Week In Review

With a flurry of trades and transactions marking the theme of the last seven days, let's catch up on the week that was here at MLBTR…

• The White Sox acquired Brett Myers from the Astros in exchange for right-hander Matt Heidenreich, left-hander Blair Walters and a player to be named later. The Astros will also send cash to Chicago.
• Ten players from the Astros and Blue Jays find themselves playing in a new uniform after the two teams completed a mega deal on Friday. The Astros obtained seven players from Toronto: right-hander Francisco Cordero, outfielder Ben Francisco, minor leaguers Joe Musgrove, Asher Wojciechowski, David Rollins and Carlos Perez, and a player to be named. The Astros sent left-hander J.A. Happ and right-handed relievers Brandon Lyon and David Carpenter to Toronto in the trade.
• The Cubs acquired Justin Germano from the Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations. The veteran right-hander was designated for assignment by Boston early last week to make room for Jacoby Ellsbury's return from the disabled list. In a corresponding move, the Cubs designated Jairo Asencio for assignment.
• After activating Xavier Nady off the DL, the Nationals designated the outfielder for assignment. Nady hit just .157/.211/.275 with three homers in 109 plate appearances for Washington this season.
• The Diamondbacks released Geoff Blum, who was in the second season of a two-year, $2.7MM contract signed after the 2010 campaign.
• The Orioles acquired Omar Quintanilla from the Mets for future considerations. The Mets designated Quintanilla for assignment on Tuesday to create roster space for Jason Bay. 
• Brad Bergesen is headed to Arizona after the Diamondbacks claimed the right-hander from the Orioles, who designated him for assignment last week.
• The Rockies and Royals agreed to a trade that sent left-hander Jonathan Sanchez to Colorado for right-hander Jeremy Guthrie. Sanchez was designated for assignment last week following a short and disappointing stint in Kansas City. 
• The Cubs signed Dominican right-hander Juan Carlos Paniagua to a contract with a $1.5MM signing bonus.
• Mark Hamburger is headed to the Astros organization after Houston claimed the right-hander off waivers from the Padres. San Diego designated the Hamburger for assignment last week.
• The Royals signed veteran catcher Jason Kendall to a minor league contract. Kendall has reported to Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
• The Yankees designated Darnell McDonald for assignment after claiming the outfielder off of waivers from the Red Sox just over two weeks ago. 
• Dana Eveland cleared waivers and the Orioles outrighted him to Triple-A Norfolk.
• The Phillies outrighted right-hander Brian Sanches to Triple-A for the second time this season.
• The Red Sox designated utility player Brent Lillibridge for assignment. Boston acquired Lillibridge in the trade that sent Kevin Youkilis to the White Sox last month. 
• Left-hander Will Ohman signed a minor league deal with the Reds after being designated for assignment by the White Sox earlier this month. 
• The Nationals designated Rick Ankiel for assignment to create roster space for Drew Storen. He appeared in 68 games as the Nationals' center fielder and posted a .228/.282/.411 batting line with five home runs in 171 plate appearances.
• The Orioles designated Steve Pearce for assignment after the first baseman posted a .254/.321/.437 slash line in 83 plate appearances for the O's this year.
•  Left-hander J.C. Romero signed a minor league deal with the Indians after opting out of a deal with the Orioles last month. 

With the non-waiver trading deadline quickly approaching, let's catch up on the week that was here at MLBTR…

