Twins agree to $820,000 deal with Romero
ss/sports/baseball/mlb/minnesota_twins/7856445.htm

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota Twins avoided salary
arbitration with left-handed reliever J.C. Romero by
agreeing Monday to an $820,000, one-year contract.

Romero, 27, struggled last season after being one of
Minnesota's best pitchers in 2002, when he established
career-highs in wins (nine), earned run average
(1.91), appearances (81), innings pitched (81) and
strikeouts (76).

Last season, he was 2-0 with a 5.00 ERA in 73
appearances. He had 50 strikeouts and walked 42
batters. Romero has a career record of 14-13 with a
4.76 ERA and 219 strikeouts.

This year, he'll be counted on to help lead a bullpen
that lost All-Star closer Eddie Guardado and ace setup
man LaTroy Hawkins.

Romero, who made $325,000 last season, had asked for
$925,000 after filing for salary arbitration and the
Twins had offered $625,000. In addition to his salary,
he would get a $5,000 bonus for appearing in 70 games.

Left-hander Johan Santana and first baseman Doug
Mientkiewicz remain scheduled for hearings.

Webposted 02/02/04


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