The Royals have reached a three-year agreement with first-round pick Aaron Crow. The right-hander is guaranteed $3 million even if he doesn't reach the majors under the deal that begins in 2010. He could earn about $4.5 million if he makes it to the big leagues.

The Mets have reportedly agreed to sign Japanese teenager Taiki Kawasaki to a minor league contract. Kawasaki, 17, is a left handed pitcher who had been training at Julio Franco's baseball academy in Florida.

The Cardinals have agreed to contract extensions with closer Ryan Franklin and fellow reliever Trever Miller, locking up two key components of their bullpen through the 2011 season. Franklin's new deal is guaranteed for 2010 and '11. Miller agreed to a one-year extension, which includes a vesting option for 2011. Financial terms of the deals were not announced by the club. General manager John Mozeliak was pleased to have been able to secure both key relievers for a longer haul. "It is no secret that when we entered Spring Training, the question of who would be our closer was unsettled," Mozeliak said. "Ryan has responded to that challenge in a big way, and our club would not be where we are today without his outstanding performance and leadership."