• MLB upheld the $4.5MM contract between the Rangers and Dominican outfielder Jairo Beras. However, MLB suspended Beras for one year after determining that the prospect lied about his age.
• The Blue Jays signed Edwin Encarnacion to a three-year, $27MM contract extension. Encarnacion, who was set to hit free agency this offseason, added a multi-homer game over the weekend and now has 25 homers on the season.
• With minutes remaining before the deadline to sign draft picks, the Orioles agreed to sign first round selection Kevin Gausman to a deal that includes a $4.3MM bonus. 
• Meanwhile, the Pirates failed to reach a deal with first round pick Mark Appel, as the right-hander will return to Stanford for his senior season. Appel was the only first round selection who didn't sign.
• The Cubs agreed to sign first round selection Albert Almora for $3.9MM; the Marlins agreed to sign first round selection Andrew Heaney for $2.6MM; first round selection Lucas Giolito agreed to sign with the Nationals for $2.925MM; first round selection Richie Shaffer agreed to sign with the Rays for $1.7125MM; and first-round draft pick Ty Hensley signed with the Yankees for $1.2MM.
• The Cardinals signed Brian Fuentes to a minor league contract after the Athletics released the Beverly Hills Sports Council client earlier last week.
• The Yankees signed Kosuke Fukudome to a minor league contract and is expected to report to New York's Triple-A affiliate.
• Some AL teams added pitching depth, as the Blue Jays signed right-hander Chris Jakubauskas to a minor league deal and the Athletics signed right-hander Chris Ray and assigned him to Triple-A.
• The Mariners signed David Pauley to a minor league deal. This is the right-hander's second stint with the M's, after being dealt from Seattle to Detroit as part of the Doug Fister trade last July.
• Jay Gibbons announced his retirement from baseball after playing nine season in the big leagues with the Orioles and Dodgers. 
• Left-hander J.C. Romero opted out of his deal with the Orioles and elected free agency.
• The Dodgers acquired minor league infielder Osvaldo Martinez from the White Sox for cash considerations.
• The Orioles designated Dana Eveland for assignment and outrighted Ronny Paulino to Triple-A.
• The Red Sox designated Justin Germano for assignment in order to clear roster space for the return of Jacoby Ellsbury from the disabled list.

By Daniel Seco with Ben Nicholson-Smith.

As we head to Kansas City for the All-Star break, let's catch up on the week that was here on MLBTR…

• The Marlins acquired first baseman Carlos Lee from the Astros for third baseman Matt Dominguez and left-hander Rob Rasmussen. The move provides the Marlins with an instant upgrade in their lineup and gives the Astros young talent as they continue to rebuild.
• The Mariners signed third overall pick Mike Zunino, who obtained a $4MM bonus. The former University of Florida catcher projects to be an above-average hitter for his position and has intangibles similar to those of Jason Varitek.
• Former Marlins sensation Dontrelle Willis announced his retirement after spending the majority of the season in the Orioles organization.
• The Royals claimed Adam Moore on waivers after the catcher was designated for assignment by the Mariners last week. 
• The Indians granted right-hander Chris Ray his release from Triple-A Columbus. Ray, 30, posted a 2.75 ERA with 7.5 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9.
• After being released by the Indians late last month, Andy LaRoche signed with the Red Sox and joined the organization's Triple-A affiliate.
• The Pirates outrighted Doug Slaten and Chris Leroux to Triple-A after the duo cleared waivers.
• The White Sox claimed left-hander Daniel Moskos off of waivers from the Pirates and optioned him to Triple-A. 
• Jamie Moyer's future as a Major League pitcher took a hit as the Blue Jays became the third team to part ways with the veteran this season.
• The Cubs agreed to sign second round pick Duane Underwood for $1.05MM. 
• The Reds released right-hander Michael Wuertz after signing him to a minor league contract in May.
• Matt Young is headed back to Toledo after the Tigers outrighted the utility player to Triple-A. 
• The Orioles outrighted left-hander Zach Philips to Triple-A after he cleared waivers.
• The Royals requested unconditional release waivers on catcher Humberto Quintero.
• Chris Schwinden's whirlwind season continues as the Mets claimed the right-hander off of waivers from the Yankees and optioned him to Triple-A Buffalo.
• The Braves released right-hander D.J. Carrasco as the veteran now faces having to find a third team to call home this season.
• The Blue Jays designated David Pauley for assignment as the right-hander struggled to get outs in five appearances with Toronto..
  
• First round selection Marcus Stroman signed a contract with the Blue Jays for $1.8MM.
  
