Seattle add Villone to bullpen February 9, 2004 SEATTLE (AP) -- Left-handed reliever Ron Villone agreed Monday to a $1 million, one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners. The 34-year old Villone, a nine-year veteran originally drafted by the Mariners, went 6-6 with a 4.13 ERA last season with the Houston Astros. In addition to his salary, Villone can make up to $1 million in performance bonuses. He is expected to join the team when pitches and catchers report to spring training Feb. 20. Good for him. While not spetacular last season, I firmly believe that the Astros would have been worse than just one game back. He helpd hold together a rotation that was killed by injuries.
I really, honestly liked Ron Villone, and was sad to see him go. The man was a gamer, plain and simple. Was he our best pitcher? Of course not. He was an average pitcher, but he was better than anything else we had for his spot. I wish him all the best.
He'll do very well. he's a tough minded, tough SOB who is a late bloomer. I wish the 'stros had dropped the mil on him to spot start/long relieve/set-up etc etc ...
Villone is really going to excel in Seattle... that heavy air and big ballpark will work wonders for his inflated ERA.
