PERMISSION
U.S. Treasury Dept.: Sent a letter, through its Office of Foreign Assets Control, to the agent of Cuban emigre Yoan Moncada that would appear to allow him to sign with the Major League Baseball club of his choice. The rules about Cuban defectors coming to the U.S. and the majors are complicated and might be changing soon, however, which might lead to further delays for Moncada and other hopeful ballplayers sharing his status.
TRANSACTIONS
Red Sox: Signed right-hander Alexi Ogando, our own Jon Heyman confirms. It's a relatively inexpensive gamble for Boston, which will pay $1.5 million guaranteed. Ogando, 31, is a former All-Star who has sustained multiple injuries the past two seasons for the Texas Rangers. To make room, the Red Sox designated left-hander Drake Britton for assignment.
Yankees: Signed right-hander Scott Baker to a one-year deal for $1.5 million — if he makes the big-league roster. He's also rebounding from injuries, having missed 2012 because of Tommy John surgery. He posted a 5.47 ERA over 80 innings for the Rangers in 2014. (Heyman via Twitter)
Brewers: Signed left-hander Neal Cotts to a one-year deal for $3 million. Making a comeback with the Rangers after several injury plagued seasons, Cotts performed awesomely in 2013 but was just OK in 2014. He's one of only a few members of the 2005 World Series champion White Sox still playing. (MLB Trade Rumors)
NO DICE
Blue Jays: Appeared on the verge of signing right-hander Ronald Belisario, but negotiations have "fallen through" and he'll pitch elsewhere in 2015. (Mike Wilner via Twitter)
TRADE
Rockies and Braves: Right-handers David Hale and Gus Schlosser head to Colorado for minor-league catchers Jose Briceno and Chris O’Dowd. (MLB Trade Rumors)
OPINION
Minnesota's Byron Buxton: Remained the top prospect in MLB.com's annual prospect watch. Kris Bryant of the Cubs is No. 2. (MLB.com)
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