(9/10/2009) Washington RP Ron Villone recorded his first save of the season on Thursday, getting Ryan Howard to ground into a game-ending double play. Villone came on for Mike MacDougal in the ninth after failing to record an out.
MacDougal leading Nats back end
(6/24/2009) From The Sports Xchange: The Nationals have mostly solved the problem of the back end of their bullpen. They have not, however, fixed the rest of that beleaguered group. Since remaking its relief corps with several veteran arms, Washington has gotten solid pitching out of Mike MacDougal, Joe Beimel, Julian Tavarez and Ron Villone. But the three other members of the unit -- Joel Hanrahan, Kip Wells and Jesus Colome -- are struggling, and all own ERAs over 6.00. "Somebody has to step up out of those three guys, because I can't pitch the same four guys out of the 'pen every single day whether I'm trailing or I'm ahead," manager Manny Acta said. "They have to step up. Somebody out of those three has to step up and pick up some of those innings."
Villone added to Nats 25-man roster
(5/7/2009) The Washington Nationals have selected the contract of left-hander Ron Villone from Triple-A Syracuse and designated lefty reliever Mike Hinckley for assignment.
Villone signs minor deal with Nats
(4/12/2009) The Nationals signed pitcher Ron Villone to minor contract Friday.
Villone let go by Mets
(3/27/2009) Veteran relief pitcher Ron Villone is looking for a new team again after the New York Mets released him Friday, but the 39-year-old has resolved not to give up. Villone, a late non-roster invitee, had a 10.80 ERA this spring after giving up six runs on eight hits and three walks in five innings. He spent last season with St. Louis, finishing with a 4.68 ERA in 50 innings.
Villone hammered by the Tigers
(3/25/2009) Mets left-handed RP Ron Villone struggled Wednesday in a spring game against the Tigers, allowing four hits and four runs in one inning. Three of the four hits were by left-handed batters.
Villone faces hitters Thursday
(3/6/2009) The New York Daily News reports that RP Ron Villone faced hitters for the first time Thursday since joining the Mets.
Villone invited to Mets camp
(2/27/2009) The Mets agreed to a minor league contract with RP Ron Villone, who was invited to big league camp.
(7/30/2008) Cardinals RP Ron Villone got the final four outs during Wednesday's 7-2 win against the Braves for his first save since 2005. Villone inherited two runners with two outs in the eighth and qualified for the save chance since St. Louis was leading just 5-2 at the time. He allowed just one hit during 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Villone makes 600th career outing
(5/30/2008) Cardinals RP Ron Villone made his 600th career appearance to start the eighth inning Thursday, getting Astros OF Michael Bourn to ground out. He's 25th among active pitchers, and one of three Cardinals on the list. Braden Looper is 22nd with 614 appearances and Russ Springer is 23rd with 610.
Cardinals' Villone hung with loss
(5/14/2008) Adam LaRoche hit a three-run double off Ron Villone (1-1) in the 10th for the Pirates, who have won seven of eight and are one game below .500. "I wouldn't mind ruining the save situation every night," LaRoche said. "We need those extra runs, especially against this lineup." Villone, who entered with a 1.26 ERA, allowed four runs, four hits and two walks in the 10th. The Cardinals have lost six of seven. "Pathetic location, pretty much," Villone said. "If the ball was anywhere in the strike zone it was in the middle. If not, it wasn't close."
Villone not being generous lately
(5/6/2008)The Sports Xchange reports that Cardinals RP Ron Villone worked two more scoreless innings Monday, running his streak to 11 2/3 innings over seven games in which he hasn't given up a run. He has allowed only three hits in that span.
Villone does enough to make Cards squad
(3/30/2008) RP Ron Villone, who came into camp as a 38-year-old non-roster invitee, has made the Cardinals squad and will be added to the 40-man roster before Monday's opener, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Cards add Villone to bullpen mix
(2/19/2008) Reliever Ron Villone and the Cardinals reached agreement on a minor league contract Tuesday, and the veteran left-hander was invited to spring training. GM John Mozeliak said Villone adds depth in the bullpen. Villone is 55-57 with a 4.76 ERA in 580 games, including 93 starts, over 11 seasons. Villone made his debut in 1995 with Seattle and has also pitched for San Diego, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Houston, Colorado, Pittsburgh and the Yankees.
Villone not offered arbitration
(12/3/2007) The Yankees declined to offer arbitration to LHP Ron Villone. By not offering arbitration, a club loses the right to receive amateur draft picks if it loses a highly ranked player to another team.
RP Villone among FAs to file
(11/1/2007) Career reserve catcher Jose Molina and lefty relief pitcher Ron Villone were a pair of Yankees to file for free agency.
Yanks add Villone to ALDS roster
(10/8/2007) The Yankees added RP Ron Villone to their roster for the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians, replacing the injured Roger Clemens (hamstring). Villone missed the the end of the regular season with a strained back.
