Nationals sign Mench to Minor League deal

It is said that the Nationals have signed outfielder Kevin Mench to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. The right-handed-hitting Mench spent this past season playing in Japan for the Hanshin Tigers, but he is best remembered for his years with the Rangers from 2002-06.

Mench's best season in the Major Leagues was in 2004, when he hit .279 with 26 home runs and 73 RBIs in the rangers jersey. He has played seven big league seasons and has a .269 career batting average with 89 home runs and 330 RBIs.

Rangers sent Gilroy to AHL

It is reported that New York Rangers defenseman Matt Gilroy, who made the team in his first NHL training camp after a successful college career, was sent to the American Hockey League affiliate. Gilroy had 4 goals and 6 point in 30 games in his new york rangers jersey this season, but he doesn't have a point in his last four games.Gilroy also was beaten by Dustin Byfuglien on the game-winning goal.

Signing Gilroy last season was considered a major role for the Rangers. He was a highly sought after college free agent following four strong seasons at Boston University. He had 8 goals and 37 points in 45 games with the Terriers last season, and won the Hobey Baker Award as the NCAA's best player.

Pudge expected to join in Nationals

The Nationals announced they will hold a news conference at Nationals Park on Friday to announce the signing of a free-agent player, who is expected to be veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez. The club signed the catcher to a two-year contract worth $6 million during the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis. He is the 14-time All-Star combined with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs in 121 games with the Astros and Rangers last season.

Rodriguez is expected to be the backup to catcher Jesus Flores, who played in just 29 games last season because of injuries. Hope he can put on the nationals jersey and play for the team.

Panthers term with Dominic Moore

Florida Panthers General Manager Randy Sexton announced that the club has termed on a one-year deal with Dominic Moore. Moore has played in 305 career National Hockey League games for the Rangers, Penguins, wilds, Maple Leafs and Sabres, scoring 35 goals with 65 assists and 200 PIM.

Moore was traded from Maple Leafs to Sabres at the deadline last season. Prior to playing in the NHL, he played four years at Harvard, recording a best 51 points during his senior season. Moore was drafted by the Rangers in the third round in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

San Jose Sharks sign center Manny Malhotra

San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced that the team has signed center Manny Malhotra to a one-year contract. Malhotra recently finished his 12th NHL season, posting a career-high 35 points.

Malhotra finished second in the NHL face-offs in 2007-08 and 12th in 2006-07. In 634 NHL games with the New York Rangers, Dallas and Columbus, he has collected 197 points and 344 penalty minutes.