You know that speculation about the New York Yankees wanting to add vetern left-handed reliever J.C. Romero? Well, that has come true sooner rather than later as the Yankees today signed the 35-year-old to a minor-league contract.
Romero was released by the Philadelphia Phillies after appearing in 24 games this season. He had been pitching in the Washington Nationals minor-league system but the Nationals — apparently uninterested in bringing Romero to the big leagues — released him so he could sign with the Yankees.
The Yankees signed veteran left-hander Pedro Feliciano as a free agent to be their lefty specialist, but Feliciano has not pitched due to a shoulder injury. Lefty Damaso Marte is also on the DL.
Romero will apparently report to AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre, but the guess here is that he won’t stay long. He held left-handed hitters to a .208 batting average while with the Phillies and has held them to a .215 average for his career.
Boone Logan, the only lefty in the Yankee bullpen, has had more success against right-handed hitters (a .133 average) than against lefties, who are hitting .259 against him.
Romero could eventually replace rookie Hector Noesi or veteran long man Sergio Mitre on the pitching staff.