"We would consider it a priority to bring J.C. back," said Ruben Amaro Jr., the Phillies' assistant general manager. "He played a very, very important role for us down the stretch. We also gave him that opportunity to play that role after being released [by Boston]. I think it was mutually beneficial for both of us.
"If we had our druthers, we'd bring him back and we wouldn't let him get on the market. But as a free agent, he has every right to test the marketplace. That does not mean if he tests the free-agent market that we have severed ties. We certainly will continue to try to bring him back."
Romero would be a considerable loss from the Phils' bullpen. The 31-year-old went 1-2 with a 1.24 ERA in 51 appearances for the Phillies. He pitched extensively with closer Brett Myers and Tom Gordon in the final month of the season as the Phillies overcame a seven-game deficit to the New York Mets with 17 games to play.
The Phillies have few in-house candidates to replace him if he leaves. Lefthander Mike Zagurski (1-0, 5.91 ERA in 25 appearances) finished the season on the disabled list with a strained hamstring. Lefthander Fabio Castro (0-0, 6.00 ERA in 10 appearances) has not proven he can be a situational lefthander. And lefthander Matt Smith (0-0, 11.25 ERA in nine appearances) had Tommy John surgery in July.
These certainly are things the Phillies will discuss early next week, when they hold their organizational meetings.
Romero signed a one-year, $1.6 million contract with the Boston Red Sox before the 2007 season, but he seems in line for a considerable raise with more guaranteed years.
