What It Means:

Included in the deal is another $4 million in incentives based on games finished. Axford and fellow free agent signee Ryan Madson both figure to see work in a setup-type role, but there is always the potential for either to close games.

Axford posted a 4.20 ERA over 55 2/3 innings pitched this season for the Colorado Rockies. His 3.74 xFIP suggests that he was unlucky as does his .342 opponent batting average on balls in play. Axford had a 24.8 strikeout percentage (league average is 20.4 percent) and a superb 56.1 ground ball rate. He should help improve an Oakland bullpen that posted the sixth-worst xFIP last season at 4.21.