• The Royals designated outfielder Mitch Maier for assignment as the former first round pick collected more strikeouts than hits and walks combined this season.
• The Yankees claimed outfielder Darnell McDonald off of waivers from the Red Sox to provide New York with depth off the bench.
• Xavier Paul opted out of his contract with the Nationals and elected free agency in hopes of catching on with a team willing to give him an opportunity at the big league level.
• The White Sox released left-hander Will Ohman after designating the veteran for assignment late last month.
• The Mets designated left-hander Justin Hampson for assignment. Hampson, 32, appeared in three games and faced eight batters for New York.
• Bobby Jenks reached a contract termination settlement with the Red Sox and was placed on unconditional release waivers by Boston. 
• The Padres‬ signed supplemental first-rounder Walker Weickel for $2MM.
• The Athletics designated left-hander Brian Fuentes for assignment. In 25 innings for the Athletics this year Fuentes posted a 6.84 ERA with 6.5 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9.
• In a flurry of international signings from across the league, the Mets signed shortstop Amed Rosario to a $1.75MM bonus.
• The Indians signed 16-year-old Dominican outfielder Hector Caro to a deal worth $1.1MM.
• The Yankees signed Venezuelan catcher Luis Torrens for $1.3MM.
• Venezuelan right-hander Jose Mujica signed with the Rays for $1MM.
• The Twins signed Dominican infielder Amaurys Minier for $1.4MM.
• The Giants signed Dominican center fielder Gustavo Cabrera for $1.3MM.
• Venezuelan left-hander Jose Castillo signed with the Rays for $1.55MM.
• The Blue Jays signed Venezuelan shortstop/centerfielder Franklin Barreto, who obtained a $1.45MM bonus.

As Boston says goodbye to one former All-Star and Baltimore welcomes another, let's catch up on the week that was here on MLBTR…

• The White Sox acquired Kevin Youkilis and cash from the Red Sox in exchange for pitcher Zach Stewart and utility player Brent Lillibridge. Youkilis was hitting .225/.311/.359 in 41 games with Boston this season while appearing in 32 games at third base and 13 at first base. 
• Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler officially signed a nine-year, $30MM contract with the Cubs. 
• The Orioles acquired Jim Thome from the Phillies in exchange for two minor league prospects. Baltimore designated Zach Phillips for assignment to create room on the 40-man roster for Thome.
• Cuban outfielder Yasel Puig signed a seven-year, $42MM contract with the Dodgers.
• The White Sox designated left-hander Will Ohman for assignment. The 34-year-old has a 5.84 ERA with 4.4 K/9 and 1.5 BB/9 in 24.2 innings of work this year.
• Ryan Doumit's solid start to the season netted him a two-year, $7MM extension with the Twins.
• The Cubs designated Randy Wells for assignment and then outrighted the right-hander to Triple-A after he cleared waivers.
• The Yankees claimed right-hander Chris Schwinden off waivers from the Indians and designated Danny Farquhar for assignment in a corresponding move. 
• First round pick Corey Seager reached an agreement with the Dodgers on a $2.35MM bonus.
• The Brewers claimed shortstop Hector Gomez off waivers from the Rockies and designated right-hander Brandon Kintzler for assignment in a corresponding move. 
• Taiwanese shortstop Tzu-Wei Lin signed with the Red Sox and received a $2.05MM bonus.
• The Red Sox designated Darnell McDonald for assignment to clear space for Josh Beckett's activation.
• Travis Buck is headed to Triple-A as the Astros outrighted the outfielder to Oklahoma City after he posted a .216/.284/.311 batting line in 81 plate appearances for Houston.
• The Diamondbacks agreed to terms with right-hander David Hernandez on a two-year contract extension.
• The Reds signed supplemental first round pick Jeff Gelalich for $825K.
• Kosuke Fukudome's tenure with the White Sox came to an end as Chicago released the veteran outfielder.
• The Phillies designated right-hander Chad Qualls for assignment. The 33-year-old reliever posted a 4.60 ERA with 5.5 K/9, 2.6 BB/9 and a 54.5% ground ball rate in 31 1/3 innings.
• Supplemental first round pick Travis Jankowski signed with the Padres for $975K.
• The Pirates claimed infielder/outfielder Oscar Tejeda off waivers from the Red Sox. To make room for Tejeda, Pittsburgh designated left-hander Doug Slaten for assignment.
• The Indians‬ claimed infielder Vinny Rottino off outright waivers from the Mets. Rottino owns a career .188/.282/.319 slash line in 44 big league games.
• Veteran Jamie Moyer signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays as the 49-year-old looks to continue his career with his third different team this season.
• The Royals designated Humberto Quintero for assignment. Quintero, 32, hit .232/.257/.341 in 144 plate appearances for Kansas City this season.
• The Pirates designated Daniel Moskos for assignment. Moskos had pitched to a 3.86 ERA in 14 Triple-A innings this season while battling elbow problems.
• First-round pick Brian Johnson signed with the Red Sox for $1.575MM. 
• The Pirates claimed infielder Drew Sutton off of waivers from the Rays.
• Willie Harris is headed to Triple-A as the Reds outrighted the outfielder to Louisville after he posted a .114/.170/.205 batting line in 48 plate appearances for Cincinnati. 
• The Nationals released Brad Lidge after the right-hander appeared in just 9.1 innings this year, allowing ten runs with ten strikeouts and 11 walks.
• The Cardinals signed first round selection James Ramsey for $1.6MM.
• Miguel Tejada sought and was given his release by the Orioles after hitting .260/.327/.290 in 147 plate appearances at Triple-A.
• The Royals outrighted Roman Colon to Triple-A after the 32-year-old appeared in three games for Kansas City and allowed six runs in eight relief innings.
• The Padres claimed right-hander Mark Hamburger off waivers from the Rangers and optioned him to Triple-A.

