NATIONALS INK MIKE COSTANZO, BUT FREE AGENT LIST STILL INCLUDES 62 PLAYERS

Let us hope that when baseball organizations get back into the full swing of things right after New Year's Day there will be jobs--either affiliated or Independent--for the long list of previous Indy players still unsigned after becoming free agents out of major league organizations in the fall. Our records show 62 players available (a few of them may be injured or have decided to call it a day as players) even after OurSportsCentral.comreported that Mike Costanzo (Camden, NJ, Atlantic League) had been signed by the Washington Nationals organization. The corner infielder got his first major league exposure (21 plate appearances) with Cincinnati early last season.

The list of available free agents compiled for our subscriber-only Independent Baseball Insidercolumns:

Pitchers (28): Bear Bay (RHP), Jason Bergmann (RHP), Austin Bibens-Dirkx (RHP), Ricky Brooks (RHP), Daniel Carela (RHP), Tom Cochran (LHP), Robert Coello (RHP), Mike DeMark (RHP), Wes Etheridge (RHP), Cody Evans (RHP), Justin Hampson (LHP), Eric Junge (RHP), Derek Loop (LHP), Mike MacDonald (RHP), Matt Meyer (LHP), Mike Parisi (RHP), Lance Pendleton (RHP), Stu Pomeranz (RHP), Horacio Ramirez (LHP), Scott Richmond (RHP), Wes Roemer (RHP), Rich Rundles (LHP), Will Savage (RHP), Dan Stange (RHP), Brian Sweeney (RHP), Jason Urquidez (RHP), Kip Wells (RHP), Matt Wright (RHP).

Catchers (6): Craig Albernaz, Cody Clark, Ryan Eigisti, Michel Hernandez, Mike Rivera, James Skelton.

Infielders (16): Eric Almonte, Mike Cervenak (1B-3B), Anthony Contreras (SS, German Duran, Brad Emaus-INF, Jake Fox, Vladimir Frias (SS), Ryan Garko, Vince Harrison, Michael Hollimon (SS), Kevin Howard (SS-3B), Jordan Kreke, Jesus Merchan, Valentino Pascucci (1B), Curt Smith (INF-OF), Terry Tiffee (3B-1B).

Outfielders (12): Cory Aldridge, Jose Duarte, Todd Linden, Drew Locke, Val Majewski, Dustin Martin, Chris Murrill, Jake Opitz, Ryan Patterson, Antoan Richardson, Mike Spidale, Brandon Tripp.

We welcome any updates on this list at RWirz@aol.com.

KRIS JOHNSON SHOWS HIS STUFF

Pittsburgh brass couldn't help but feel good with the recent performance of spring training invitee and onetime American Association (Kansas City, KS) lefty Kris Johnson in leading Escogido into the Dominican League's four-team playoffs.

Johnson went a strong 7.1 innings allowing only three hits and no walks as Escogido ousted Los Gigantes in a single-game elimination. The 28-year-old, who is still searching for his initial major league opportunity, retired 16 consecutive hitters at one point with 10 of them on strikeouts. He had 11 punch-outs altogether against a lineup that included major leaguers Nelson Cruz and Alexi Casilla.

Johnson, a onetime first-round draftee by Boston, got a renewed opportunity in affiliated baseball after winning six of nine decisions (3.23) in 16 starts for the T-Bones in 2011.

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IT IS A MERRY CHRISTMAS FOR SCOTT KAZMIR, FIGUEROA AND STRIKEOUT ARTIST BENACKA

What would Christmas Eve day be without reporting a few meaningful transactions involving former Independent Baseball players?

Add veteran lefty Scott Kazmir to the list of new signees with an invitation to a major league spring training camp. Kazmir will be with Cleveland after spending last summer in the Atlantic League with the Sugar Land (TX) Skeeters.

Arizona signed free agent Nelson Figueroa (Long Island, NY, Atlantic) and while we have not seen that this veteran right-hander has received a major league invitation he surely will get some consideration for a job.

An Independent original, strikeout artist Mike Benacka, has been signed to a minor league contract by Toronto after a summer of relieving in the American Association (Laredo, TX) and a brief time with York, PA (Atlantic League). Benacka, 30, started his professional journey with River City (O'Fallon, MO, Frontier League) in 2007-08 before having his contract sold to Oakland. He was in the Athletics' system for four seasons, climbing as high at Triple-A. The right-hander has an exceptional set of career stats with a 22-13 win-loss log, 56 saves and 431 strikeouts in a mere 315.1 innings. The strikeout figures were eye-popping in 43 appearances for Laredo with 92 K's in 52.

