Thomas Neal Rumors

Minor Moves: Rottino, Head, Neal

Today's minor moves..

• The Orix Buffaloes have signed infielder Vinny Rottino to a one-year deal worth $350K plus another $100K based upon performance, writes Peter Jackel of The Journal Times. Rottino, 32, saw significant action in the big leagues for the first time in 2012 as he split his season between the Mets and Indians. The journeyman has enjoyed success at the plate throughout his minor league career (.294/.362/.424 in 10 seasons) but struggled at the Major League level. 
• The Nationals have signed outfielder Jerad Head to a minor league deal, reports Bill Ladson of MLB.com (via Twitter). Head, 30, spent the 2012 season with the Tigers organization where he posted a .268/.353/.451 batting line for Triple-A Toledo. The former Washburn University standout made his Major League debut with the Indians in 2011. 
• The Yankees have signed outfielder Thomas Neal to a minor league deal, according to Matt Eddy of Baseball America.  Neal joins a list of righty-hitting, corner-outfield options in Yankees camp including Russ Canzler, Matt Diaz, and prospects Zoilo Almonte (a switch-hitter) and Melky Mesa.  Neal was released by the Indians earlier this month.

Daniel Seco contributed to this post.

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Minor Moves: Dickerson, Cabrera, Hendrickson, Neal

Earlier today we learned the Phillies signed Rodrigo Lopez to a minor league deal, now here are the rest of Saturday's minor moves...

• The Yankees have released Chris Dickerson according to the MLB.com transactions page. New York designated the 30-year-old outfielder for assignment after claiming Russ Canzler last week. Dickerson hit .316/.417/.515 in Triple-A last year and received a September call-up.
• Fernando Cabrera signed a minor league deal with the Angels, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. Cabrera, 31, owns a 5.24 ERA with 9.9 K/9 and 5.0 BB/9 across parts of seven career big league seasons. The right-handed reliever spent last season with the Mets' Triple-A affiliate.
• Mark Hendrickson will have a tryout with the Orioles during their mini-camp next week, reports Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com (Twitter links). The 39-year-old left-hander has not appeared in the big leagues since 2011, and Kubatko says he's trying to reinvent himself as a sidearmer.
• The Indians have released Thomas Neal, the team announced (Twitter links). The 25-year-old outfielder was designated for assignment to clear room on the 40-man roster for Nick Swisher earlier this month. The team says they have interest in re-signing Neal, who hit .314/.400/.467 in Double-A last season.

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Indians Designate Thomas Neal For Assignment

The Indians announced that they have designated outfielder Thomas Neal for assignment.  The move will allow them to make room for Nick Swisher on the 40-man roster.

Neal, 25, was rated as a top 100 prospect before the 2010 season as a member of the Giants organization.  He was then traded to the Indians in July 2011 for Orlando Cabrera in a deal that allowed Cleveland to give their own youngsters more playing time.  Neal spent the 2012 season with Double-A Akron and posted a .314/.400/.467 slash line in 470 plate appearances.  He also spent nine games on the Tribe's varsity squad last year.

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