In case you missed it the first time around, here's a look back at the week that was here on MLBTR…

• The Twins signed supplemental first round pick Luke Bard for $1.227MM. Bard, a right-hander out of Georgia Tech, was the 42nd overall pick earlier this month and is the brother of Red Sox right-hander Daniel Bard.
• With the arrival of Roy Oswalt from Triple-A, the Rangers designated Mark Hamburger for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot for the right-hander.
• The Rays designated infielder Drew Sutton for assignment. Sutton, 28, posted a .271/.314/.354 batting line in 51 plate appearances for Tampa Bay this year.
• The Brewers designated infielder Edwin Maysonet and left-hander Juan Perez for assignment. One of the roster spots will be used for Livan Hernandez, who has officially joined the team after being released by the Braves.
• After reinstating Kosuke Fukudome from the 15-day disabled list, the White Sox designated the outfielder for assignment. The 35-year-old appeared in 24 games for Chicago and posted a .171/.294/.195 batting line in 51 plate appearances while playing all three outfield positions. 
• The Braves signed reliever D.J. Carrasco to a minor league deal. The Mets released the 35-year-old right-hander in late May after he allowed six hits, including two home runs, in 3 2/3 innings.
• The Blue Jays acquired minor league right-hander Sean O'Sullivan from the Royals for cash considerations. O'Sullivan, 24, has a 6.75 ERA with 4.4 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 in 53 1/3 innings at Triple-A this season.
• Supplementary first round draft choice Lance McCullers signed with the Astros and will receive a $2.5MM bonus.
• The Rays claimed Brooks Conrad off of waivers from the Brewers, who designated the infielder for assignment earlier in the week. Conrad, 32, has appeared in 25 games for Milwaukee this year, playing all four infield positions. 
• Jamie Moyer asked for and received his release from the Orioles after it became clear Baltimore had no plans to promote the veteran to the big leagues anytime soon.
• The Yankees signed Cuban left-hander Omar Luis Rodriguez to a minor league contract worth $4MM.
• After being designated for assignment by the Angels, David Pauley finds himself heading north of the border after being claimed by the Blue Jays.
• The Rangers released Brad Hawpe from Double-A Frisco at the veteran's request. Hawpe, 33, posted a .260/.382/.382 line in 152 PAs while with the Rangers' minor league affiliate.
• Supplementary first-round pick Matt Olson signed with the A's and will obtain a bonus just over $1MM.
• The Rangers signed right-hander Willie Eyre to a minor league deal.
• Catcher Koyie Hill is headed to Triple-A Syracuse after signing a minor league deal with the Nationals. Hill elected free agency after being designated for assignment by the Cubs and outrighted to Triple-A.
• The Nationals designated Brad Lidge for assignment. The right-hander appeared in just 9.1 innings this year, allowing ten runs with ten strikeouts and 11 walks.
• The Blue Jays signed right-hander Shawn Hill to a minor league contract. The 31-year-old Hill has a 4.74 ERA, 5.7 K/9, 2.8 BB/9 and 48.9% groundball rate in 239 big league innings.
• First round draft pick Deven Marrero signed with the Red Sox and will obtain a $2.05MM bonus.
• The Tigers released Brad Eldred from their Triple-A roster as he has elected to sign with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
• The Royals designated Roman Colon for assignment. Colon, 32, allowed six runs on 12 hits in eight innings for Kansas City.