Another well-traveled player, infielder Gabe Suarez, has been signed by Texas (Double-A contract). Suarez has played for Long Island, Camden and Newark, NJ and the traveling Road Warriors in the Atlantic League along with Kansas City, KS (American Association), Lincoln, NE (before it moved from the Northern League to the American Association) and Florence, KY of the Frontier League.

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OPPORTUNITIES OPEN UP FOR SEVERAL WHO HAVE SERVED IN INDEPENDENT LEAGUES

The Atlantic League's Sugar Land, TX biggie has lost a good one because the Chicago White Sox have given one of the former stars, BRITT BURNS, a pitching coach job in their farm system. Burns was in a similar capacity with the Skeeters in their first season.

ORV FRANCHUK was left hanging when Edmonto dropped out of the Independent ranks last season. He had guided the Capitals to the North American League title in 2011. Franchuk has been hired by the Los Angeles Dodgers as hitting coach at Chattanooga.

Congratulations to JOHN BOOHER on his appointment as a national crosschecker for the Red Sox. Booher spent time in coaching roles in the Central League (Jackson) and Northeast League (Elmira, NY) years ago.

BILL SIMAS, the successful closer for the Long Island (NY) Ducks (Atlantic League), has moved up a level in the Dodgers' farm system, taking his pitching skills from Ogden, UT to Great Lakes (Midland, MI).

TEAM SUCCEEDS BUT CHANGES FOCUS

San Rafael, CA was a bright light as the North American League was falling apart last season to the point new seating sections are being added to undersized Albert Park for a second year of play by the Pacifics. But since the North Division of the league has basically evaporated except for the two teams in Hawaii we understand San Rafael will operate essentially by playing what probably amounts to semi-pro teams in the area. The Pacifics may still make at least one trip to Hawaii, which will help attract players, whose compensation may be limited to some living expenses.

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COLABELLO GETS THE LONG-AWAITED NEWS: MAJOR LEAGUE SPRING TRAINING INVITATION FROM MINNESOTA

It was only 16 months ago that Chris Colabello was finishing the best of his seven--yes, seven--Can-Am League seasons, a campaign in which he registered career high numbers in batting average (.348), home runs (20) and runs batted in (79) for the Worcester (MA) Tornadoes. But since he was a first baseman about to turn 28 and had never been in affiliated baseball the calendar was working against him.

Today, 10 months shy of 30, he has just been invited to the Minnesota Twins' major league spring training camp in Fort Myers, FL.

Colabello notified this corner of the happy news he received Monday. It arrived at this desk in an email, presumably from Mexico where he is starring in the Mexican Winter League. We will detail the ramifications more for subscribers to the Independent Baseball Insideron Thursday.

The invitation follows an outstanding debut season in the Twins' farm system when he drove in 98 runs while hitting 19 homers and batting at a .284 clip for Class AA New Britain, CT. The offensive barrage has continued in Mexico with a league-leading .344 batting average plus top four numbers in hits (56), doubles (13), homers (15) and RBI (41) in 54 games.

INDY PLAYERS FARE BETTER ON OFFENSE IN AUSSIE ALL-STAR TILT

Former Independent pitchers Brian Grening (American Association teams in Kansas City, KS and Gary, IN) and Kevin Reese (Somerset and Camden, NJ, Atlantic League, and Washington, PA and Traverse City, MI, Frontier League) were touched up for three and two runs, respectively, in one-inning stints as Team Australia defeated the World All-Stars 6-4 in the Australian League All-Star Game. Grening took the loss since he worked the second inning of what had been a scoreless game.

Three Indy players all contributed offensively for the World team, collecting four of that club's five hits. Fargo, ND (American Association) stars Ryan Stovall (now an Arizona minor leaguer) and Zach Penprase went 2-for-3 and 1-for-3, respectively, and onetime Golden League (San Diego) catcher Cody Clark doubled in his only official at bat. All three players also walked once. Lancaster, PA Manager Butch Hobson's son, K.C., a Toronto minor leaguer, went 0-for-2 but drove in a run. Chris Oxspring, who started his professional career in the Frontier League (Cook County) and later pitched for the San Diego Padres, hurled a scoreless fourth inning for the Australian team.

ATLANTIC LEAGUERS IN DEMAND

While shortstop Stephen Drew's new contract with Boston will command the spotlight because of his lofty major league status, two other former Atlantic Leaguers also have new agreements. Catcher Mitch Canham, with Long Island, NY for much of last season, has signed a Double-A pact with Kansas City and another onetime Ducks player, Jon Meloan, a right-handed pitcher, has moved from the New York Yankees organization to a Triple-A agreement with World Champion San Francisco. Drew spent his Atlantic League time with Camden, NJ.

Southpaw Greg Smith, a former major leaguer who found his way back to affiliated baseball via a stint with Grand Prairie, TX in the American Association, has signed with Toronto (Triple-A agreement).

