Brewers Sign Claudio Vargas to Minor League Deal

The Milwaukee Brewers have signed right-handed pitcher Claudio Vargas to a minor league deal, according to Storm Kirschenbaum of Metis Sports Management, Vargas' agency:

MSM client, Claudio Vargas has agreed to terms with Milwaukee Brewers on a minor league deal. Reports to Nashville Sound pending physical.

— Storm Kirschenbaum (@MetisSports) May 14, 2012

He passed his physical and will join AAA Nashville, adds Kirschenbaum (via twitter).

Brew Crew Ball offers some initial thoughts on the addition:

Vargas is still only 33 years old but is an eight year major league veteran with a 4.83 career ERA over 217 appearances (114 starts). This is his third tour of duty in the Brewer organization: He pitched in 29 games (23 starts) for the 2007 Brewers, then came back in a trade with the Dodgers two seasons later and made 45 appearances in relief between 2009 and 2010.

Vargas hasn't pitched in the majors since the Brewers released him in June of 2010. He last pitched in affiliated ball with the Rockies in 2011, but retired in June after posting an 11.08 ERA in eight AAA appearances.

While it isn't immediately apparent why the Brewers would pursue Vargas, other than familiarity, the move adds depth in the short term and a potential roster improvement in the long term.