The Scouting department filled  several positions this week.

Chuck Ricci was hired as the national cross-checker. He held the same post previously with Cleveland

Bobby Heck, who had been the Astros scouting director before being let go by the new regime, will handle special assignment work.

Two former Rays minor-leaguers were hired as area scouts: Ronnie Merrill, will handle part of Florida and Puerto Rico, and Josh Arhart has southern California.