Phillies decline 4.5 million dollar option on Romero

The Phillies season just ended a few days ago and we already have our first offseason move: the team has declined their 4.5 million dollar club option on relief pitcher J.C. Romero, making him a free agent. Given his fading numbers over the last few seasons, it was a no-brainer move for the Phillies to not bring back Romero at that price tag, though there is still the possibility that he re-signs with the club at a smaller dollar amount.

Romero, who spent the last 4 years with the Phillies, was a key part of the bullpen in the 2008 World Series run. Over the last two seasons, he has dealt with injury problems and issues with his command, making him far less reliable. If they don't bring him back, the Phillies are likely counting on Antonio Bastardo or Sergio Escalona to take Romero's role out the bullpen.

This should be a relatively quiet offseason for the Phillies, who don't have a lot of money to spend or holes to fill. With Jayson Werth likely gone, the team will try to find a cheaper right handed outfielder, but beyond always needing more bullpen help, the Phillies don't have any glaring needs. Of course, there are those ever-present Cliff Lee rumors....