Minor League Notes

Did anybody go to the first stop on the Astros Caravan and take pictures? Random encounters. I need you people.

Anyway, thanks to Baseball America for picking this up. Minor league transactions:

Signed: RHP Danny Graves, RHP Clay Hensley, RHP Jeremy Johnson, 3B Jason Smith, 3B Chad Spann, SS Chris Barnwell

Danny Graves - the only Vietnamese-born Major Leaguer (EVER), right-handed 35-year old pitcher. Played for Triple-A Rochester (Twins) last season.

Jeremy Johnson - 26-year old pitcher, spent last season in Triple-A Toledo and went 3-3 with a 3.44 ERA in 39 appearances.

Chad Spann - Here's his July 08 bio from SoxProspects:
Spann is an intelligent third-baseman with a very good glove and an average stick. He has worked his way up through the organization slowly, struggling initially at almost every level, but showing a great ability to make adjustments and eventually thrive. He is athletic in the field with good range and an accurate arm. At the plate, he has a fluid swing with good bat speed, and once he makes his adjustments at each level he has been able to demonstrate nice patience. Spann has been young at each level throughout his Red Sox career. Seemed to hit a road block at AAA. Began splitting time between 1B and 3B in 2007.

Chris Barnwell - 29 year old right-handed shortstop. Played for Albuquerque, with a .364 OBP and 16 SB last season.

Update:

Pitchers Jose Capellan and Chad Paronto, and catchers Brian Esposito and Toby Hall were also invited. Righthander Sergio Perez was also invited to spring training.