1.   Meanwhile, the Sox abandoned efforts to sign free agent relievers Tom Gordon and Rheal Cormier after both rejected formal offers.

2.   The Arizona Diamondbacks signed reliever Russ Springer to a two-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration.

3.   The Astros have signed relievers Bob MacDonald and Bob Scanlan to minor league contracts and invited both pitchers to spring training.

4.   The Expos also signed middle reliever Gil Heredia to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.

5.   The Rangers were investing in pitching in more ways than one when they signed reliever John Wetteland to a four-year contract in December.

6.   The Red Sox have signed another reliever.

7.   The Yankees are also on the verge of signing the reliever Steve Karsay, who has been courted by other teams who want to make him their closer.

8.   In another move, the club signed left-handed reliever Sean Runyan to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

9.   The Chicago Cubs signed reliever Bobby Ayala on Friday to a contract for the remainder of the season and recalled outfielder Bo Porter from Triple-A Iowa.

10.   The Royals also signed right-handed reliever Mike Villano to a minor league contract.