AL East notes: Scott, Farnsworth, Johnson, Pedro, Matsuz, Hammel

Before the Uptonian apocalypse left our front page in tatters, the Rays looked like they could have been a trending topic for the day.

Lucky for all of us, Kyle Farnsworth was not actually our most-viewed article of the day. That said, the Rays weren't the only ones around the AL East generating rumors and news.

Here's a look at all the latest:

• Tampa Bay Rays to sign Luke Scott - MLB Daily Dish
  The Tampa Bay Rays are set to re-sign designated hitter Luke Scott, according to Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times. Tampa Bay had been seeking a designated hitter throughout the offseason, and it was reported yesterday that they and Scott had mutual interest in a reunion.

• Tampa Bay Rays sign Kyle Farnsworth - MLB Daily Dish
  The Tampa Bay Rays have signed free agent Kyle Farnsworth to a one-year, major league contract, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN. Crasnick adds that Farnsworth could earn up to $3 million through his new contract with the Rays between base salary and bonuses.

• New York Yankees sign Dan Johnson - MLB Daily Dish
  The New York Yankees have signed infielder/designated hitter Dan Johnson to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to major league spring training, according to Sweeny Murti of Sportsradio 66 WFAN.

• Benefits of $189 Million May Be More Limited Than Yankees Thought - Pinstriped Bible
  The Yankees have been beating the $189 million dollar payroll drum constantly, but their reward may not be as great as they once believed.

• Does Brian Matusz Have a Future as Part of the Baltimore Orioles Starting Rotation? - Camden Chat
  Brian Matusz has failed as a starter the past two seasons. Will the Orioles give him another shot in the rotation?

• Jason Hammel: Through the Years - Camden Chat
  "When I think back to the mind-blowing season the Orioles had in 2012, the name Jason Hammel keeps bubbling up in my mind. With a solid 2012 under his belt and a pending arbitration case, I thought it'd be fun to re-introduce him to O's fans."

• Pedro Martinez Named Special Assistant To The General Manager - Over the Monster
  "Pedro is back where he belongs, and while he's not on the mound, he'll be able to coach and assist those who are."

• MLB.com Ranks Henry Owens, Blake Swihart Among Top Prospects At Their Positions - Over the Monster
  Some of Boston's oft-overlooked future gets prospect love from MLB.com at their respective positions.