Let’s take a look at transactions through December 23:

The Boston Red Sox signed Jorge Marban (Winchester 2009). Jorge was a free agent signee of the Texas Rangers in 2010, but was released after the 2011 season. He has toiled in the Indy Leagues since then. Jorge will hopefully make a full-season minor league team out of spring training this spring.

The Toronto Blue Jays signed Greg Burke (Front Royal 2001). Burke was a minor league free agent who last pitched in the majors in 2013 with the New York Mets.

The Washington Nationals signed Clint Robinson (Harrisonburg 2005-06). A lowly 25th round draft pick in the 2007 draft out of Troy, Clint has done nothing but rake in the minors. He has received two “cups of coffee” in the majors; one with the Royals in 2012, and just last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Arizona Diamondbacks released Jake Roberts (Harrisonburg 2012). Jake was a free agent signee in late 2013, and threw 25 innings for the ‘Backs in 2014.

The Atlanta Braves released Zach Jadofsky (Woodstock 2011). Zach threw for 4 seasons in the Braves’ minor league system. He went 10-9, 4.62 in 175 1/3 innings pitched.

The Houston Astros released Pat Christensen (Harrisonburg 2011). Pat has actually been very good i nthe minors since being drafted in the 27th round in 2013. He’s gone 6-3, 3.53, with 84 strikeouts in only 81 2/3 innings.

The Milwaukee Brewers signed Ben Guez (Covington 2006), and released Andy Moye (Luray 2009). Guez was a minor league free agent who played for Toledo in Triple-A the last three years. Moye had some arm trouble last year for Double-A Huntsville, and ultimately played for four seasons in the minors.

The Texas Rangers signed Antoan Richardson (Winchester 2003). Antoan got to watch the Derek Jeter sendoff in New York last September. He also got 4 major league at-bats for the Atlanta Braves back in 2011. His Strat-O-Matic card may be quite good in 2014…

The Houston Astros grabbed Will Harris (Staunton 2003) off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Will has a real chance to help the Astros in 2015; he has a 9.7 K/9 in 99 major league innings. He misses bats!