Romero becomes free agent as Phils decline option
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 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.
This is a team on the decline. Say hello to another long stretch with no postseason.
— SteveS11- Is this a good move? That depends on what they do with the $4.25M.— filzfan
- Hey MRD.....Giants fan, correct?— PhiEagleII
- MRD you are nuts. This team has the most wins/ highest winning percentage in the MAJORS over the past 4 years. WTF are you talking about not wanting to play for a "losing club?" Because they lost to the Giants in 6 games in the NLDS? Do you read your own stupid posts? There are a long line of players who would kill to play for this team in this city, in this ballpark.
- MRD is actually Pat Burrell. Mr six pack himself.— jamesiri
- MRD must be a child, as he apparently knows nothing about baseball and the Phiilies success over the last few years.— CTeaglefn
- There's a few MM saved. Now find someone who's got a lefty to trade for Baez.
- JC is not worth much. Glad to see him go. Sign Contreras. Find a middle reliever instead of Durbin. Dump Baez or trade him for a minor leaguer. Bastardo has possibilities. Get another situational lefty reliever. The bulpen needs much work— Al Lefer
- Thanks for your service Philly Fan in Kuwait!— PhiEagleII
- With Romero gone who's going to walk the bases full in the 8th? Baez should be gone but with the contract chances are he stays. Contreras is a keeper. Durbin ... hard to say but I'm guessing he's gone. Lots of voids to fill in that bullpen. You have to think Mathieson is being eyed for a spot. But other than that, where do they get the rest of the pieces?
As for the others declining, again very hard to say with all the injuries. Chase was definitely off but he also missed time with the injury and maybe he pushed it coming back too soon. We all like when a guy pushes to return early but you have to wonder if maybe that hurt him come playoff time. Howard, Rollins and Polanco all also with injuries. How much of that is true age decline versus the injuries? We may never know unless they call come in healthy and play the year with no significant DL time.— s - MRD - your hot pocket is ready. Time to get out your Giants footie pajamas for tomorrow night.— coloradoeagle
- Romero should be back at a lower number,...lets stop pannicking people— SyddBarrett
- MRD - I'm guessing 3rd grade dropout. Winningest team in baseball last year, over the last 3 years. In contrast loser: you, your mother, your father if you have one. Your paper doll collection. Your life as the epitome of suck. Be thankful that your imbelicity is not like your social diseases - it can't be transmitted even if you can't get it treated.— Claudio Vernight
- JC had one good year for us. Relievers who don't throw strikes are useless, so this is a good move. Bastardo has a better fastball. Hopefully he'll get his command.
As for those who suggest getting rid of Utley after one bad season marked by a hand injury, you're idiots. Plus, I'd bet he was injured during the playoffs.— VicM - The door behind him can't close fast enough.— PhightinPhil
