three-member panel in New York, NY. He strongly denies knowingly taking a banned substance. Ironically, Braun is in the “Big Apple” to receive his MVP Award at the annual dinner of the local chapter of the BBWAA, where he is to make his first statement since news of his positive test became public.

Bad news for the Tigers as they learn that DH/C Victor Martinez suffered a torn ACL during off-season training and is likely lost for the season. Also on the injury front, Boston’s Carl Crawford has surgery on his left wrist and is doubtful for Opening Day.

ByTom

Bad news for the Tigers as they learn that DH/C Victor Martinez suffered a torn ACL during off-season training and is likely lost for the season. Also on the injury front, Boston’s Carl Crawford has surgery on his left wrist and is doubtful for Opening Day.

The Brewers agree to a two-year contract with Norichika Aoki, a three-time batting champion in Japan. The Brewers had won the right to negociate with Aoki through the posting system and the contract agreement just beats a 4 p.m. deadline to reach a deal, barring which Aoki would have returned to the Yakult Swallows.

ByTom

The Brewers agree to a two-year contract with Norichika Aoki, a three-time batting champion in Japan. The Brewers had won the right to negociate with Aoki through the posting system and the contract agreement just beats a 4 p.m. deadline to reach a deal, barring which Aoki would have returned to the Yakult Swallows.

A record is set as eligible players file for salary arbitration today. Giants P Tim Lincecum asks for a salary of $21.5 million – which is not a record – and his team offers him $17 million – which is. Roger Clemens had requested $22 million from the Astros before the 2005 season. Meanwhile, some 80 eligible players sign deals with their teams, the largest being the $15 million agreed to between the Phillies and P Cole Hamels.

ByTom

A record is set as eligible players file for salary arbitration today. Giants P Tim Lincecum asks for a salary of $21.5 million – which is not a record – and his team offers him $17 million – which is. Roger Clemens had requested $22 million from the Astros before the 2005 season. Meanwhile, some 80 eligible players sign deals with their teams, the largest being the $15 million agreed to between the Phillies and P Cole Hamels.

The Reds sign veteran OF Ryan Ludwick and C Dioner Navarro, while the Red Sox sign P Vicente Padilla, all as free agents. All three are former All-Stars expected to compete for spots as back-up players.

ByTom

The Reds sign veteran OF Ryan Ludwick and C Dioner Navarro, while the Red Sox sign P Vicente Padilla, all as free agents. All three are former All-Stars expected to compete for spots as back-up players.

2012 – Three pitchers find new homes today: Bartolo Colon agrees to a deal with Oakland; Joel Zumaya comes to terms with the Twins; and Joel Pineiro signs with the ­Phillies.

ByTom

2012 – Three pitchers find new homes today: Bartolo Colon agrees to a deal with Oakland; Joel Zumaya comes to terms with the Twins; and Joel Pineiro signs with the ­Phillies.