Mark Sheldon of MLB.com is reporting the Reds have interest in relief pitcher John Axford, although an agreement isn’t close. Sheldon: “Last season for Indians and Pirates, Axford was 2-4 with a 3.95 ERA in 62 appearances. He also pitched for the Cardinals and Brewers during his career.”
Plus: Axford still has his fastball velocity (over 94 mph), swinging strike rate and strikeout rate. His ground ball rate increased dramatically this year. His SIERA was 3.74.
Minus: His walk rate is really, really high. He will be 32 years old on Opening Day.
Not a bad signing if it’s cheap and for one year. Bullpen depth = good. Two-year contracts for replacement level veterans = Bad.