As we tip our caps to Matt Cain and R.A. Dickey for providing Wednesday's evening of historical pitching, let's catch up on the week that was here on MLBTR…

• The Dodgers signed Andre Ethier to a five-year, $85MM extension. Ethier boasts a solid .291/.363/.482 slash line for his career, but has a less-than-stellar defensive reputation. 
• Jorge Soler is headed to Wrigley after the Cubs won the bidding and signed the Cuban outfielder to a nine-year deal worth approximately $30MM. 
• The Twins signed second overall pick Byron Buxton. The high school outfielder will receive a bonus of $6MM, which is $200K below MLB's recommended figure of $6.2MM. Supplemental first round draft pick J.O. Berrios also signed with the Twins and will receive a $1.55MM bonus.
• Veteran infielder Aaron Miles retired from baseball on Wednesday after hitting .235/.297/.338 in 18 games for Triple-A Albuquerque this season. 
• The Athletics granted Manny Ramirez his outright release after the former Red Sox star hit .302/.348/.349 for Triple-A Sacramento in 69 plate appearances this year. 
• Vladimir Guerrero is a free agent as the Blue Jays released him at his request after failing to be promoted to the big leagues. 
• Livan Hernandez's lengthy career may be coming to a close after the Braves designated the right-hander for assignment. He posted a 4.94 ERA with 5.5 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 in 31 innings out of the bullpen for Atlanta.
• A's first baseman Kila Ka'aihue cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento.
• Donnie Murphy's poor hitting has him headed to the minor leagues after the Marlins outrighted the utility infielder to Triple-A New Orleans. Murphy posted a .136/.250/.318 batting line in 52 plate appearances this season. 
• The Cubs designated catcher Koyie Hill for assignment. Hill appeared in 11 games for the Cubs this year, collecting six singles and a double in 39 plate appearances. 
• Esmil Rogers hopes a league change will remedy his pitching woes after the Indians acquired the right-hander from the Rockies for $150K. In a related move, the Indians outrighted catcher Luke Carlin to Triple-A after designating him for assignment.
• Catcher Omir Santos signed with the Rockies after cutting ties with the Tigers. The 31-year-old elected free agency last week after Detroit designated him for assignment. 
• The Red Sox released Marlon Byrd after designating the outfielder for assignment earlier this month. 
• The Red Sox signed supplemental first rounder Pat Light, who agreed to a bonus of $1MM.
• The Blue Jays signed first round draft pick D.J. Davis. The team also announced the signing of supplementary first round selections Mitchell Nay and Tyler Gonzales.
• The Indians signed first round pick Tyler Naquin, who will obtain a bonus of $1.75MM.
• The White Sox signed first round draft pick Courtney Hawkins. The outfielder will obtain a bonus of $2.475MM. Foregoing his scholarship to the University of Miami, supplementary first round pick Keon Barnum also signed with the White Sox
• Thanks to a busy front office, the Rangers signed their top five selections from the draft. 
• First round selection Addison Russell signed with the Athletics as did supplementary first round pick Daniel Robertson. 
• The Phillies signed supplemental first round pick Shane Watson, who will receive a bonus of $1.29MM. 
• The Mets signed supplemental first round draft pick Kevin Plawecki. He'll obtain a $1.4MM bonus.
• First round draft pick Michael Wacha signed with the Cardinals and received a $1.9MM bonus. The Cardinals also‬ signed supplementary first-round pick Stephen Piscotty, who will receive a $1.4MM bonus.
• The Reds signed first round pick Nick Travieso. The right-hander, selected 14th overall, will receive a $2MM bonus.
• The Pirates signed supplemental first round selection Barrett Barnes, who will obtain a $1MM bonus.
• Supplemental first round selections Paul Blackburn and Pierce Johnson signed with the Cubs.
• Supplemental first round draft pick Mitch Haniger signed with the Brewers and will obtain a $1.2MM bonus.
• The Padres signed first round selection Max Fried, who will obtain $3MM.
• The Rockies signed first round pick David Dahl. The high school outfielder, selected 10th overall, will receive a $2.6MM bonus. The Rockies also signed supplemental first round selection Eddie Butler for $1MM.
• The Giants signed first round pick Chris Stratton, who will receive the full $1.85MM slot bonus for the 20th overall selection..
• The Dodgers signed their supplementary first round draft choice Jesmuel Valentin. 

