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12-09-2003, 05:47 PM
ESPN.com news services
PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies signed free-agent reliever Tim Worrell to a two-year contract worth $5.5 million Tuesday.
The deal, which will be announced at an afternoon news conference, was finalized after Worrell passed a physical, The Associated Press reported.
Worrell, 36, was 4-4 with a 2.87 ERA and 38 saves in 45 chances for the NL West champion Giants last year. He took over as San Francisco's closer after three-time All-Star Robb Nen had season-ending shoulder surgery in May.
A right-hander, Worrell will return to a setup role in Philadelphia. The Phillies acquired closer Billy Wagner, a three-time All-Star, from Houston last month.
The Phillies converted only 33 saves in 51 opportunities as right-handers Jose Mesa and Mike Williams both faltered.
It's been another busy offseason for the suddenly free-spending Phillies. Philadelphia got former All-Star left-hander Eric Milton in a trade with Minnesota last week, and is hoping to re-sign right-hander Kevin Millwood for the 2004 season.
The Phillies offered arbitration to Millwood on Sunday, and he told The Philadelphia Inquirer in its Tuesday editions that it's "likely" he'll accept the offer. Millwood has until Dec. 19 to make his decision.
Last year, the Phillies signed free agents Jim Thome ($85 million over six years) and David Bell ($17 million over four years). They're moving into a new ballpark in April and expect to generate more revenue.
Worrell spent three seasons in San Francisco, compiling a 14-11 record with a 2.87 ERA and 38 saves. He is 39-49 with a 3.90 ERA and 45 saves in his 11-year career. Worrell has also pitched for San Diego, Detroit, Cleveland, Oakland, Baltimore and the Chicago Cubs.
Worrell struggled early in his career, but has pitched well since going to the Cubs during the 2000 season. He has posted ERAs of 2.99, 3.45, 2.25 and 2.87 in the last four seasons.
The Phillies' revamped bullpen now includes Wagner, Worrell, left-hander Rheal Cormier, who is coming off a career year, and left-hander Dan Plesac is expected to return after getting an arbitration offer.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies signed free-agent reliever Tim Worrell to a two-year contract worth $5.5 million Tuesday.
The deal, which will be announced at an afternoon news conference, was finalized after Worrell passed a physical, The Associated Press reported.
Worrell, 36, was 4-4 with a 2.87 ERA and 38 saves in 45 chances for the NL West champion Giants last year. He took over as San Francisco's closer after three-time All-Star Robb Nen had season-ending shoulder surgery in May.
A right-hander, Worrell will return to a setup role in Philadelphia. The Phillies acquired closer Billy Wagner, a three-time All-Star, from Houston last month.
The Phillies converted only 33 saves in 51 opportunities as right-handers Jose Mesa and Mike Williams both faltered.
It's been another busy offseason for the suddenly free-spending Phillies. Philadelphia got former All-Star left-hander Eric Milton in a trade with Minnesota last week, and is hoping to re-sign right-hander Kevin Millwood for the 2004 season.
The Phillies offered arbitration to Millwood on Sunday, and he told The Philadelphia Inquirer in its Tuesday editions that it's "likely" he'll accept the offer. Millwood has until Dec. 19 to make his decision.
Last year, the Phillies signed free agents Jim Thome ($85 million over six years) and David Bell ($17 million over four years). They're moving into a new ballpark in April and expect to generate more revenue.
Worrell spent three seasons in San Francisco, compiling a 14-11 record with a 2.87 ERA and 38 saves. He is 39-49 with a 3.90 ERA and 45 saves in his 11-year career. Worrell has also pitched for San Diego, Detroit, Cleveland, Oakland, Baltimore and the Chicago Cubs.
Worrell struggled early in his career, but has pitched well since going to the Cubs during the 2000 season. He has posted ERAs of 2.99, 3.45, 2.25 and 2.87 in the last four seasons.
The Phillies' revamped bullpen now includes Wagner, Worrell, left-hander Rheal Cormier, who is coming off a career year, and left-hander Dan Plesac is expected to return after getting an arbitration offer.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.