Report: Kazmir to sign with independent Sugarland Skeeters
Two-time All-Star pitcher Scott Kazmir is close to signing a contract to pitch for the independent Sugarland (Texas) Skeeters, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
Kazmir, 28, was released by the Angels June 15, 2011, and hasn't pitched since because of elbow problems.
Kazmir threw for scouts for six teams in the offseason but wasn't seriously courted.
A Mets' first-round pick (15th overall) in the 2002 MLB Draft, Kazmir was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2004 in a deal that brought Victor Zambrano to New York. Zambrano went on to go 10-14 for the Mets with a 4.42 ERA over 39 appearances, while Kazmir went on to make two All-Star appearances for the Rays and lead the American League in strikeouts during the 2007 season.
He also went 12-8 with a 3.49 ERA in 2008, the year that Tampa Bay captured its first AL pennant.
The Kazmir trade is widely regarded as one of the worst in Mets history, with Mets beat writers like John Delcos (formerly of the Journal News) and Adam Rubin of ESPN New York among those who have cast the deal in that negative light.
Elbow troubles have plagued Kazmir in recent years, and he made just one start for the Angels in 2011, who released him last June.
