This is the January 31, 2013 news archive. View today's NL East news and rumors.

NL East News and Rumors

Roundup: Pirates avoid arbitration with Walker, McDonald

CNNSI.com

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates agreed to terms on 2013 contracts with second baseman Neil Walker and right-handed pitcher James McDonald on Thursday, avoiding arbitration.

CNNSI.com

NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Mets have signed right-hander LaTroy Hawkins to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

CNNSI.com

PHOENIX (AP) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a $40 million, four-year contract with Martin Prado just a week after acquiring the former All-Star infielder in a trade that sent Justin Upton to Atlanta.

Andrew Keh, nytimes.com

Concerned about their bullpen, the Mets have signed LaTroy Hawkins to a minor league contract.

Marty Noble, MLB.com

Earl Williams, the 1971 National League Rookie of the Year who played for the Braves, Orioles, Expos and Athletics, died this week at home in Somerset, N.J. The Newark Star-Ledger reported his death, noting that Williams had been diagnosed with acute le…

Anthony DiComo, MLB.com

The Mets added another veteran reliever to their growing stable Thursday, inking LaTroy Hawkins to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. The right-hander confirmed the deal on his Twitter account.

Matthew Leach, MLB.com

The Nationals and Braves were two of the top teams in all of baseball in 2012. And after a busy offseason for both, they'll be the class of the NL East again this season.