By Jared TrexlerA Major League Baseball source confirmed Monday that the Philadelphia Phillies are on the verge of signing right-handed relief pitcher Antonio Alfonseca to a one-year, incentive-laden contract.
The deal could be worth as much as $1.1 million, with under half of that in guaranteed money. The club will not announce the agreement until Alfonseca passes a physical, which likely won't occur until the Domincan Winter Ball season comes to a close.
Winter Ball is where Phillies scouts noticed a slimmer Alfonseca, who reportedly has lost 20 pounds in an effort to return to his 2004 form with the Atlanta Braves. He had elbow problems and a 5.62 ERA in Texas last season before being released.
However, before injury troubles in Florida and Texas, Alfonseca pitched effectively for National League East division rival Atlanta, posting a 2.57 ERA in 79 games.
Alfonseca also has closer's experience, which likely was part of the risk-reward discussion between members of Phillies brass. If he resembles his prior form, the Phillies are getting the services of a 121-save pitcher over 10 seasons with four teams. If he fails to pitch like he has in just over seven innings this winter, General Manager Pat Gillick -- like he has with other players -- will cut his losses and move on.
All indications still point to the Phillies' desire to trade starting pitcher Jon Lieber for relief help before the start of Spring Training, but the club has found the market slim to date. The club's best bet may be auditioning Lieber in Spring Training, while keeping him around as insurance in case one of their high-risk pitchers -- Adam Eaton, Cole Hamels or Jamie Moyer -- goes down with an injury.
Jared Trexler can be reached at jtt128@comcast.net.
5 comments:
Alfonseca = Arthur Rhodes
(But this writer will spin this as a great signing)
This may be a good signing. He didn't cost much, so the risk is low. But if he is in shape and plays anything like he did a few years ago the reward will be great.
A low risk for high potential reward is a good signing in my opinion. It all comes down to what Gillick's scouts think the odds are on reaching that high reward. Obviously they were wrong last year on Rhodes.
john crosley = jared trexler
lol, no I am not Jared Trexler or know him in anyway.
the man has six fingers!!
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