El Pulpo goes to Philly

January 24, 200719 yr

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6400636

Alfonseca agrees to 1-year deal with Phillies

/ Associated Press

Posted: 7 hours ago

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Right-hander Antonio Alfonseca agreed to a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.

Alfonseca agreed to the major league minimum of $380,000, and if he appears on the regular-season roster, his base salary will be increased to $700,000.

Once a dominant closer with Florida, Alfonseca has struggled with injuries in recent seasons. The 34-year-old was limited to just 19 games last season for Texas due to a sore right elbow, but proved he's healthy playing in the Dominican Winter League. He had a 1.69 ERA through his first 11 appearances for the Rangers, but finished with a 5.63 ERA before being designated for assignment on June 9.

Alfonseca could compete for a setup role in the bullpen. All-Star closer Tom Gordon had 34 saves last season, but the Phillies had trouble preserving leads in the seventh and eighth innings. Ryan Madson and Geoff Geary also are in the mix for the setup job.

Alfonseca had 94 saves in a three-year span with the Marlins, including 45 in 2000. He was a member of Florida's 1997 World Series championship team and has pitched in the playoffs with the Cubs and Braves.

In 10 seasons in the majors, Alfonseca is 30-35 with 121 saves and a 3.99 ERA in 531 games with four teams, including two stints with Florida.