MIKE RIVERA, ERICK ALMONTE BACK IN THE NEWS

The Atlantic League did not have any of its former players taken in Thursday's Rule 5Draft as part of the Winter Meetings in Dallas, but chalk up one more player who has been given a new contract by his major league organization.

The mutual admiration society that has existed between catcher Mike Rivera (Atlantic City)and Milwaukee for several seasons obviously still breathes because the Brewers have brought back the free agent. He is under contract to Triple-A Nashville. Rivera was 2-for-6 in his latest stint with the parent club in 2011.

COULD MAGIC STRIKE A SECOND TIME FOR ERICK ALMONTE?

Shortstop/utilityman Erick Almonte, who had such a strong spring training this year that he opened the season with the parent Milwaukee Brewers, is an early invitee to the National League team's Arizona camp for 2012.

The veteran, who played for Long Island at one time, has had a hot bat in the Dominican Republic so far this offseason.

Subscription to the Insider only $48 from now through December, 2012.

REQUEST A FREE SAMPLE COPY OF THE INDEPENDENT BASEBALL INSIDER