Jesse Orosco, at 46 the oldest player in the major leagues, agreed Monday to a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The left-hander would get an $800,000 salary if he is added to the major league roster and would have the chance to earn an additional $200,000 in performance bonuses.
Orosco, was 2-2 with two saves and a 7.68 ERA in 65 games last season with San Diego, the New York Yankees and Minnesota. He turns 47 on April 21.
"He got the three things he wanted," said Orosco's agent, Alan Meersand. "He's on a contender. He's close to home in San Diego and he got No. 47. When you've done what he's done in the game, it comes down to getting his uniform number."
Orosco has set major league records with 1,252 games pitched and 1,248 relief appearances over 24 seasons.
He started his major league career with the New York Mets in 1979 and also has pitched for Los Angeles, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Baltimore and St. Louis.
Orosco has an 87-80 career record with 144 saves, a 3.16 ERA. A two-time All-Star, he got the final out of the 1986 World Series for the Mets against Boston--the season in which he was immortalized via the instant classic video game, RBI Baseball.
Boy, the DBacks definitely shored up their shaky bullpen! With Orosco, they'll be able to close out games with the best of them. This should take the sting out of losing Schilling.
speaking of uncle jesses... i saw a funny thing about my other 2 favorite uncle jesses the other day. i was at kinkos and there was some sign that said 2 out of 3 uncle jesses agree and it had a picture of dukes of hazard and full house uncle jesses. also as i type my dog is drinking from my 16 oz pbr can.
Jessie Orosco is convincing me that he will outlast all other RBI'ers...
Hofer? I say yea. The over-under for his age when elected has to be 55. He could pitch 'till he's 50.
Outlast all RBIers? That is too conservative... he will outlast all of us.
In what, a drinking contest? Actually, wait, he's a 25-year vet . . .