By Charlie O. Mallonee

According to reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and MLB.com, the Oakland Athletics are in the final stages of signing LHP Scott Kazmir to a two-year, $22 million contract. A physical must be completed before the deal is finalized.

Kazmir pitched for the Cleveland Indians in 2013. He posted a record of 10-9 with a 4.04 ERA in 29 starts. Kazmir averaged 9.2 strikeouts and 2.7 walks per nine innings pitched. He recorded a WHIP of 1.323.

Kazmir was released by the Los Angeles Angels in 2011 after he struggled with his control. He spent the 2012 season playing independent ball in an attempt to make it back to the Major Leagues. Cleveland signed him to a minor league contract in 2013 before promoting him to majors in May.

The reports also indicated that the signing of Kazmir ends the pursuit of free agent Bartolo Colon.