Claudio Vargas Retires

Right-hander Claudio Vargas has retired, according to the Pacific Coast League's transactions page.  Vargas signed a minor league deal with the Rockies this winter and he had an 11.08 ERA in 26 innings for Triple-A Colorado Springs this season.  According to Baseball Reference, Vargas earned just over $5.7MM in his career. Vargas, 33, was originally signed as an amateur free agent by Florida in 1995 and pitched for the Expos/Nationals, Diamondbacks, Brewers, Mets and Dodgers in his eight-year pro career.  He retires with a career ERA of 4.83 in 217 games (114 of them starts).  Vargas' best season was 2009, when he posted a 1.74 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP in 36 relief appearances with the Brewers and Dodgers.