Minor League Signings: Van Benschoten, Bourgeois

Matt Eddy of Baseball America has the latest minor league transactions.  A few highlights:

• The Yankees signed pitcher John Van Benschoten, former eighth overall pick by the Pirates in '01.  JvB posted a 6.35 ERA, 7.7 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, and tons of hits allowed in 78 innings for the White Sox Triple A club last year.
• The Astros signed 28-year-old outfielder Jason Bourgeois, who they claimed off waivers from the Brewers in October but designated for assignment later to make room for Brett Myers.  Bourgeois hit .316/.354/.401 in Triple A last year while playing all three outfield positions.
• The Rockies added a few familiar names in first baseman Brad Eldred and third baseman Travis Metcalf.  Eldred, 29, has made five stops at Triple A, last year with the Nationals' affiliate.  Metcalf, 27, has 242 big league plate appearances with the Rangers under his belt but has yet to master Triple A.
• The Dodgers signed Robin Yount's son Dustin, formerly of the Tucson Toros.
• The Rangers signed corner infielder Wes Bankston.  The 26-year-old hasn't done much in his four Triple A stints.