The Atlanta Braves organization recently added three pitchers and a middle infielder to its 40-man roster. Right-handers Luis Valdez, Todd Redmond and Stephen Marek, along with shortstop Diory Hernandez, were all added to the roster for the first times in their brief careers.

Both Valdez and Redmond were plucked from the Pittsburgh Pirates’ organization. Valdez spent the majority of his Pirates’ career as a starter until 2007 when he made 35 relief appearances (and just one start) in High-A ball. His ERA was 4.79 with 87 hits allowed in 73.1 innings. But his FIP was just 3.01. Perhaps the Braves took notice of that fact because the organization signed him as a minor league free agent that off-season. In 2008 at Double-A, the 24-year-old pitcher allowed just 48 hits in 65.1 innings of work. He also posted rates of 4.96 BB/9 and 10.61 K/9. Once he improves his control, he could surface at the Major League level thanks to a 92-96 mph fastball and plus slider.

Redmond was obtained in a 2008 spring trade when Atlanta sent Major League reliever Tyler Yates to Pittsburgh. A 2004 39th-round draft pick, Redmond has posted excellent numbers in the low minors but stumbled a bit in 2007 with a 7-12 record at High-A and a 4.54 ERA. His K/9 rate was also just 5.99. However, his FIP was 3.94 and the BB/9 rate was 2.02. In 2008 with Atlanta at the Double-A level, Redmond allowed 164 hits in 166.1 innings and posted rates of 1.79 BB/9 and 7.20 K/9. The 23-year-old right-hander has average stuff with an 87-90 mph fastball, curveball and change-up.

Marek, like the other two pitchers added, was originally signed by another organization (the Los Angeles Angels) and was obtained by Atlanta in the Mark Teixeira trade. He was original selected in the 40th round of the 2004 draft and later signed in 2005 as a draft-and-follow (a now-defunct process). The 25-year-old right-hander has posted solid but unspectacular career numbers prior to 2008 and was shifted to the bullpen this past season. Before the trade, Marek allowed 39 hits in 46.2 Double-A innings and posted rates of 4.05 BB/9 and 10.99 K/9. He also did a better job of keeping the ball in the park and allowed just two home runs. After the trade, he allowed 12 hits in 14 innings. Marek has an 89-94 mph fastball, a plus curveball and a change-up.

Hernandez, 24, was originally signed out of the Dominican Republic by the Braves in 2002. He did not reach Double-A until 2007 but his bat improved remarkably when his triple-slash line jumped from .238/.293/.336 in High-A ball to .307/.370/.418 at Double-A. In 2008, while playing mostly at Triple-A, Hernandez hit .288/.317/.383 with an ISO of .096 in 459 at-bats. He stole just seven bases this past season after swiping more than 20 in 2007 – and he has poor instincts on the base paths. Defensively, he is better-suited to second base due to a lack of arm strength.

Orioles sign Mark Hendrickson (1/1.5 mil)

Some MLB.com headline writers are comedians in their spare time. For example: “Hendrickson signing solidifies O’s staff”. Taken in context the signing is decent. Hendrickson is a stop-gag for the Orioles until their youthful pitchers are ready for the majors. The deal isn’t expensive nor long. Andy McPhail is fully aware of what 2009 will hold for the O’s and is committing against rushing prospects like Matt Wieters, Chris Tillman, and Jake Arrieta.

As for Hendrickson, he looks like Randy Johnson and throws like John Halama. At 6’9” you would imagine a history in basketball, but did you know he actually played for the Philadelphia 76ers for a few seasons? Hendrickson turned to baseball in1998 and hasn’t looked back. Hendrickson’s best season came in 2006 as a swingman, starting only 15 of the 39 games he appeared in for the Dodgers. Hendrickson underwent eye surgery in the off-season before signing with the Marlins, but didn’t see improved statistics. In fact, Hendrickson’s walk rates showed decline. CHONE has Hendrickson worth 1.2 WAR next season and anything higher than 0.2 WAR is going to turn this signing into profit.

Dodgers sign Claudio Vargas (1/400k, potential for 1.4 mil in incentives)

One could’ve pegged Vargas as a potential Oriole as well, but alas it wasn’t to be. Vargas spent 2008 with the Mets, throwing 37 innings with a 4.51 FIP and lowered strikeout rates. It’s worth noting Vargas velocity averaged out about a mile per hour less than 2007 and two below 2005/2006 averages. Historically, Vargas shows slight favoritism to flyballs. CHONE has Vargas equal to Braden Looper and Freddy Garcia amongst others with right around one WAR projected. You have to give Ned Colletti props for the signing, considering the Dodgers are getting him for the minimum, or at worst ~2 million.

Mariners sign Eric Hull (minor)

A former Dodger farm hand, Hull is a University of Portland product with decent numbers in the minor leagues. Too short to start, Hull has spent the past three seasons in the bullpen and produced moderate success with K/9s of 9.62, 11.1, and 10.54 and FIPs of 4.1, 2.51, and 2.60. In his brief major league stint Stull relied on a low-90’s fastball and an upper-70’s curveball. One would assume Hull will get some time with the major league team this season.

Blue Jays sign Randy Ruiz, Raul Chavez, and Mike Maroth (minor)

Ruiz isn’t quite the 31-year-old rookie, instead he was 30 last season when he made his debut. In 22 games, Ruiz possessed and OBP driven .693 OPS. That’s a bit shocking, since Ruiz’ minor league numbers suggest he has some power. A journeyman, Ruiz has played in the Reds, Orioles, Phillies, Yankees, Royals, Pirates, Giants, and Twins organizations.

Chavez spent last season with the Pirates, and much like Bako is what you’d expect from a 35-year-old back up catcher. Chavez threw out nearly 40% of attempted base stealers last season, and has a history of nailing runners. Quite a contrast to the Jays other minor league catcher invitee, Michael Barrett.

When Mike Maroth lost 21 games in 2003, he became the symbol of futility for an atrocious Detroit Tigers team. Maroth would remain with the Tigers for an additional three and a half seasons before the Tigers traded him to the Cardinals. Maroth signed with the Royals in the off-season, and threw less than eight innings before shoulder surgery ended his season. Maroth’s good for a ~5 FIP as a starter, but could be moderately more successful as a poor man’s left-handed specialist.