Romero becomes free agent as Phils decline option
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Romero becomes free agent as Phils decline option
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
In an expected move, the Phillies have declined their $4.5 million option on J.C. Romero's contract, making the veteran lefty a free agent.
Romero, who will be paid a $250,000 buyout, logged just 53 1/3 innings over the last two seasons after posting a 2.75 ERA in 59 innings in 2008.
"No clue," the 34-year-old lefty said on Saturday night when asked of his chances of returning. "I'm blank right now. Don't know what's going to happen."
Romero said he thinks he has many years remaining in baseball.
"I just turned 34," he said. "I just got a brand new arm," referring to surgery to repair a flexor tendon that he underwent last offseason.
Romero appeared in 60 games in 2010, pitching well in some stretches and struggling with his command in others. He posted a 3.68 ERA, but walked a career-high 7.1 batters-per-nine-innings. He struck out 6.9 batters-per-nine, a full batter lower than he retired in 2008, when he posted a 2.75 ERA, 7.9 K/9 and 5.8 BB/9 in 59 innings over 81 appearances.
The Phillies have only three relievers under contract for 2011: Closer Brad Lidge, set-up man Ryan Madson, and veteran righthander Danys Baez, who struggled during the 2010 season and was left off the roster for both rounds of the postseason.
The Phillies now have six players who will become free agents, assuming they do not agree to contracts with the Phillies in the five days between the end of the World Series and the start of the signing period.
The others are Jayson Werth, Chad Durbin, Jamie Moyer, Mike Sweeney and Jose Contreras.
The Phillies have had decent success lately dumpster diving for middle relievers; i.e. Chan Ho Park & Jose Contreras - - - - I wouldn't mind seeing Rube offer a one-year, incentive-laden deal to Damaso Marte to fill the lefty specialist role - - - - He completely negated Utley & Howard in the '09 World Series, and pitched very well in his previous stint in the NL with the Pirates.— PhightinPhil
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Don't see much changing this year beyond the bullpen. JC's time was up, but would like to see Durbin & Contreras back. Valdez is also valuable for a team with age/injury issues. The outfield could be a stinking mess next year...- well--since Howard is untradeable[because of contract]i guess we will have to bring up that right handed slugger RIZZO who was at Reading---and platoon him against lefties--i think he hit 350 at Reading and LV.— richweb
- Give me Bastardo at his salary over Romero. Romero ... too many walks.— DPL
- Take Zagurski with you JC. Nothing worse than a guy who is so weak-minded and lazy that he cant even keep himself in decent shape even if it means he loses a shot at a baseball career. Yeah, there are other out of shape pitchers, but he is flat out obese and has the look of an absolute dope on his face. Go away.— Sewellmatt
- Sweeney and Durbin, maybe Contreras.— stop2think
- Claudio Vernight: Epitome of suck? LOL! Great job of catorizing that fool! The Phils are the best team in baseball the last three years despite only winning one championship. Their run isn't over; they'll be back at the top next year again.— James TL
