Nats sign Peterson, Delcarmen, Jeroloman to minor league deals (updated)

The Nationals have announced the signing of three players to minor league contracts: first baseman Brock Peterson, right-handed reliever Manny Delcarmen and catcher Brian Jeroloman. All three players also receive invitations to big league spring training. Peterson is an interesting signing. A former 49th-round pick back in 2002, he appeared in 23 games with the Cardinals in 2013, his first taste of the big leagues at age 29. He went 2-for-26 (.077) with two RBIs, two walks and 11 strikeouts. Peterson, now 30, put up a monster season at Triple-A Memphis, however, hitting 25 home runs, driving in 86 and posting a strong .296/.364/.531 slash line. I had previously reported Delcarmen's signing. The former Red Sox righty last appeared in the majors in 2010, posting a 4.99 ERA and 1.471 WHIP in 57 games. He helped lead Boston to a World Series title in 2007. Last season, Delcarmen put up a 2.83 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 54 innings at Triple-A Norfolk, the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate. Jeroloman batted .228/.333/.278 as part of three minor league teams (Pittsburgh's Triple-A affiliate in Indianapolis, Triple-A Syracuse and Double-A Harrisburg). He was hospitalized for multiple days after a vicious home plate collision during the playoffs while playing with Harrisburg. He joined the Nationals' organization last year after being traded from the Pirates during the season. Update: Major League Baseball announced that more than $120,000 was raised for StandUp2Cancer through its online auction of unique baseball experiences and items. The top money-raising item was having Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon visit a child's school for lunch. That item raised $9,126. A tremendous cause, and a tremendous amount of support by some baseball fans out there.