Colorado Rockies Sign Pitcher Mike McClendon to a Minor League Deal

The Colorado Rockies are looking for relief help in their overworked bullpen going forward in 2013 and have taken a low-risk chance on pitcher Mike McClendon that could pay dividends.

According to Thomas Harding of MLB.com, the Rockies signed the 28-year-old reliever to a minor league contract with an invitation to MLB Spring Training.

Last year, with the Milwaukee Brewers, McClendon pitched in only nine big-league games and became available as a non-tendered free agent. The Rockies are hoping he will be closer to his form of 2010 in the upcoming season.

His rookie year with the Brewers, McClendon pitched in 17 games and posted a respectable 3.00 ERA. In his big-league debut, according to Baseball Reference, he pitched three perfect innings in relief on August 14, 2010. The Brewers would eventually win that game over the Rockies, 5-4.

In his second game, he also threw three good innings, this time earning the 6-5 win over the Padres.

McClendon has shown flashes of excellence, something the Rockies need a lot of in their bullpen heading into 2013.

If the Rockies employ the four-man rotation, as Aaron Gleeman of NBCSports.com thinks they will, new manager Walt Weiss will need all the fresh relievers he can get.