MLB roundup: Rays sign Roberto Hernandez
--The Tampa Bay Rays signed free agent pitcher Roberto Hernandez to a one-year contract, the team announced.
Hernandez will make a $3.25 million guaranteed contract with $1.85 million in incentives, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Hernandez formerly was known as Fausto Carmona before he was suspended by Major League Baseball for age and identity fraud, which was discovered while obtaining his visa prior to last season. He served a three-week suspension when he joined the Cleveland Indians in August.
Last season he pitched 14 1/3 innings, going 0-3 over three starts with a 7.53 earned run average. He has a career record of 53-69 with a 4.64 ERA.
--On a conference call with New York reporters, reigning National League Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey confirmed that the Mets' final extension offer was two years and $20 million, above the $5 million he was already due in 2013. He later signed a two-year, $25 million extension with Toronto and was traded to the Blue Jays, who sent the Mets a package of prospects that included catcher Travis d'Arnaud.
Dickey also apologized for speaking out last week during a team holiday party at Citi Field for schoolchildren affected by Hurricane Sandy.
--The Houston Astros signed reliever Jose Veras to a one-year, $2 million contract, according ESPNDeportes. The right-hander will earn $1.85 million in 2013 with a 2014 option worth $3.25 million or $150,000 buyout. In 72 appearances for Milwaukee last season, Veras posted a 3.63 ERA in 67 innings.
--The Cleveland Indians announced their signing of free agent infielder Mark Reynolds to a one-year contract.
The 29-year-old spent the previous two seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. He batted .221 with 23 homers and 69 RBI in 135 games last season.
--The Boston Red Sox announced the signing of reliever Koji Uehara.
Uehara, 37, will receive a one-year deal with a $4.25 million base salary, according to Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports.
--The Mets acquired outfielder Collin Cowgill from the Oakland A's for minor league infielder Jefry Marte.
The move opened up a spot on Oakland's 40-man roster for Japanese shortstop player Hiroyuki Nakajima, whose signing was announced by the A's.
--Free agent John Lannan signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, the team announced.
The deal includes another $2.5 million in bonuses, according to CBSSports.com.
Lannan has logged at least 180 innings in each of his previous five seasons. Phillies fans might remember him as the pitcher who hit Chase Utley with a pitch in 2007, breaking Utley's finger.
