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The Phillies added depth to their infield on Monday, signing 30-year-old veteran shortstop Ronny Cedeno to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. Cedeno spent the 2013 season with the Astros and Padres, hitting .242/.287/.330 in 288 plate appearances at the major league level.
The Reds have signed 33-year-old pitcher Jeff Francis to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training, according to Jerry Crasnick of EPSN. The veteran lefty made 12 starts and 11 relief appearances for the Rockies last season, posting a 6.27 ERA in 70 1/3 innings.
Cincinnati also signed outfielder Thomas Neal to a minor league deal, as Neal announced himself on twitter. The 26-year old saw limited time in the major leagues last season with the Yankees and Cubs. In 17 plate appearances between the two organizations, he managed two hits and a walk. In Triple-A, he hit .325/.391/.411 over 297 plate appearances.
The Astros added infielder Cesar Izturis on a minor league deal, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Izturis spent the 2013 season with the Reds, posting a .209/.259/.271 line in 142 plate appearances. He gives the Astros additional depth at shortstop, second and third and Heyman believes he has a good chance at making the major league club out of spring training as a utility player. The 33-year-old has been a plus-defender at all three positions over his 13 year career.
The Brewers have added 28-year-old outfielder Greg Golson on a minor league deal, according to the team. The former first-round pick has not played in the majors since 2011. He spent the 2013 season in the minors with the Braves and the Rockies farm teams as well as playing a game in the independent Atlantic league. He hit .249/.313/.392 in 269 plate appearances total last season.
The Giants will invite 16 pitchers and 10 position players to spring training as non-roster invitees, according to the team. Among the players vying for a spot on the major league roster are veteran pitchers Kameron Loe, Sandy Rosario and J.C. Gutierrez. Loe threw 26 2/3 innings in the majors last season spending time with the Mariners, Cubs and Braves and posting a 7.09 ERA. Rosario gave the Giants a solid performance out of the bullpen in 2013, posting a 3.02 ERA in 42 1/3 innings. Gutierrez threw 55 1/3 innings in stints with the Angels and Royals last season, putting up a 4.23 ERA in his first season back in the majors since 2011.