Villone placed on 15-day DL
(8/24/2007) The New York Yankees put left-handed reliever Ron Villone on the disabled list Friday and recalled right-hander Brian Bruney from Triple-A Scranton. Villone injured his lower back covering first base Tuesday night at Anaheim. "Talking to Joe (Torre) yesterday, I told him 'It's not good,"' Villone said. "I've got to do something, I guess rest a little bit. I'm hoping it will just take the 15 days. I don't think it's anything major, but maybe a strain that leads to a spasm."
(8/22/2007) Ron Villone retired just one batter in his outing on Tuesday at L.A. Angels. allowing four earned runs, three walks and a hit in a forgettable game for the Yankees.
Villone goes over three innings
(7/2/2007) LHP Ron Villone allowed one hit in 3 1/3 scoreless innings against Oakland Sunday.
Villone to join Yankees' bullpen
(5/15/2007) Ron Villone will join the Yankees' overworked bullpen. Villone will be added to the major league roster, GM Brian Cashman said Tuesday. Cashman said a corresponding roster move would be made after manager Joe Torre spoke with the player involved. Villone's minor league contract contained a Tuesday deadline to add him to the major league roster. If Villone wasn't brought up, he could have become a free agent.
Yanks sign Villone to minor deal
(4/4/2007) The Yankees signed LHP Ron Villone to a minor-league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Villone released by Yankees
(4/2/2007) The Yankees released Ron Villone.
Villone's future still uncertain
(3/31/2007) Agent Scott Boras said Yankees LHP Ron Villone hadn't decided whether to go to Triple-A Scranton after failing to make the opening day roster. "We're still talking to the Yankees and some other teams," Boras said.
Villone to decide future Saturday
(3/30/2007) Yankees RP Ron Villone was asked by the Yankees to join the Triple-A Scranton roster and planned to decide Saturday whether to accept. "I haven't pitched well lately," said Villone, who has a 14.40 ERA in spring training. "I know what I'm capable of doing. I want to see what my options are. I get the feeling they still want me around. Obviously, I need to be a little sharper."
Villone might join minors
(3/30/2007) Ron Villone, who was competing with Sean Henn for the second lefty relief spot, said he was asked by the Yankees to join Triple-A Scranton. The left-hander said he will make a decision later Friday or Saturday.
Villone beaten out by Henn
(3/30/2007) Sean Henn claimed the second left-handed reliever spot on the Yankees, manager Joe Torre announced Friday.
Villone tanks against Astros
(3/28/2007) Yankees manager Joe Torre isn't sure whether his team will break camp with two left-handed relievers. Ron Villone (shin) didn't help his cause for the potential spot by allowing three runs without recording an out in New York's 12-2 loss to the Houston Astros on Wednesday night. Villone's exhibition season struggles continued. He gave up two hits and a walk, and he's allowed 10 runs - eight earned - in five innings overall. "I tell can you right now, that's a coin flip as far as our decision is going to be," Torre said about carrying two bullpen left-handers. "We've had discussions, but nothing in concrete yet."
Villone nursing shin injury
(3/27/2007) New York LHP Ron Villone was hit on the outside of his left shin by a batted ball in a minor-league game Monday. He expects to pitch on Wednesday. "I got a nice war wound, but it's OK," he said.
Villone losing grip on job?
(3/25/2007) Yankees LHP Sean Henn has vaulted into contention for the last reliever's job in camp. With an improved slider and changeup to go with his upper 90-mph fastball, Henn, 25, could become the second left-hander in the bullpen -- a spot that was expected to go to LHP Ron Villone, who had been struggling with location. However, Henn has one minor league option remaining.
Villone has good chance of making team
(3/7/2007) Yankees LHP Ron Villone has a better than good chance of making the club as a non-roster reliever. Manager Joe Torre has praised Villone's improved arm strength over this time last year, and Villone has said he feels looser and more accurate. Villone threw 80 1/3 innings last year, the most relief innings of his career, and his results suffered from that excessive workload from mid-August on. If he makes the club, Villone will be used in one- or two-inning situations, not as a long man.
Villone recovering from tired arm
(2/18/2007) Yankees LHP Ron Villone signed a minor league contract and will compete for a spot in the bullpen. Last year, Villone's excessive workload caused a tired arm, and he faltered considerably after mid-August. He's competing with rookie LHP Sean Henn as a potential complement to LHP Mike Myers.
Yanks give LH Villone minor deal
(2/13/2007) The Yankees signed LHP Ron Villone to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
Yanks offer Villone arbitration
(12/2/2006) The Yankees offered veteran lefty reliever Ron Villone salary arbitration last night.
