ROUNDUP | News and notes

Indians: Free agent Cliff Politte signed a minor league contract as Cleveland added another experienced right-hander to its revamped bullpen. Politte appeared in 30 games last season for the Chicago White Sox. He went 2-2 with an 8.70 ERA, but the 32-year-old had his season shortened by right shoulder inflammation and was released in July. He underwent surgery in August. In 2005, Politte went 7-1 with a 2.00 ERA in 68 relief appearances, serving as the primary setup man as the White Sox won the World Series. He has a 22-23 career record with 15 saves and a 4.40 ERA in 330 games with St. Louis, Philadelphia, Toronto and the White Sox.
Rangers: Infielder Desi Relaford agreed to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to spring training. Relaford has played in parts of 10 major league seasons with six teams, the last being Colorado in 2005, when he hit .224 with 16 RBIs in 73 games. He was released by Baltimore at the end of spring training last year.
Orioles: Free agent right-hander Steve Trachsel finalized a 3.1 million, one-year contract, filling a void in the starting rotation left by the Kris Benson's injury. The 36-year-old Trachsel went 15-8 with a 4.97 ERA with the Mets in 2006. Trachsel will receive 3 million in 2007. There is a 4.75 million club option for 2008, with a 100,000 buyout. There are also performance bonuses for each year that can earn him an additional 250,000 based on innings pitched: 50,000 for 180 and 100,000 each for 190 and 200.
Red Sox: Boston officially added outfielder J.D. Drew to the roster after left-handed pitcher Lenny DiNardo was claimed on waivers by the Athletics. The club announced the 70 million deal with Drew on Jan. 26, seven weeks after preliminary agreement was reached. The deal had to be reviewed by Major League Baseball and the team needed an open slot on its 40-man roster for Drew. After the preliminary deal was reached Dec. 5, lawyers fashioned an arrangement that would allow Boston to opt out of the guaranteed money for 2010 and 2011 if Drew's right shoulder injury recurs. The shoulder was operated on in September 2005. The 31-year-old Drew became a free agent when he opted out of the last three years of his five-year, 55 million deal with the Dodgers.
Associated Press
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