Option Declined on Romero

As expected, the Phillies have declined the $4.5 million team option on left-handed reliever J.C. Romero for 2011.

“Romeo” was signed to a three year, $12 million contract just before the 2008 season to be the situational lefty out of the pen. He did well in his role after signing as a free agent midway through the ’07 season, but was a shell of his former self this year.

In 2008, he was a key contributer for the World Series winning club. However, in 2009, he was nailed for performance-enhancing drug use and battled injuries the past two seasons. Romero will be given a $250,000 buyout.

Mark this one under obvious. Romero was not coming back at that price, both he and the Phillies were well aware of it well in advance. He’ll find work however, and if the Phillies do attempt to bring him back, a minor league deal would be proper.

Pat Gallen

Pat joined Phillies Nation in July 2009, coming over from Examiner.com. As a previous employee of both Comcast SportsNet and the National Basketball Association, Pat prides himself on being a well-rounded individual when it comes to sports. However, the Phillies are first on the list. You’ll usually find Pat chiming in on the Phillies Nation Facebook or Twitter account, weekdays on 97.3 ESPN radio or hosting Phillies Nation TV. He’s also a Senior Writer for the site, and in his free time is a music enthusiast and Will Ferrell movie-follower. His favorite beer: Philly’s own Yards. In 2015, Pat moved on from Phillies Nation as a sports anchor and reporter for CBS-3 in Philadelphia.