Free-agent filing continues
(11/1/2006) RHP LaTroy Hawkins, SS Alex Gonzalez, 2B Mark Loretta, 3B Aaron Boone, 2B Lou Merloni, OF Matt Stairs, C Paul Bako, 3B Tomas Perez, OF Carlos Lee, RHP Vicente Padilla, C Gregg Zaun, RHP Miguel Batista, SS Craig Counsell, SS Damion Easley, RHP Wade Miller, RHP Ryan Franklin, RHP Russ Springer, C Einar Diaz, RHP Aaron Sele, RHP Doug Brocail, RHP Woody Williams, C Robert Fick, OF Jose Guillen, LHP Bruce Chen, SS Alex Cora, RHP Jeff Nelson, LHP Ron Villone, OF Brian Jordan, 1B John Mabry, 3B Rich Aurilia, LHP Eddie Guardado, LHP Scott Schoeneweis, 2B Kaz Matsui, LHP Darren Oliver, SS Jose Hernandez and RHP Chan Ho Park.
Villone struggling mightily
(9/18/2006) LHP Ron Villone has allowed 27 runs in 26 innings since the end of July, his ERA rising from 2.08 to 4.50.
Villone might get Sunday start
(8/30/2006) With a doubleheader Wednesday through the rotation out of whack and the reluctance to use Carl Pavano (too many injuries to name), Ron Villone might start Sunday's game against Minnesota, according to the New York Post.
Villone needs time off
(8/24/2006) The New York Post reports that Ron Villone "probably needs two games off," according to manager Joe Torre.
Villone does work for Yankees
(7/17/2006) Ron Villone allowed two hits in 2/3 innings of work in Sunday's 6-4 win over the Chicago White Sox. He's made five appearances for manager Joe Torre in the month of July.
Villone might start Sunday
(7/6/2006) The Bergen County Record reports that the Yankees might start either Ron Villone or Kris Wilson at Tampa Bay Sunday in place of Shawn Chacon.
Ron Villone nabs a win
(6/30/2006) Ron Villone was one of five Yankee pitchers who combined on a one-hitter Friday vs. the N.Y. Mets. He pitched two innings, allowing the only hit of the game, earning his second win of the season.
Villone could start for Yanks
(6/24/2006) Shawn Chacon is an option for the second game of a double header between the New York Yankees and the Florida Marlins on Sunday. After throwing just 16 pitches before Saturday's contest was rained out, manager Joe Torre has decided to pitch Mike Mussina opposite Dontrelle Willis in the early game and will choose between Chacon and Ron Villone for the second game.
Villone gives up run at Phils
(6/21/2006) Yankees reliever Ron Villone pitched 1 2/3 innings at Philadelphia on Tuesday, allowing an earned run and striking out one. His ERA is still relatively low at 1.86.
(5/30/2006) Ron Villone threw two perfect innings in relief of Randy Johnson in Monday's win over Detroit. With Scott Proctor overworked and Kyle Farnsworth inconsistent, Yankees manager Joe Torre plans to start using Villone in more late-game situations.
Villone won't pitch for Italians
(2/16/2006) Ron Villone will not pitch for the Italians in the World Baseball Classic, which starts on March 3.
Yanks trade for lefty Villone
(12/16/2005) Ron Villone joined the exodus from the Marlins when Florida traded the reliever to the Yankees on Friday for minor-league pitcher Ben Julianel, a 26-year-old left-hander who was 5-3 with a 3.90 ERA in 46 games last season at Double-A Trenton.
Villone makes Florida debut
(8/3/2005) LHP Ron Villone threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings Monday a day after being acquired from the Mariners on the trade deadline. He arrived at Busch Stadium at the end of the first inning and suited up for his ninth team. "Anytime you go anywhere new you want to make a good impression," Villone said. "I think things are going to work out well."
Villone makes his Florida debut
(8/3/2005) Ron Villone made his debut on Tuesday night for his ninth major league team. He worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings at St. Louis, allowing a hit and a walk.
Villone dealt to the Marlins
(7/31/2005) Ron Villone was traded to the Marlins on Sunday for minor-leaguer pitchers Yorman Bazardo and Mike Flannery.
Villone passed over for rotation
(5/17/2005) Manager Mike Hargrove had considered moving LHP Ron Villone into the rotation, with RHP Joel Pineiro sent to the minors to work on his mechanics, but he chose Julio Mateo instead. "Ronnie is a real value in the bullpen," Hargrove said.
Mariners sign Villone
(1/19/2005) The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that the Mariners have signed Villone to a two-year deal for $4.2 million contract.
Villone to start Friday's game
(10/1/2004) Ron Villone will start Friday's game against Texas, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. He replaces Cha Seung Baek, who was shut down for the year due to elbow and bicep soreness.
Villone to return to Seattle
(8/13/2004) The Seattle Times reports that Mariners' officials are meeting with Ron Villone's agent in hopes of re-signing him for next season and beyond. "I'd love to stay," said Villone.
