The New York Yankees rather famously have question marks at the back of their rotation. Nevermind issues with A.J. Burnett or Phil Hughes' spring velocity; the team is leaning on Ivan Nova, Bartolo Colon, and/or Freddy Garcia to carry the fourth and fifth spots. It should come as little surprise that the Yankees have been looking around for more help, and on Friday they found another warm body, signing Kevin Millwood to a minor league contract.
Millwood spent the offseason working out and looking for a new home, and won't be ready to begin the regular season with New York, as he'll have to stretch out and build up his arm strength. He'll report to the minors, and once he's ready, the team will evaluate whether or not it's worth shuffling Millwood into the rotation at the expense of anyone else. Basically, he's insurance, and there's nothing wrong with having depth.
Millwood's contract includes incentives should he make it to the Majors. The 36-year-old righty has posted an ERA north of 5 in three of the last four seasons, including last year with Baltimore, but he's got that proven veteran shine to him, he's pitched in the playoffs, and he's durable, so he's worth a virtually risk-free flier.