Orioles signed left-hander Will Ohman to a minor league contract.
He'll battle for a spot as the team's left-handed specialist during Spring Training. Ohman, 32, was limited to just 21 games last season due to elbow and shoulder surgeries, posting a 5.84 ERA in 12 1/3 innings.
Dodgers signed C J.D. Closser to a minor league contract.
Closser spent extensive time in the major leagues with the Rockies from 2004-2006 -- posting a .687 OPS in 508 plate appearances -- but he hasn't cracked a roster since. He'll provide Triple-A insurance for the Dodgers in case of injury.
Twins signed 2B Orlando Hudson to a one-year, $5 million contract.
And there we have it. Hudson, 32, is expected to take over starting second base duties in Minnesota. The "O-Dog" hit .283/.357/.417 with nine home runs, 35 doubles and eight stolen bases in 551 at-bats last season and should provide a nice spark at the top of the Twins' 2010 lineup. Nick Punto will slide over to third base and share time with Brendan Harris.
Dodgers signed OF Brian Giles to a minor league contract.
The deal comes with an invitation to spring training, where Giles will try to win a spot on the Dodgers' Opening Day roster as a pinch-hitting lefty or fifth outfielder. It might be a tough task, considering Reed Joshnson, Jason Repko and Xavier Paul will also be in camp. Giles, 39, just .191/.277/.271 in 225 at-bats for the Padres last season. He has zero fantasy potential.
The Associated Press reports that the Nationals have signed LHP Shawn Estes.
Estes was last seen in June of 2009 being released from his minor-league obligation with the Dodgers. He posted a 3.07 ERA in 13 starts and could make up to $1 million if he makes the major league roster. He might surprise many and open the year in the Nationals rotation.
Angels signed RHP Travis Chick to a minor league contract.
He receives an invite to Spring Training as part of the deal. Chick, 25, was 8-7 with a 4.22 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 23 games (21 starts) with Double-A Chattanooga in the Dodgers' organization last season. He appeared in the majors as a September call-up of the Mariners in 2006, allowing seven runs in five innings (12.60 ERA).
Dodgers signed IF-OF Alfredo Amezaga to a minor league contract.
He will earn $650,000 if he makes the club out of Spring Training and could earn an additional $800,000 in incentives. Amezaga, who turned 32 last month, was limited to just 27 games last season because of a left knee injury that eventually led to microfracture surgery. As a result, he was non-tendered by the Marlins in December. The Dodgers hope he can return to form as one of the more versatile players in the sport.
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