Buddy Hernandez - RHP Braves - Hernandez was a Rule 5 pick of the A’s after posting a 1.22 ERA in 59 innings in Double-A in 2002, but the Braves got him back in spring training. While he put up strong seasons in Triple-A the next two years, he never did get to the majors and Tommy John surgery cost him most of 2005 and all of 2006. Back last season, he had a 3.13 ERA and a 71/18 K/BB ratio in 74 2/3 IP. Short right-hander with average stuff. He’s worth a look in middle relief.

Tony Granadillo - INF Red Sox - 23-year-old Veneuzelan hit .326/.411/.492 at Single-A Lancaster last season. Of course, he was playing in perhaps the best environment for hitters in the minors. He’s not an asset defensively at any position in the infield, but maybe with more work he’d become passable at second and third. That’ll be the key to his chances of a long career as a bench player.

J.R. House - C Orioles - The Orioles’ appeared to have brought in the best class of minor league free agents a year ago, but Jon Knott, Jason Dubois and Luis Montanez all turned in disappointing years. Tike Redman, who was well behind the other guys going in, was the one who made a contribution. House had the best season of the rest, finishing up at .298/.365/.463 in Triple-A. With his ability to serve as a third catcher, he still should have a career on a major league bench.

Travis Hughes - RHP Red Sox - 1.91 ERA in 75 1/3 innings as Triple-A Pawtucket’s closer last season. 29-year-old former Rangers prospect lost his best stuff years ago, but what he has left could allow him to help a team as a middle man.

Sendy Rleal - RHP Orioles - Rleal made the Orioles in 2006, but he was sent down after a disappointing first half, and he had elbow problems last season, causing the club to bump him from the 40-man roster in September. I still like his chances of contributing in middle relief if healthy. Quality low-90s fastball, plus changeup.

Felix Romero - RHP Orioles - Romero returned to post a 96/43 K/BB ratio in 80 2/3 innings in Double-A last season after missing 2006. He’s 27, but his change would make him quite interesting if he regains the command he had before surgery.

Bobby Scales - 3B Red Sox - Switch-hitting 30-year-old hit .294/.373/.472 at Triple-A Pawtucket. That he’s not a particular asset with the glove at any position has held him back, but he’s worth a look as a bench player in the NL.