It says something that the news is mentioned only in passing in this ESPN.com article on Colorado signing Michael Cuddyer, but former Dodger Casey Blake, remembered here, has agreed to terms on a deal with the Rockies.

Pending a physical, which is a little more than a formality given Blake’s health issues in 2011, Blake has a one-year, non-guaranteed deal worth $2 million, with another million in incentives. The modest deal reflects how hard it was for Blake to stay on the field.

Should the Dodgers have kept him? The likeable Blake did deliver in 239 plate appearances a .342 on-base percentage and .371 slugging percentage with a positive ultimate zone rating at third base, figures that new backup third baseman Adam Kennedy will be challenged to match. But much depends on whether the 38-year-old Blake’s physical condition stabilizes or worsens in 2012, something we have no idea about. In the end, it’s possible he could do well enough to cause some Dodger fans frustration, but the Dodgers probably aren’t going to worse off without Blake in 2012.

Update: Jeff Aberle of Purple Row is a big fan of the signing.