Indians invite two to spring training
by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(11:59 am ET) The Indians signed pitcher Jeff Manship to a minor-league contract and invited him to spring training, and also extended a spring training invite to infielder Audy Ciriaco, reports MLB.com.

Rays close to a deal with Asdrubal Cabrera
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(11:41 am ET) The Rays are close to a deal with infielder Asdrubal Cabrera, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

The 29-year-old Cabrera spent all of his career with the Indians before being traded to the Nationals in July. The two-time All-Star hit .241 with 14 home runs, 31 doubles and 61 RBI in 146 games in 2014. He has a career .268/.330/.409/.740 slash line over eight MLB seasons.

In 24 career games at Tropicana Field, Cabrera has a .237 average, two triples, three home runs, four doubles and nine RBI.

Mariners showing interest in Padres outfielder Seth Smith
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(11:10 am ET) The Mariners have shown interest in acquiring Padres outfielder Seth Smith, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. The Padres are seeking a power bullpen arm in return for Smith, who has been the subject of trade rumors.

Smith is under contract through the 2016 season and his contract includes a $7 million team option ($250,000 buyout) for 2017.

Report: Dodgers set to sign RHP Sergio Santos
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(12/29/2014) The Dodgers are expected to sign right-handed reliever Sergio Santos to a minor league contract, per the Los Angeles Times.

Santos collapsed with Toronto last season. He compiled a horrid 8.57 ERA in 25 games and walked 18 in 21 innings.

Twins C Eric Fryer accepts Triple-A assignment
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(12/29/2014) Catcher Eric Fryer has accepted an assignment by the Twins to Triple-A Rochester.

The 29 year old earned a career-high 75 at-bats with Minnesota in 2014, but managed a slash line of just .213/.272/.307.

Chris Parmelee bolts Twins in favor of free agency
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(12/29/2014) Outfielder Chris Parmelee has declined his assignment by the Twins to Triple-A, opting for free agency.

Parmelee compiled a slash line of .256/.307/.384 last season for Minnesota. He drove in 28 runs in 250 at-bats.

Royals designate infielder Ryan Jackson
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(12/29/2014) The Royals have designated for assignment middle infielder Ryan Jackson to make room on their roster for pitcher Edinson Volquez.

Jackson has 24 at-bats in the major leagues, but none in 2014.

RHP Sampson receives DFA tag from Padres
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(12/29/2014) The very busy Padres have designated for assignment right-hander Keyvius Sampson. His departure creates a roster space for just-acquired reliever Shawn Kelley.

Sampson, who turns 24 next week, has yet to pitch in a major league game. He slid markedly in 2014 after a strong minor league run, compiling a 2-5 record and 6.68 ERA at Triple-A. He walked 68 in 91 2/3 innings.

Nationals ink veteran C Santos to minor league contract
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(12/29/2014) The Nationals have signed catcher Omir Santos to a minor league deal.

The 33-year-old Santos hasn’t played in a major league game since earning one at-bat with Cleveland in 2013. He played extensively for the Mets in 2009, but has just 31 at-bats since.

Royals confirm deal with RHP Edinson Volquez
by Marty Gitlin | CBSSports.com

(12/29/2014) The Royals have made official what CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reported nearly two weeks ago. That is, they have signed veteran right-hander Edinson Volquez.

The two-year deal includes a mutual option for 2017. It reportedly guarantees him $20 million.

The sometimes-erratic Volquez enjoyed his finest season since 2008 last year with Pittsburgh. He finished 13-7 with a 3.04 ERA and just 166 hits in 192 2/3 innings. His control improved dramatically as he walked 71.