Jerry Owens News

The Nationals signed pitchers Joel Peralta, Logan Kensing and Ryan Speier, catcher Jamie Burke, infielder Pete Orr and outfielder Jerry Owens to Minor League contracts on Tuesday.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Mike Rizzo's first winter meetings as the Washington Nationals' general manager were particularly busy. The Nationals made three acquisitions -- trading for reliever Brian Bruney, signing veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez to a two-year, $6 million deal and signing outfielder Jerry Owens to a minor league contract -- and remained involved in discussions with almost every free agent starting pitcher left not named John Lackey.

'We came here with a checklist of things to try to accomplish over the course of the offseason,' Rizzo said before departing for Washington after the meetings concluded Thursday. 'We think we've made solid progress to acquire the things we need to be a better ballclub for next year. We're far from finished, but we think this was a good starting point and we feel good about it.'

The Nationals have signed outfielder Jerry Owens to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

Welcome back - good luck this year! The Giants and Dodgers still seem to be the best opportunity to find a fit to move Joe Crede.

Plain and simple, the Santa Clarita Valley is a baseball hotbed. Nearly 30 players with ties to the valley played professional baseball in 2009.

Everything about Daren Brown reflects an easygoing nature, beginning with a drawl that carries the hint of a West Texas wind.

The White Sox looked out of sorts Monday night in an 8-1 loss to Baltimore, and their lineup and roster might include a few changes the next few days.

That's part of general manager Ken Williams' plan of stockpiling $115 million of talent -- Rios' deal, plus 's megamillions salary -- for a rainy day.

Highlights from the Giants ' farm: Matt Downs had 4 XBH over two games in a double-header; Steve Holm homered and doubled in the first half of the double-header; Brandon Crawford also homered and doubled; and Francisco Peguero had three more hits.

RENO, Nev. Make that 10 straight for the Reno Aces. Once again, the Tacoma Rainiers fell to their nemesis, this time by a score of 5-3 in the opening game of a four-game series.

First baseman Jake Fox #13 of the Chicago Cubs fields a ball hit by Jerry Owens #7 of the Chicago White Sox during an exhibition game at Cashman Field March 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

First baseman Jake Fox #13 of the Chicago Cubs fields a ball hit by Jerry Owens #7 of the Chicago White Sox during an exhibition game at Cashman Field March 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The single-season Major League record for successful pinch-hits belongs to John Vander Wal, who knocked an amazing 28 hits while playing for the Rockies in 1995.