Phils re-sign Jerome Williams

WITH UNCERTAINTY on the major league staff and no one in the minor league system expected to compete for a starting job this spring, the Phillies re-signed veteran Jerome Williams last night.

Williams, who joined the team in August, agreed to a 1-year, $2.5 million deal. The contract also includes performance bonuses.

A native of Hawaii, Williams turns 33 in December. He would have been eligible to become a free agent after the World Series.

Williams is likely to compete for one of the final slots in the Phillies' starting rotation when he reports to spring training.

Depending on what else the Phillies accomplish this winter, with a clear need for more pitching depth, Williams could also eventually find himself in the swingman role between the rotation and bullpen, much like the position Kyle Kendrick held in 2011-12. But Williams thrived in a starting spot with the Phillies.

Williams went 6-7 with a 4.77 ERA in 37 games (11 starts) between the Phillies, Astros and Rangers in 2014. After replacing Roberto Hernandez in the Phillies' rotation, Williams went 4-2 with a 2.83 ERA in nine starts.

Since Williams found a comfort spot in the Phillies' rotation and since the team is short on starting pitching depth, it's not surprising the two sides decided to continue the relationship.

The Phillies had interest in Williams last winter, but he signed a 1-year, $2.1 million contract with Houston, where he was used exclusively as a reliever. Williams had a 6.04 ERA in 26 games with the Astros.

After a two-game stint with Texas, Williams latched on with the Phillies in mid-August. He held the opposition to two runs or fewer in six of his nine starts.

With Williams under contract, the Phillies have four starting pitchers in line for their 2015 rotation: Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee, David Buchanan and Williams.

But since Lee was limited to 13 starts in 2014 after two stints on the disabled list with elbow issues, and Buchanan has pitched in all of 20 big-league games, they have little certainty on the starting staff behind Hamels.

A.J. Burnett, who led all major league starters in losses, earned runs and walks in 2014, could elect to return in 2015, too.

Burnett has until 5 days after the World Series ends to notify the Phillies if he'll pick up a $12.75 million player option in the deal he signed last February. Burnett, who turns 38 in January and contemplated retirement last winter, went 8-18 with a 4.59 ERA in 34 starts in 2014.

Kendrick, 30, will file for free agency for the first time in his career following the conclusion of the World Series.