NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Colorado Rockies tried to fill big holes in their bullpen by agreeing to two-year contracts with a pair of former closers, guaranteeing Jason Motte $10 million and Chad Qualls $6 million.
Colorado cut three relievers last month, including Rockies' saves leader John Axford.
The 33-year-old Motte appeared in 57 games with the Chicago Cubs last season, his seventh in the major leagues, and had six saves. He led the NL with 42 saves while with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012. Motte missed 2013 after Tommy John surgery.
Qualls, 37, was 3-5 with a 4.38 ERA with Houston last season. He has 74 saves over a 12-season big league career that has included stints with Arizona, Houston, Tampa Bay, San Diego, Philadelphia, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh and Miami.
Colorado announced the deals Tuesday.
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