Lopez, 28, hit .216/.245/.372 (59 wRC+) with 8 homers, 21 RBI, 23 steals and -0.2 fWAR in 82 games for the Rockies and Marlins in 2012, his second straight down year compared to his already lackluster career numbers (.263/.294/.398, 81 wRC+). He plays mostly third base but also saw time at first and second.

Such a noncommittal deal can’t hurt, but here’s hoping Lopez doesn’t get too much playing time: if he makes the team as a bench guy he’ll be taking opportunities from the better and younger Jason Donald and Cord Phelps, and he wouldn’t be an upgrade over Matt LaPorta at first base. (more…)

Pie, 27 in February, hit .220/.264/.280 and came in at an astounding -2.1 fWAR in just 85 games (and only 175 PAs) with the Orioles in 2011. For his career he’s hit .249/.298/.374 and come in at just under replacement level.

It’s reportedly a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training, and Pie can earn up to $1 million in incentives. So obviously it’s a low risk signing—Pie is organizational depth in case something goes wrong with one or more of Michael Brantley, Grady Sizemore, or Shin-Soo Choo. But how high is the potential reward? (more…)