As teams hope to sign a future Derek Jeter or Chipper Jones in the aftermath of Monday's amateur draft, let's catch up on the week that was here on MLBTR…

• The Astros signed first overall selection Carlos Correa. The Puerto Rican shortstop's bonus is worth $4.8MM, which is the lowest guarantee for a top selection since the Royals gave right-hander Luke Hochevar $3.5MM in 2006.
• Princeton graduate Ross Ohlendorf signed a Major League contract with the Padres after obtaining his release from the Red Sox last weekend. The 29-year-old had a 4.61 ERA with 6.3 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9 in 52 2/3 innings over the course of ten starts for Boston's Triple-A affiliate. The Padres designated right-hander Matt Palmer for assignment in a corresponding move.
• While noted for his glove and versatility, Donnie Murphy will need to improve his hitting if he looks to return to big leagues after being designated for assignment by the Marlins. The 29-year-old utility infielder hit .136/.250/.318 in 52 plate appearances with Miami.
• The Diamondbacks reached a deal with first round draft pick Stryker Trahan. Selected 26th, the catcher will receive a straight slot bonus of $1.7MM.
• Supplementary first round selection (52nd overall) Patrick Wisdom agreed to terms with the Cardinals. The former St. Mary's third baseman signed for $693K which saves St. Louis approximately $277K of draft pool money.
• The Red Sox designated Marlon Byrd for assignment. Byrd, 35 this August, will look to catch on with his third team this season after starting the year with the Cubs.
• Pete Orr is headed to Triple-A as the Phillies outrighted the 33-year-old infielder to Lehigh Valley after he hit .286/.302/.429 in 45 plate appearances for Philadelphia this season.
• Brewers first round selection Clint Coulter signed with Milwaukee and will receive a $1.675MM bonus, which is the amount MLB recommends for the 27th overall selection. 
• Selected directly after Coulter at 28th, Victor Roache also agreed to terms with the Brewers. Roache, an outfielder from Georgia Southern University, will receive a $1.525MM bonus, slightly below the recommended slot price of $1.65MM.  
• The Mets agreed to terms with first-round pick (12th overall) Gavin Cecchini on a $2.3MM contract. Cecchini, 18, is a high school shortstop from Louisiana who had committed to the University of Mississippi. 
• Jeff Francis signed with the Rockies, where he pitched from 2004-10. Francis posted a 4.22 ERA with 6.9 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9 in 215 1/3 innings for the Rockies in 2007.
• The Royals signed right-hander Kyle Zimmer, their first round pick (and the fifth pick overall).  
• First round pick Lucas Sims signed with the Braves. The right-hander from Georgia's Brookwood High School was selected with the 21st overall pick. 
• The Blue Jays signed supplementary first round selection Matt Smoral after selecting the high school left-hander 50th overall on Monday as compensation for losing reliever Frank Francisco.
• Jamie Moyer, who pitched for Baltimore from 1993-95, has signed with the Orioles. The 49-year-old left-hander will report to Triple-A Norfolk.
• The Athletics designated first baseman Kila Ka'aihue for assignment. Ka'aihue appeared in 39 games for the A's this year, posting a .234/.295/.398 batting line in 139 plate appearances. The 28-year-old has a .687 OPS with 15 home runs in 465 career plate appearances for the Royals and A's.
• Upon reinstating him from the disabled list, the Rays designated Brandon Allen for assignment. 
• The Tigers designated catcher Omir Santos for assignment. Santos, 31, elected free agency instead of reporting back to the minor leagues.
• Nate McLouth is headed to the American League after signing a minor league deal with the Orioles. The Pirates placed the outfielder on release waivers last week after designating him for assignment.
• The Rockies designated Esmil Rogers for assignment. Rogers, 26, pitched to an 8.06 ERA with 10.2 K/9 and 6.3 BB/9 in 25 2/3 relief innings for Colorado this season. 

