Minor Matters: Cubs Sign Ryan Rowland-Smith, Reds Sign Wirfin Obisp

We're less than three weeks away from spring training and free agency is just about wrapping up as well. Teams are now mostly looking for potential contributors on non-guaranteed contracts, so let's take a look at a pair of notable signings today...

• The Chicago Cubs signed pitcher Ryan Rowland-Smith to a minor league contract, reports Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com. Rowland-Smith, 29, spent all but one year of his career with the Mariners until he signed with the Astros last year. Last time we saw him in the majors, the southpaw couldn't find any success.
• Like wise, the Cincinnati Reds signed pitcher Wirfin Obispo to a minor league contract, reports Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. Obispo is a former teammate of Yu Darvish, during their Nippon Ham Fighters days overseas in Japan.