DENVER - Reliever John Axford has agreed to a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies and will try to earn a job as a setup man for closer LaTroy Hawkins.

Axford was 2-4 with a 3.95 ERA in 62 games with Cleveland and Pittsburgh last year, when he struck out 63 and walked 36.

In six seasons in the major leagues, Axford is 24-23 with a 3.40 ERA and 116 saves, including 10 for Cleveland in last year.

He would get a $2.6 million, one-year contract if he's added to the 40-man roster and have the chance to earn performance bonuses.