Pitcher Jeff Francis, a draft pick of the Colorado Rockies back in 2002 , requested and was granted his release by the Reds organization today.

Francis is now a free agent and is free to sign with any MLB team looking to bolster its pitching depth.

Various rumors have the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets pursuing Francis but it's Colorado, where Francis played for six seasons before joining the Royals, that seems like the most likely destination for the 31 year-old.

The Rockies have used nine different starting pitchers this season including Jamie Moyer who was released by the team last week. Moyer's departure would seem to leave an opening for Francis who has not pitched in a Major League game since last year.

Francis' ERA, which hovers around 5.0, would seemingly make Francis a perfect fit.