Yanks Sign Ensberg To Minor League Deal

According to ESPN, the Yankees signed career third baseman Morgan Ensberg to a minor league contract which will allow the 32 year-old to compete for a spot at the merry go-round that's become first base.

Terms of the contract weren't immediately available. Ensberg signed a minor-league deal, with an invitation to major league camp. The Yankees' 40-man roster is currently full, but three spots are expected to open when Carl Pavano, Humberto Sanchez and Andrew Brackman are transferred to the 60-day disabled list in March.

Ensberg hit 36 home runs for the Houston Astros in 2005 and made the National League All-Star team. The Astros sent him to the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline last July, and he hit .230 with 12 homers in 115 games overall with the two clubs.

Ensberg is a bit of an enigma, though he is also an interesting guy. If you never read the ESPN Magazine article from three or so years ago, Ensberg survived a hostage situation while in the minor leagues. The incident left an indelible mark on him and forever left his confidence on and off the baseball field in flux.