PHILADELPHIA -- Free-agent reliever J.C. Romero re-signed
with the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, agreeing to a
three-year, $12 million contract.
The Phillies have a club option for a fourth that could bring
the total value of the contract to $16.75 million, assistant
general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said.
"J.C. had an outstanding three months for us this year,
particularly down the stretch," Amaro said. "He was an integral
part of our winning the NL East and we're very happy we could get
him signed before he hit the open market."
The 30-year-old left-hander went 2-2 with one save and a 1.92
ERA in 74 games with the Phillies and Boston Red Sox last season.
Romero had a 3.15 ERA in 23 games with Boston before being released
on June 18.
He signed a minor league contract with the Phillies on June 23,
and made his National League debut six days later against the New York Mets.
Romero had a 1.24 ERA in 51 games with the Phillies. He worked
15 2/3 scoreless innings in his last 20 appearances of the regular
season and went 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in three playoff games.
"I'm glad I didn't have to go out and test the free agent
market," Romero said. "I had a great time with the Phillies and
really wanted to come back."