17-year Major League veteran Russ Springer has accepted an offer to join the Cincinnati Reds, according to Bob Tompkins of thetowntalk.com.

The 41-year-old right-handed pitcher who has not pitched since 2009, threw for five teams before accepting an offer with the Reds.

“Me being a big Cincinnati fan growing up, even though the other offer (of the final two) was better, all of a sudden I went from being not really excited to looking at it as a kid again when I was pulling for them during the Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, George Foster days.

If Springer makes the big league club, he’ll receive a pro-rated portion of an $850,000 salary. He is scheduled to be at Triple-A Louisville for 10-14 days to test his arm.

“They’ve got a young bullpen,” Springer said of the Reds, “and they said they needed a guy who has been there before to help in key situations. During my career, I’ve been in most of them.”

Springer pitched for the Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays in 2009. He went 1-4 with a 4.11 ERA in 74 appearances.

Related posts:

1. Cincinnati Reds sign Gary Matthews Jr
2. Cincinnati Reds sign RHP Kip Wells to a Minor League contract
3. Cincinnati Reds Rumors: Cardinals Accuse Reds of Foul Play
4. Cincinnati Reds sign INF Miguel Cairo to Minor League deal
5. Cincinnati Reds targeting LHP Cliff Lee