Rockies sign Jeff Francis to one-year deal

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Rockies and left-handed starting pitcher Jeff Francis have agreed in principle to a one-year, major-league contract, CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler has confirmed.

Jeff Francis will return to Colorado. (US Presswire)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Rockies and left-handed starting pitcher Jeff Francis have agreed in principle to a one-year, major-league contract, CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler has confirmed. Francis will make a guaranteed $1.5 million for the 2013 season, and incentives could push the total value to $3 million.

Francis, 31, was 6-7 with a 5.58 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 76 strikeouts in 113 innings last season for the Rockies in 24 starts. He enjoyed the two best years of his career in Colorado in 2006-07.

It's likely that Francis is a part of the Rockies' rotation entering the 2013 season, along with the likes of Jorge De La Rosa, Drew Pomeranz, Jhoulys Chacin and Juan Nicasio.

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