ANAHEIM -- Two items on the agenda were settled Friday as the Angels declined to pick up the option on J.C. Romero's contract, while Darin Erstad had surgery on his right ankle.
Romero, who made $2.2 million last season, stood to make $2.75 million in 2007, but instead will receive a $250,000 buyout. The left-handed reliever posted a 1-2 record with a 6.70 ERA in 65 relief appearances with the Angels in 2006.
Acquired last December from the Twins in exchange for Minor League infielder Alexi Casilla, Romero was added to bolster the bullpen. As the lone lefty for most of the season, Romero was used as both a specialist against left-handed hitters and in the setup role, but struggled to find consistency.
Opponents hit .298 against Romero with right-handers posting a .376 mark and lefties hitting .211. He has a career record of 26-22 with two saves and a 4.60 ERA in 392 appearances, including 22 starts.
Erstad underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs from his right ankle. Slated to start in center field this past season, the 32-year-old missed time in Spring Training, went on the disabled list twice last season and missed a total of 122 games.
In September, Erstad returned to the roster as a defensive replacement at first base and appeared in 13 games. In four late-season at-bats, Erstad doubled and walked to finish the year with a .221 batting average, eight doubles, one triple and five RBIs. He will begin rehab in about two weeks.
The Angels will likely offer Erstad a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Erstad made $8.5 million in 2006 in the final season of a four-year $32 million deal.
Article
Angels not to pick up Romero's option
Angels not to pick up Romero's option
Linear Mode
