1.   A little more than a week later, the Dodgers purchased the contract of Mike Busch, a former replacement player.

2.   Also today, the Royals purchased the contract of pitcher Jim Converse, optioned pitcher Brian Bevil to Double-A Wichita and designated pitcher Jason Jacome for assignment.

3.   And at that point, outfielder Geronimo Berroa, who accompanied the Dodgers to Toronto, would have his contract purchased and join the club.

4.   Baltimore also purchased the contract of catcher Melvin Rosario from Double-A.

5.   Because of the doubleheader on Thursday, the Mets purchased the contract of left-handed reliever Yorkis Perez from Class AAA Norfolk before the first game.

6.   Birkbeck, in his second start since having his contract purchased from Class AAA Norfolk, did it pretty well for seven innings Monday.

7.   After the game, the Dodgers optioned Williams to Triple-A Las Vegas and purchased the contract of knuckleballer Dennis Springer.

8.   Also, Japanese exporters begin purchasing forward contracts to sell dollars they expect to earn before the new fiscal year begins in April, Kaji said.

9.   Commodity funds have been purchasing contracts in recent weeks, betting prices will rise.