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COLABELLO, ALDRIDGE, HERRERA, ALFONZO HITTING THE LONG BALL IN WINTER LEAGUES; AMERICAN ASSOCIATION SELLS THREE MORE

I do not know when the official word will come, but it is impossible to imagine the Minnesota Twins will not have longtime Can-Am League star first baseman Chris Colabello in their major league spring training camp.

Colabello, who finally had his contract purchased out of Worcester, MA in time to drive in 98 runs for Class AA New Britain, CT last season, is the No. 2 hitter in the Mexican League (.348), is tied for fifth in RBI (39) and ranks sixth in homers (14).

Free agent outfielder Cory Aldridge, who once played in the Atlantic League (Newark, NJ) and was at Salt Lake City (Triple-A) for the Angels last season, is the Mexican League's home run leader (18 in only 188 at-bats) and ranks third in RBI (40).

Independent players also are making loud noise with their performances in Venezuela. The hottest hitter could well be outfielder Javier Herrera, just signed out of the Frontier League (Southern Illinois) by San Francisco. Herrera slugged seven homers in his first 10 games while hitting .414. He also has spent time in the Oakland farm system and played for Rockford, IL (Frontier) and Yuma, AZ (Golden League) prior to this season.

Catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, still trying to get back to the majors, has 10 round-trippers (tied for fourth in the league). The free agent's Indy time was spent at St. Paul, MN, now in the American Association.

ANOTHER TRIO OF AMERICAN ASSOCIATION PLAYERS SOLD

We remarked in last week's Independent Baseball Insidercolumn that American Association teams had had eight players taken by major league organizations since the season ended. That count is now up to at least 11 with the sale of left-handed pitcher David Quinowski to Baltimore today (Friday). Quinowski was with the Lincoln (NE) Saltdogs much of 2012 although he also played for Gary, IN (American Association) and Somerset, NJ (Atlantic League).

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SPRING TRAINING INVITATIONS KEEP ROLLING IN, BUT AUSTRALIAN ALL-STAR GAME ALSO HAS INDEPENDENT FLAVOR

The Australian League All-Star Game this Sunday in Melbourne is just one more showcase for Independent Baseball players past and present. We have identified five Indy players on the World roster and one for the Aussies while possibly overlooking others.

Catcher Cody Clark, still a free agent as best we know after being a non-roster invitee with the Kansas City Royals last spring and spending the summer at Triple-A Omaha, bears watching since he is pacing the Australian League in RBI (18) while hitting .338. He was a long-ago Indy leaguer when San Diego had a team in the Golden League.

Perennial Fargo, ND (American Association) stalwart Zach Penprase is swingino a .329 bat after a .311 season (his fifth) with the RedHawks. Among pitchers, Kansas City (KS) T-Bones (American Association) starter Brian Grening (10-5, 3.69) is 2-0 with a 2.51 ERA in the winter league. He also has played at Gary, IN. Kevin Reese, who was 4-9, 5.83 mostly as a starter for Camden, NJ (Atlantic League) this summer, is 0-2, 3.80. Reese also has had time with Somerset, NJ (Atlantic) and in the Frontier League with Washington, PA and Traverse City, MI. Washington righty Chris Smith (9-6, 2.92 with 116 strikeouts) is 2-2, 3.38 with 35 strikeouts in 26.2 innings.

Chris Oxspring, an Indy hurler way back in 2000 at Cook County in the Frontier League and 5-9, 4.17 as a starter in 2011 at Somerset, is on the Australian roster. The 35-year-old made it to the major leagues with San Diego for a brief time in '05. The World team also has Toronto minor league first baseman K. C. Hobson, the son of Lancastet, PA (Atlantic) manager Butch Hobson. Hobson is hitting .290 with three dingers and 13 RBI.

ATLANTIC LEAGUE'S KENSING SIGNS, INVITED TO SPRING TRAINING

Right-handed pitcher Logan Kensing is among another trio of former Independent players with major league spring training invitations. The onetime Bridgeport (CT) Bluefish (Atlantic League) hurler got the invite when he signed with Colorado this week. He worked in the Pittsburgh farm system last summer.

Catcher Jose Yepez (Pensacola, FL, American Association, and Gary, IN, when it was in the Northern League) has been invited to Atlanta's major league camp once again while recent St. Louis signee, outfielder Justin Christian, will be in the Cardinals' big-league camp. He started his pro career not far from St. Louis at River City (O'Fallon, MO) in the Frontier League and later spent time with Southern Maryland of the Atlantic.

