The Yankees signed LaTroy Hawkins to a contract today:

The New York Yankees finalized a $3.75 million, one-year contract with LaTroy Hawkins on Thursday, strengthening their weak middle relief with the veteran right-hander.

Hawkins, who turned 35 last Friday, was 2-5 with a 3.42 ERA last season for the Colorado Rockies. He made $3.25 million and Colorado declined a $3.75 million option, choosing to pay a $250,000 buyout.

So Hawkins ends up with a $250,000 raise over his option. Not a bad piece of change. It took LaTroy a while to find his niche in the majors. He didn't work as a starter or closer, but settled into middle relief just fine. Since 2002 he's posted a 2.93 ERA with very low walk and home run rates. He's a nice, cheap solution to the Yankees bullpen needs.