Roundup: Yanks sign Dominican outfielder

Scouts compare 20-year-old to former player Mondesi

Tom Singer / MLB.com

Hot rumors and cool talk for Tuesday afternoon around the Hot Stove:

Yankees ink recently suspended Dominican outfielder
According to various reports (Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus), the Yankees have reached a $570,000 agreement with Eladio Moronta, who was reinstated seven weeks ago following a one-year suspension by Major League Baseball for misrepresenting his age as 17. Scouts compare the 20-year-old to former player Raul Mondesi.

For Mariners, first things first
Nick Johnson's on-base percentage -- .477 in 35 games with Florida following his trade from Washington -- has made him one of the most popular players on the free-agent market, and the latest to look into him are the Mariners, who will need a first baseman if they are unable to re-sign Russell Branyan, also a free agent. FoxSports.com reports Seattle has also talked to Toronto about a trade for Lyle Overbay, piqued by the Blue Jays' willingness to cover part of his $7 million salary for 2010.

Royals could also be hot on Coco
The White Sox are expressing interest in Coco Crisp, as agent Steve Comte confirmed to the Chicago Tribune, but don't rule out the Royals, who remain , even after having declined his 2010 contract option.

Mets 'bench' Jauss
Dave Jauss, the Orioles bench coach the past two seasons, has been hired to serve the same role on Jerry Manuel's staff as the Mets aligned their 2010 coaching crew. Also added was John Hale to coach third base, with returning coach Razor Shines switching to first base. The Mets also added former Major League manager Terry Collins as their Minor League field coordinator.

Mauer: A new deal under the tree?
One reason next winter's free-agent class is already anticipated as more upscale than the current pool -- newly minted AL MVP Joe Mauer -- could soon be cropped out of the picture.