Several former Northwoods League players recently had their contracts purchased by their Major League squad when they were added to the 40-Man Roster. Although it isn’t a guaranteed spot on a Major League roster, it is an important step on a player’s path to the big leagues.

For many of these players, this move was made so that their current organization keeps the player’s rights without the risk of another organization selecting him in the upcoming Rule-5 Draft.

Former Northwoods League players added to a 40-Man Roster include:

Baltimore Orioles 1B Rhyne Hughes (Duluth ’04)
Chicago Cubs LHP John Gaub (St. Cloud ’04)
Florida Marlins RHP Jay Buente (Wisconsin ’04-05)
St. Louis Cardinals OF Allen Craig (Alexandria ’03/05)

In other transaction news, the Pittsburgh Pirates have claimed RHP Chris Jakubauskas (St. Cloud ’99) off waivers from the Mariners.