For many years John Axford was a thorn in the side of the Pittsburgh Pirates. From 2009-2012 he pitched with the Milwaukee Brewers, and was one of the better closers in the National League. Then in August 2013, he remained in the NL Central when he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals.
In 2014, he was finally out of the NL Central. This came after he signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Cleveland Indians. Then in August of 2014, he would return to the NL Central. This time, with the Pittsburgh Pirates.