>>Cardinals Avoid Arbitration With Motte

(St. Louis, MO)  --  The Cardinals have avoided arbitration by signing pitcher Jason Motte to a one-year deal.  The 29-year-old took over as closer and recorded nine saves down the stretch last season.  Motte added five more in the playoffs and was on the mound for the final out of the World Series.

>>Cuban Cespedes Becomes Free Agent

(Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)  --  Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has established legal residency in the Dominican Republic and is eligible to be signed by a Major League Baseball team as a free agent.  MLB received proof of the Cuban defector's new residency on Wednesday and he can now negotiate with big league clubs.  Earlier this month, the 26-year-old Cespedes said the Cubs have shown the most interest in signing him.