As we say goodbye to one former All-Star and welcome back another, let's catch up on the week that was here on MLBTR…

• The Rangers signed Roy Oswalt for a guaranteed $5MM salary plus $1MM in incentives. Oswalt, 34, posted a 3.69 ERA with 6.0 K/9, 2.1 BB/9 in 139 innings with the Phillies in 2011. The former Astros ace is expected to make four starts at Triple-A Round Rock before joining Texas near midseason. 
• Jorge Soler has been declared a free agent and is now eligible to sign with any club. The 20-year-old Cuban outfielder is expected to garner attention from many franchises including the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Phillies and Astros. Soler has been compared to fellow countryman Yoenis Cespedes but will likely command less money as he's not yet ready for the big leagues.
• After 15 MLB seasons, Magglio Ordonez announced his retirement on Sunday at Comerica Park. The former Tigers and White Sox star boasts a career slash line of .309/.369/.502 and nearly took home the American League MVP in 2007.
• Bill Hall's second stint with the Orioles this season lasted two at-bats as Baltimore designated the utility man for assignment to make room for Steve Pearce. The Orioles acquired the first baseman from the Yankees in exchange for cash considerations. 
• The Padres designated Jeff Suppan for assignment after the right-hander posted a 5.28 ERA with 2.1 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9 in six starts. Suppan, 37, returned to the big leagues in 2012 after pitching in the minors for the Royals in 2011.
• Jamie Moyer's 25-year career is in jeopardy after the Rockies designated the 49-year-old left-hander for assignment. Moyer became the oldest pitcher to win as a starter when he beat the Padres 5-3 on April 17.
• The Mets designated Chris Schwinden for assignment, and the Blue Jays claimed the right-hander off of waivers.
• Ross Ohlendorf opted out of his minor league contract with the Red Sox. The right-hander obtained the right to opt out of his deal when Boston declined to call him up by June 1.
• The Cubs claimed right-hander Jairo Asencio off of waivers from the Indians and designated right-hander Michael Bowden for assignment in a corresponding move. The Indians had designated Asencio for assignment earlier in the week.
• Right-hander Juan Rincon opted out of his contract with the Angels and elected free agency. Rincon, 33, posted a 3.12 ERA with 8.0 K/9 and 6.2 BB/9 at Triple-A Salt Lake. 
• The Blue Jays outrighted first baseman Adam Lind to Triple-A Las Vegas.
• Jason Marquis is headed back to the National League as the Padres signed the former Cardinals starter to a minor league contract. The team is looking for rotation depth with four starters on the disabled list.
• The Pirates placed outfielder Nate McLouth on release waivers. If McLouth clears waivers he'll be granted his unconditional release and hit free agency.
• Manny Acosta's lack of control (6.1 BB/9) has him on his way to Triple-A as the Mets outrighted the reliever to Buffalo.
• The Twins returned Rule 5 selection Erik Komatsu to the Nationals after designating the outfielder for assignment.
• The Yankees claimed Ryota Igarashi from the Blue Jays after Toronto designated the right-hander for assignment.
• Right-hander Collin Balester is headed to Triple-A as the Tigers outrighted his contract to Toledo after he yielded nearly as many walks (11) as strikeouts (12) in 18 innings.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Let's take a look back at the week that was here on MLBTR…

