2010 MLB Free Agency: Phillies Close to Re-signing Jose Contreras

Free agent Jose Contreras and the Philadelphia Phillies could be close to completing a two-year contract, according to ESPNdeportes.com. The report also said that Contreras's contract will be for $ 5 million with a third year option, based on the performance of the 38-year-old player.

Online betting fans should take into consideration that Contreras was the Phillies third most important arm in the bullpen in the 2010 season, with a 3.34 earned run average in 67 appearances as a first-year Phillie. Also, last season, the right-hander had a 6-4 record, four saves, struck out 57 batters, and allowed only 16 walks in 56 2/3 innings.

Not to mention that in his eight-year MLB career, Contreras is 77-67 and 4.55 ERA with the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies and the Phillies.
For his part, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. hasn't confirmed the team’s interest in keeping free agent Contreras, but has said that left-handed reliever is a priority for them, taking into account that the bullpen could lose three veterans to free agency - right-handers Contreras and Chad Durbin, and left-hander J.C. Romero.

On the other hand, the Phillies have signed three veteran relievers for the 2011 season: Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson and Danys Baez, and they seem to be very close of adding a fourth name to the list, so let’s wait and see what happens.