• Roger Bernadina (’07-’08) joined Kalian Sams, Rick van den Hurk, Chris Dickerson, and Curtis Granderson on a trip to France and The Netherlands as part of the European Big League Tour to promote baseball with fans and players.

• The big trade this week for the Nationals sent a trio of former Senators, Steve Lombardozzi (’10-’11), Ian Krol (’13), and Robbie Ray (’13), to the Tigers in exchange for starter Doug Fister.

• Despite leading the Japanese Central League in two of three Triple Crown categories (.333 BA and 136 RBIs), Tony Blanco (’06-’07) finished fifth in the MVP voting to Wladimir Balentien who took home the honors after he set the single-season home run record with 60.

• Reliever Pat McCoy (’11-’13) signed a minor-league deal with the Detroit organization. The southpaw is likely slated to be a member of the Erie SeaWolves’ bullpen.

• After last throwing on November 8th in the Mexican Pacific League, Rafael Martin (’10-’12) was checked out this past Tuesday by Dr. Cuauhtemoc Reyes. If my rudimentary Spanish is correct, Martin is experiencing some issues in his throwing elbow.

• According to Venezuelan journalist Rafael Tejera, the New York Mets have an interest in signing pitchers Armando Galarraga (’05) and Victor Garate (’10). Reportedly, both pitchers have also been offered contracts by teams in Asia.

• Jim Magrane (’07) led T & A San Marino to the Italian Baseball League championship as the hurler was named MVP of the championship series over Telemarket Rimini. Magrane registered two wins in 48 hours as he dominated the league’s best offense in 14 plus innings of work between his two starts to secure the title.