It seems a virtual certainty George Sherrill will be in the Kansas City Royals camp after signing Wednesday, and another southpaw signing of the same day, Mike O'Connor, could be invited by Minnesota. Sherrill, coming off elbow surgery, is another who started his professional journey in Indy leagues (Evansville, IN, Frontier, and Winnipeg and Sioux Falls, SD, both American Association cities but in the Northern at the time). He likely needs only to prove his arm is healthy to resume facing left-handed major league hitters for the revitalized Royals. O'Connor's Indy experience was at Southern Maryland.

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JASON LANE'S CONVERSION TO PITCHING TAKES HIM TO THE TWINS; MORE SPRING INVITES, TOO

How is this for an intriguing signing?

Minnesota has brought former major league outfielder Jason Lane in for the new year, but it is as a left-handed pitcher after he went 9-5 with a 3.17 earned run average as a starter for the Atlantic League's Sugar Land (TX)Skeeters last summer.

It will be quite a story if Lane, who turns 36 in two weeks, returns to the major leagues at some point in the future as a hurler because of his 497 games in the National League as a position player, including a World Series performance with Houston.

Lane was named the Skeeters' Most Valuable Player, which was fitting since he led the first-year staff in innings (110.2) and played 61 games in the regular lineup, hitting .275 with nine home runs.

For now, the Twins have Lane on their Double-A roster (New Britain, CT), but with his conversion to the mound, their need for pitching and his reputation it is difficult to believe they will not give him a look during spring training.

Meanwhile, another of Sugar Land's "name" starters (no, not Roger Clemens) is getting opportunities to regain his major league touch in winter baseball. Scott Kazmir has started four times in Puerto Rico, and while he has lost his only two decisions he has struck out 21 hitters and walked only six in 19.1 innings while posting a 5.12 ERA.

TWO MORE SPRING TRAINING INVITATIONS AND TWO MORE SIGNINGS

Our subscription-only Independent Baseball Insider had barely been published when we learned of two more invitations to major league spring training camps for players with brief stops with Indy teams. They may be first-time invitees, too, Milwaukee is bringing in right-handed pitcher Darren Byrd, formerly of the American Association's Fargo (ND) RedHawks, and catcher Dayton Buller, once with Camden, NJ of the Atlantic League.

Two of last season's invitees have signed new contracts, and seem likely to appear in spring training games at some point. Atlanta brought back catcher Jose Yepez, who was at Pensacola, FL (American Association) at one time as well as with Gary, IN when that American Association city was still in the Northern League.

Longtime Indy hurler Chris Jakubauskas (American Association, Golden League and Frontier League) has signed a Triple-A pact with Milwaukee. Jakubauskas has an 8-10 record for 69 major league appearances with three different teams. He split '12 between the top Arizona and Toronto minor league clubs.

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RETHERFORD GETS SPRING TRAINING INVITATION; POMERANZ IN LIMBO

This is such an enjoyable week for baseball addicts so we will do our best to keep up with happenings at the Winter Meetings involving former Independent players, both here and in our subscription-driven Independent Baseball Insidercolumn that comes out after Thursday's Rule 5 draft.

The American Association has another of its former stars, Fargo, ND third baseman C. J. Retherford, guaranteed of a major league spring training look. The Los Angeles Dodgers have given him a non-roster invitation, always a good sign.

Retherford, 27, was the organization's Pride Award winner for a June explosion in which he sizzled at .458 with 13 homers in 26 games for Class A Rancho Cucamonga, CA. For the year, he hit .311 with 23 homers and 25 doubles, but batted only .250 in 44 games for Double-A Chattanooga, TN.

Meanwhile, it was surprising to see right-handed pitcher Stu Pomeranz (New Jersey Jackals, Can-Am League) non-tendered by Baltimore, especially since Manager Buck Showalter told this writer in September "he was going to impact us" (in 2012) if not for a severe oblique injury shortly after he was called up to the Orioles. The pitcher seemed to bounce back well in the Florida Instructional League this fall. The O's could re-sign Pomeranz or he might end up elsewhere for next season.

HANKERD RE-SIGNED, PROMOTED

The Chicago White Sox not only gave first baseman-outfielder Cyle Hankerd a new contract, but also promoted the 2011-12 Amarillo, TX (American Association) slugger to their Triple-A Charlotte, NC roster.

Hankerd, who was drafted by Arizona out of Southern Cal in 2006, hit 20 homers and drove in 65 runs in only 83 games for the White Sox's two Class A farm clubs last season. The 27-year-old right-handed batsman hit .437 in nine games at Kannapolis, NC, then stepped up to the Carolina League (Winston-Salem) and hit .325 with 15 of his home runs. He also had 27 doubles and was well above .400 in on-base percentage at both stops. He is a .288 hitter for seven minor league seasons, and hit .351 in 75 games for Amarillo over two seasons.

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