Former Cy Young winner Barry Zito will throw for a group of Major League clubs on Tuesday reports ESPN’s Jim Bowden.
Zito sat out the entire 2014 season after finishing 2013 with a 5.74 ERA in 133 1/3 innings of work.
Set to be 37 in May, it is unclear how much Zito could offer to any club. He figures to generate some interest but will surely have to accept an incentive laden deal if he really wants to return to the game. At that rate he would be a low risk option for someone at the tail end of their bullpen.
If Zito does not resume his career he will finish his 14 year career with a 165-143 record 4.02 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP.
John Axford signs with Rockies
John Axford will enter Spring Training this year with the Rockies.
A one-time closer, Axford split last seaso between the Indians and Pirates finishing with a 3.95 ERA and 63/36 K/BB ratio in 54 2/3 innings.
Axford should have little trouble cracking the Rockies Opening Day roster. The 31-year-old should be one of the Rockies better options out of the pen. His contract is said to be worth $2.6 million with another $1.5 million available in performance-based incentives.
Diamondbacks sign Gerald Laird
The Diamondbacks have added some depth at catcher singing Gerald Laird to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
With Miguel Montero traded away the Diamondbacks were in need of catching depth.
Laird, 35, hit 204/.275/.257 in 167 plate appearances last season for the Braves.
The Diamondbacks are expected to begin the season with Tuffy Gosewisch as their starter but Laird should see a fair share of at-bats.
