The Dodgers signed infielder Ramon Nivar to a minor-league contract. Nivar has played for the Orioles and Rangers, but hasn't played in the minor leagues since 2005. He was playing for the independent league Newark Bears this season.

Former MLB infielder Andy Phillips has signed a one-year contract worth $400,000 with the Hiroshima Carp of Japan's Central League. "I'm really looking forward to playing for a team that has a long history in such a great country," Phillips said on the team's official Web site. "I'll do every thing I can to help the team win a championship."

The Royals today announced the signing of four more draft picks from the 2009 MLB First-Year Player Draft, including the double play combination from 2009 College World Series entrant the University of Arkansas. Razorbacks' senior shortstop Scott Lyons, KC's 15th round pick, and senior second baseman Benjamin Tschepikow, a 17th round selection, signed their contracts at Springdale's Arvest Ballpark, home of KC's Double-A affiliate Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The duo will be separated as Lyons will begin his pro career for the Royals' Arizona Rookie League team in Surprise, while Tschepikow will start at Idaho Falls (R) in the Pioneer League. Also inking was left-handed pitcher Jonathon Keck, KC's 42nd round pick from Bethel College in Tennessee, and 47th round selection Anthony Howard, a centerfielder from Quince Orchard High in Maryland. In addition, the Royals announce that they have signed Scott Shimek, a right-handed pitcher from St. Mary?s University (TX), as an undrafted free agent. The Royals have now signed 22 of their 49 selections and four undrafted free agents.

The Angels have agreed to terms with outfielder Randal Grichuk, one of their first-round selections. Grichuk was the 24th overall pick out of Lamar Consolidated High School in Lamar, Texas.

The Yankees have signed 16-year-old Dominican catcher Gary Sanchez to a $2.5 million deal, according to sources. Sanchez isn't eligible to sign until July 2, but New York has heavily pursued the catcher. "He is a big kid with a big arm," a Latin American talent evaluator for an NL team said. "I would like to have him, but $2.5 million is a lot of money. He has a thick body. He is a real good hitter."

The Diamondbacks have agreed to terms with center fielder A.J. Pollock, one of their two first-round picks. The deal is believed to include a $1.4 million signing bonus. Pollock was the 17th overall selection out of Notre Dame.

The Athletics have signed Shawn Chacon to a minor-league contract, according to the pitcher's agent. Chacon will report to Oakland's Triple-A affiliate on Thursday night and is tentatively scheduled to start Friday in Sacramento.

The Pittsburgh Pirates today agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Brooks Pounders, who was selected by the club in the second round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. Pounders, 18, went 9-2 with a 1.96 ERA (64.1ip/18er) and 91 strikeouts this past season for Temecula (CA) High School. The 6'5", 235-pounder also threw four complete games, including one shutout. At the plate, he hit .421 with seven doubles, seven home runs and 25 RBI. "We are happy to add Brooks Pounders to our player development system," said Senior Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington. "During his high school career, he showed an above average fastball, breaking ball and change up. We feel he has the mental and physical aptitude to refine his pitch arsenal to match his ability to pitch and develop into a quality major league starting pitcher." The son of former San Diego Padres minor leaguer and UC-Riverside All-American Brad Pounders, Brooks was a four-year starter for the Golden Bears. As a junior he batted .333 with 10 home runs and 39 RBI while going 7-3 with a 1.81 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 65.1 innings pitched on the mound. Pounders had signed a letter of intent with USC before signing with the Pirates today. He is scheduled to begin his professional career with the Gulf Coast League Pirates in Bradenton, Florida.

The Dodgers signed Korean high school infielder Tae-hyeok Nam on Tuesday. He becomes the first Korean high school player signed by the Dodgers, who reached agreement on a Minor League contract with the 18-year-old from Seoul. "Nam is strong physically," assistant general manager Logan White added. "With the help of our player development staff, I'm confident that he will become a fine player."