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Catching up on the minor-league FAs/NRIs:

Signed RHP Scott Elarton to a minor-league contract; Invited him to Spring Training

After pitching well for the Indians in 2005, Elarton signed a lucrative 2-year deal with Kansas City. 20 starts into the contract, he ended up on the DL with shoulder problems. He returned last season, but was cut after just 9 appearances. The Indians signed him to a minor-league deal and shipped him to Buffalo. After apparently not getting any substantive offers from other clubs, the Indians have given Scott an NRI so that he can showcase himself in Spring Training to other clubs.

Signed Brendan Donnelly to a minor-league contract; Invited him to Spring Training

Another guy who has zero shot of making the major-league roster. Donnelly underwent Tommy John surgery last August, which means that it's unlikely he'll contribute much at all this season.    

Donnelly made his major-league debut with the Angels at the age of 30 in 2002, and was a key part of Greater California's championship run, striking out 54 in 49.2 innings. His best season came in 2003, where he made 63 appearances (74 innings), allowing 55 hits and just 2 home runs. He leveled off after that, but still remained a good reliever until his injury. Boston non-tendered him after this past season, not wanting go to arbitration with someone that probably won't pitch in the majors until 2009.

If everything works out, Donnelly will spend the year rehabbing, sign back with the Indians next season, and Cleveland will get a nice reliever at less than market value.

Signed RHP Matt Ginter, RHP Jeff Harris, and LHP Rich Rundles to minor-league contracts; Invited them to Spring Training

All of these guys were Bisons last year, and will likely return to Buffalo this season.

Invited RHP JD Martin to Spring Training

The Indians outrighted Martin after they acquired Jamey Carroll. Martin has plenty of talent, but hasn't been able to stay healthy; he hasn't pitched 100 innings in a season since 2004.

Invited C Armando Camacaro, C Chris Gimenez, C Yamid Haad, and C David Wallace to Spring Training

Signed IF Andy Gonzalez, 2B/3B Aaron Herr, and IF Danny Sandoval to minor-league contracts: Invited them to Spring Training

Gonzalez is probably the most interesting of the bunch; he's just 26, can play shortstop and second, and isn't horrible offensively. Herr played both second and third in the minors, but his strikeout/walk ratio doesn't bode well for major-league success. Sandoval hit .244/.266/.301 in 365 AAA at-bats last year, so I don't think we'll see much of him.