Yes Way, Jose

So yesterday the Phillies and Jose Contreras agreed to a two-year, $5.5 million contract that also includes a club option for 2013 and performance bonuses.  Contreras had a pretty good season, he stepped in when Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson were hurt and notched four saves.  He also averaged 9.1 strikeouts per nine innings pitched (57 strikeouts in 56 2/3 innings). I like the move, for a few reasons. First, the bullpen needs all the help it can get. Yes, there are Halladay, Hamels, and Oswalt, who can all go deep into games (well, at least Halladay and Hamels, Oswalt goes around 6 or 7 usually), but when our 4 and 5 guys pitch, we definitely need that help. See: Joe Blanton and Kyle Kendrick.

There were times when Kendrick didn't get out of the fourth inning, and Blanton didn't get out of the fifth.  At one point Kendrick gave up 71 hits over 10 starts.  Vance Worley might give Kendrick a run for his money for that fifth starter spot, based on his less than stellar performance this season. Blanton seemed to get better as the season went on, but we need guys like Contreras who can keep the game in check until the 8th when Ryan Madson can come in and shut things down for Lidge to finish out the game in the 9th.  Plus, he brings a veteran presence to the bullpen which will undoubtedly have a few new faces in 2011, with J.C. Romero's option not being pick up by the Phillies.  We'll see what happens with Chad Durbin.

In other news, I am not sure I have one Jose Contreras card.  I'll have to look into that.  I am kind of surprised at the going rate of some of these.