Yankees bring back veteran Villone

TAMPA -- The Yankees added one more arm to challenge for a spot in their bullpen mix on Tuesday, signing left-hander Ron Villone to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

Villone, 37, is expected to compete with Sean Henn to be the second southpaw behind Mike Myers on the Yankees' relief staff. He will wear uniform No. 47.

A native of Bergen County, N.J., Villone made a career-high 70 appearances with the Yankees last season, compiling a 3-3 record and a 5.04 ERA in 80 1/3 innings, walking 51 and striking out 72.

He had declined salary arbitration from the club in December, leaving him available to pursue offers as a free agent.

Villone probably would have merited more consideration for a guaranteed roster spot if not for repeated second-half struggles in recent seasons.

Villone was exceptional before the All-Star Break last season for the Yankees, going 3-1 with a 2.27 ERA in 36 appearances.

However, he appeared to wear down as the season hit the stretch run. Villone's August ERA for the Yankees was 6.04, and he posted a 27.00 mark in nine September appearances.

Over the last three seasons, Villone has compiled a 2.58 ERA before the All-Star Break and a 6.23 mark following it.

Since breaking into the Major Leagues in 1995, Villone has compiled a career record of 55-57 over 543 games with the Mariners, Padres, Brewers, Indians, Reds, Rockies, Pirates, Marlins and Yankees.