The Phillies took care of a little business today, agreeing to a one-year deal with lefty reliever Antonio Bastardo.
Phillies & LHP Antonio Bastardo have agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million contract, avoiding arbitration. The deal includes award bonuses.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) January 18, 2013
The deal does little more than provide payroll certainty as General Manager Ruben Amaro tries to pick up the last few pieces for the roster. The Phillies took care of Kevin Frandsen's contract early in the offseason and non-tendered Nate Schierholtz instead of offering him a contract.
Bastardo projects to once again be the Phillies' top left-handed reliever in the bullpen.