Former Rockies OF Ryan Spilborghs signs in Japan

Former Colorado Rockies outfielder Ryan Spilborghs has agreed in principle to a one-year contract with the Seibu Lions of Japan's Pacific League, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post.

The 33-year-old spent nine years in the Rockies organization after being drafted in the seventh round of the 2002 MLB June Amateur Draft out of University of California, Santa Barbara. In seven seasons at the big league level with Colorado, Spilborghs hit .272 with 42 home runs and 218 RBI.

Spilborghs was non-tendered by the Rockies in December of 2011, and signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians in January of 2012. He was assigned to Triple-A Columbus coming out of spring training and hit .250 with one home run and 13 RBI in 21 games for the Clippers. In May of 2012, he was traded to the Texas Rangers and assigned to Triple-A Round Rock where he hit .295 with eight home runs and 56 RBI in 436 plate appearances for the Express.