• Adam Jones can claim the distinction of being the second-highest paid center fielder in MLB (only behind Matt Kemp). His extension eclipses Miguel Tejada's six-year, $72MM deal as the largest contract in Orioles history. Jones, 27 in August, is currently enjoying a career year as he's hitting .311/.357/.601 in 196 plate appearances. The Orioles officially announced his six-year, $85.5MM extension this afternoon.
• The Diamondbacks and catcher Miguel Montero agreed to a five-year $60MM contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in Arizona history. Montero, 29 in July, had a breakout season in 2011 when he was named to his first All-Star team and hit .282/.351/.469 on the year. It's been a busy year for catchers receiving hefty extensions as the Cardinals and Yadier Molin struck a five-year, $75MM deal in March.
• The White Sox signed veteran infielder Orlando Hudson to a one-year deal. The Padres recently released the 34-year-old former All-Star, who will now provide the White Sox with depth at third base and second base.
• A return to the Pirates has failed to reinvigorate Nate McLouth's career as Pittsburgh designated the veteran outfielder for assignment after his offensive struggles with the Braves followed him to PNC Park. McLouth was traded to the Braves from the Pirates in June 2009 and spent two-plus years in Atlanta.
• The Diamondbacks designated Cody Ransom for assignment and the Brewers claimed the infielder on waivers to obtain depth at shortstop. Ransom, 36, has enjoyed success in limited action with Arizona as he posted a .269/.345/.577 batting line in 58 plate appearances.
• Bill Hall was unable to build upon his first at-bat success with the Orioles. He homered in his first trip to the plate as an Oriole, but Baltimore designated the utility player for assignment this week and then outrighted him to Triple-A Norfolk.
• The Angels designated David Pauley for assignment after the right-hander pitched ineffectively out of the bullpen for Los Angeles. Pauley, 28, was outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake by the Halos after clearing waivers.
• Released by the Cardinals earlier in the season, veteran reliever J.C. Romero signed a minor league deal with the Orioles and will report to Triple-A Norfolk.
• After some early season struggles, right-hander Jason Marquis was designated for assignment by the Twins. Through seven starts in 2012, Marquis posted an ERA of 8.47 with 3.2 K/9 and 3.7 BB/9.
• The Marlins are looking for outfield help after announcing that Emilio Bonifacio will miss four to six weeks due to surgery on his left thumb. They may have found an option when they acquired outfielder Justin Ruggiano, who has been hitting exceptionally well at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
• Looking to improve infield depth, the Pirates acquired Drew Sutton from the Braves for cash considerations. Plans changed a day later as Pittsburgh flipped Sutton for a player to be named from the Rays.
• D.J Carrasco's tenure with the Mets came to a close this week when the team released the veteran reliever after recently designating him for assignment.
• With nearly as many walks (11) as strikeouts (12) in 18 innings out of the bullpen, right-hander Collin Balester was designated for assignment by the Tigers.  

Here's a look back at the week that was on MLBTR…

• The Giants signed Brad Penny to a minor league contract that would pay the right-hander a pro-rated portion of $500K while with the big league team. The Legacy Sports Group client will head to extended Spring Training next week and is considered a bullpen candidate.
• Free agent right-hander Roy Oswalt threw a bullpen session for the Phillies last week and auditioned for the Red Sox and Rangers earlier this week. Oswalt is also scheduled to throw for one additional unknown team and is expected to return to baseball within one month.
• The Mets are preparing to offer David Wright a long-term contract extension at some point this year, perhaps as soon as this summer.
• The Padres released Orlando Hudson after the former All-Star got off to a slow start at the plate and struggled defensively.
• After 14 MLB seasons, Kerry Wood's playing career has come to an end. In his final appearance on Friday, Wood recorded a strikeout against the lone batter he faced before leaving the game to a standing ovation from the Wrigley faithful.
• The Cardinals announced that they released left-handed reliever J.C. Romero after struggles with the longball plagued the veteran's start to the season.
• The Cubs signed right-handed reliever Mike MacDougal to a minor league deal with hopes that he can eventually help bolster the team's flailing bullpen.
• The Padres claimed left-hander Eric Stults off of waivers from the White Sox. The White Sox designated the 32-year-old for assignment earlier this week.
• The Cubs brought back catcher Koyie Hill, acquiring him from the Reds in exchange for cash considerations.
• The Athletics claimed left-hander Travis Blackley off of waivers from the Giants.
• The Red Sox sent left-hander Hunter Cervenka to the Cubs to complete the April 21 trade that sent Marlon Byrd and cash to Boston for Michael Bowden and a player to be named.
• The Orioles removed Dontrelle Willis from the restricted list and assigned him to Class-A Aberdeen, where he hopes to revive his once-promising career.
• The Angels announced that they replaced hitting coach Mickey Hatcher with Jim Eppard, who had been the hitting coach at Triple-A Salt Lake City.
• The Brewers signed right-hander Claudio Vargas to a minor league deal.
• The Phillies traded outfielder Rich Thompson to the Rays for outfielder Kyle Hudson. Both players have been playing in Triple-A this season.
• The Indians announced that they outrighted reliever Dan Wheeler to Triple-A Columbus after designating him for assignment last weekend.
• The Mets designated reliever D.J. Carrasco for assignment. 
• The Orioles signed outfielder Lew Ford to a minor league deal as Baltimore looks to establish outfield depth to help overcome various early season injuries.
• The Cardinals acquired infielder Jamie Romak from the Royals for cash considerations.
• The Yankees claimed infielder Matt Antonelli off of waivers from the Orioles.