One of the main contributors and keys to the success of the St. Louis Cardinals miraculous post-season run in 2011 was the effectiveness of the Cardinals bullpen down the stretch in September, and even more impressively, throughout the playoffs.
One of the main contributors to the bullpen's success was left-hander Arthur Rhodes. The Cardinals have chose not to bring Rhodes back for 2012, so they needed to find a replacement.
On Thursday afternoon, the Cardinals announced that they have signed J.C. Romero to a one year contract to replace Arthur Rhodes. The financial stipulations of the contract have not yet been released.
On Wednesday, Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com reported that the two sides were nearing an agreement and on Wednesday, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak made it official.
"Romero is a proven lefty specialist, who has been a valuable bullpen piece for winning teams throughout his career. We felt that it was important to maintain versatility and depth within our bullpen and we feel that J.C. will be a solid addition."
Romero has had his trials and tribulations over the last several seasons after being busted for using performance enhancing drugs. Scouts have noticed reduced velocity in Romero's fastball as he has grown older and the 35 year old has had some trouble staying healthy.
Romero has 12 seasons of Major League experience. He spend last season with both Philadelphia and the Colorado Rockies, posting a 1-0 record with a 4.01 ERA in 36 total appearances.
Romero was particularly effective when facing left-handed hitters in 2011, allowing opponents to hit just .237 with an OPS of .526.
Because of his success against left-handed hitters, Romero would project as the second lefty-specialist, along with Marc Rzepczynski in the Cardinals bullpen in 2012.
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