Reports: Rockies set to sign RHP Hawkins
Over the past nine seasons, LaTroy Hawkins earned a total of 32 saves. He will turn 41 years old in a month.
Neither of those facts concerned the Colorado Rockies, who reached an agreement Monday with the free agent right-hander. According to multiple media reports, Hawkins will receive a one-year, $2.5 million deal, and he will receive the get to earn the closer role in camp. The Rockies will hold a contract option for 2015.
Colorado was the fifth stop on Hawkins' tour of the major leagues. He pitched for the Rockies in 2007, helping them reach the World Series -- his only appearance in the Fall Classic during a 19-season career. Hawkins allowed one run in five innings over five postseason appearances that year.
He subsequently played for five additional teams, including the New York Mets in 2013. Hawkins went 3-2 with 13 saves and a 2.93 ERA in 72 games this year.
The Rockies are in need of a closer after right-hander Rafael Betancourt underwent Tommy John surgery in September, an operation that will cost him the entire 2014 season.
Hawkins' save total this year was his highest since he had 25 saves for the Chicago Cubs in 2004. He only other season with 15 or more saves was 2001, when he had 28 saves for the Minnesota Twins.
With the retirement of New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, Hawkins is the active leader among pitchers with 943 career appearances (93 of them starts from 1995-99). He ranks 20th in major league history in appearances. Overall, he has a 68-99 record with 101 saves and a 4.37 ERA.
