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Colorado Rockies sign pair of former Oakland A’s

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 02: Zach Neal #36 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at the Oakland Coliseum on June 2, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Washington Nationals defeated the Oakland Athletics 13-3. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JUNE 02: Zach Neal #36 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at the Oakland Coliseum on June 2, 2017 in Oakland, California. The Washington Nationals defeated the Oakland Athletics 13-3. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
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Despite the ongoing lockout, teams have been busy looking for players that could make a difference on their roster. Whether these players are depth options or have a viable chance to receive an important role, teams have been actively signing players to minor league contracts in the hope that they can find a diamond in the rough.

Such is the case with the Colorado Rockies. They have signed a pair of former Oakland A’s pitchers, with both Zach Neal and Dillon Overton agreeing to minor league contracts.

Colorado Rockies taking chance on pair of former Oakland A’s arms

Interestingly, both pitchers had their most extensive experience in the majors with the A’s in 2016. That should not be much of a surprise considering the A’s were 69-93 that season as they were looking for pieces that could be a part of their next run of contention.

Neither Neal nor Overton were able to be a part of those plans. Neal posted a 4.89 ERA and a 1.157 WHiP in his 84.2 innings, striking out just 37 batters with seven walks. After he was let go by the A’s after the 2017 season, he signed with the Dodgers, who traded him to the Reds at the start of the 2018 season. Three months later, they re-acquired him in a deal that sent a pair of minor leaguers to Cincinnati. Since then, he has spent the last three years with the Seibu Lions in Japan.

Overton’s stay in Oakland was shorter. He posted an 11.47 ERA and a 2.260 WHiP in his 24.1 innings, striking out 17 batters while issuing seven walks and allowing 12 homers. After being traded to the Mariners after the 2016 season, he spent time in the Padres and Diamondbacks systems before signing with the Rakuten Monkeys in the CBPL.

It is doubtful that either Neal or Overton will make an impact upon the Rockies. However, they do need help in the bullpen. Overton, in particular, was solid in his time overseas. If nothing else, both pitchers are worth a shot.

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A pair of former Oakland A’s pitchers are getting a look with the Colorado Rockies. Both Zach Neal and Dillon Overton are heading to Colorado.