[riverside sluggers]

Mets signed RHP Matt Wise, who had been with the Brewers, to a one-year contract.

The Brewers liked Guillermo Mota better, so they traded for him last month and then non-tendered Wise last week. Our guess is that Wise is the more effective pitcher next season, and the Mets are probably getting him for less than half the $3.2 million Mota was due to make. He'll work in middle relief.

Astros signed RHP Chad Paronto, who had been with the Braves, to a one-year contract.

Another mediocrity for Houston's pitching staff. Paranto went unclaimed on waivers in October before becoming a free agent and only figured to receive minor league offers this winter, but the Astros have no shortage of 40-man roster spots to use in order to tempt some of the borderline guys. While Paronto, 32, had a 3.57 ERA in 40 1/3 innings for Atlanta last season, that came with a 1.64 WHIP and just 14 strikeouts. If the Astros pick up enough of these guys, odds are that one or two will turn in good seasons and be useful in middle relief.

Padres signed second baseman Tadahito Iguchi, who had been with the Phillies, to a one-year, $4 million contract.

There's a good chance Iguchi will hit second for the Padres, but even that probably wouldn't make him worth using in shallow mixed leagues with Petco Park sure to take a heavy toll on his power numbers. If he bats sixth or seventh instead, he'd be someone to avoid in all formats.