Villone bests Devil Rays
(8/8/2004) Ron Villone surrendered four hits and two runs in six efficient innings Saturday against Tampa Bay. It was his first win in six starts this year.
Villone decent in middle relief
(6/23/2004) Ron Villone has pitched well in middle relief this season, posting a 2.12 ERA since May 11. Opponents are hitting a mere .199 against him this year.
Seattle signs Ron Villone
(2/10/2004) The Seattle Mariners Monday signed Villone to a one-year contract. "We have been looking for a second left-hander for our bullpen," general manager Bill Bavasi said. "We think Ron is a real good fit in that role. He's tough on lefthanders and righthanders and has the ability to work in a variety of roles."
Villone impressive yet again
(8/27/2003) Ron Villone allowed three earned runs, six hits and two walks in six innings on Tuesday against Los Angeles.
Ron Villone to start Tuesday
(8/25/2003) The Houston Chronicle notes that the Astros will skip Jared Fernandez in the rotation and start Villone against the Dodgers on Tuesday.
Mets solve Ron Villone Tuesday
(8/5/2003) Villone was tagged for six earned runs and seven hits in only four innings against the N.Y. Mets on Tuesday.
Villone picks up the win
(7/21/2003) Ron Villone picked up his second win on Saturday, allowing one earned run and six hits in six innings at Cincinnati.
Villone impressive on Thursday
(7/11/2003) Ron Villone allowed two earned runs and four hits in six innings against Cincinnati to earn his first victory of the season.
Villone impressive for Houston
(6/19/2003) Ron Villone pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings on Wednesday against his former team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was Villone's first start for Houston. He allowed five hits, walked two and struck out six batters. He did not factor into the decision.
Villone to start Wednesday
(6/16/2003) The Houston Chronicle says that Ron Villone will be promoted from Triple-A New Orleans on Monday. He will start Wednesday against Arizona.
Villone inks deal with Houston
(5/18/2003) Ron Villone signed a minor-league contract with Houston on Sunday, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Villone is cut loose
(5/16/2003) Ron Villone was released by the Triple-A Tucson affiliate of Arizona.
Villone sent down by Arizona
(3/29/2003) Ron Villone (hamstring) was reassigned to the team's minor league facility on Saturday.
Villone battling hamstring injury
(3/24/2003) The Arizona Republic says Ron Villone (hamstring) is throwing off a mound.
Diamondbacks sign Ron Villone
(1/29/2003) The Arizona Diamondbacks signed Villone to a minor-league contract on Wednesday. He was invited to spring training, where he will compete for a bullpen spot.
(9/2/2002) The Pirates activated Villone from the disabled list Sunday. He had been on the disabled list with elbow tendinitis since Aug. 15. Villone has minimal Fantasy value.
(8/17/2002) The Pirates placed Villone on the 15-day disabled list Friday with tendinitis in his left elbow. They purchased Al Reyes’ contract from Triple-A Nashville to take his roster spot. Villone had been in consideration for Jimmy Anderson’s vacated rotation spot, but that job will likely now go to Bronson Arroyo, who isn’t a recommended Fantasy pitcher.
(5/18/2002) According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Villone is likely to start the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader in order to keep the Pirates’ rotation on schedule. If he doesn’t get the assignment, Sean Lowe would pitch. Neither pitcher is likely to get a permanent starting role regardless of how he pitches Tuesday, so don’t bother with either in any Fantasy league.
(5/9/2002) The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette notes opposing batters have a .313 average against Villone, and there is no word on whether he will be removed from the rotation when Kris Benson returns early next week. Villone is not pitching well enough to deserve a spot on most Fantasy rosters right now.
(3/25/2002) Villone will be Pittsburgh's Opening Day starter. Don't expect the veteran hurler to post anything better than mediocre numbers this year.
(3/21/2002) Villone, who may land a spot in the Pittsburgh rotation, is expected to return from a hamstring injury to start on Friday. He isn't worth a Fantasy roster spot unless he pitches well for an extended period of time this year.
(10/27/2001) Villone, who was acquired from Colorado in June, will have surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. Last season, the 31-year-old lefthander was 5-7 with a 5.56 ERA over 31 games, including six starts. He is expected to be ready for the start of spring training.
(8/27/2001) Villone allowed one run on five hits and a walk in 5.1 innings in a spot start Sunday in Pittsburgh. We doubt he'll get many more starts the rest of the way with rosters expanding, since the Astros have plenty of other viable starters who might be recalled from the minors. Don't bother picking up Villone based on this one outing.
(6/28/2001) Villone was traded to the Houston Astros by the Rockies on Wednesday for Jay Powell. While Villone gets a Fantasy reprieve by leaving Coors Field, he's unlikely to be much better in Enron Field as a middle reliver. Don't bother picking him up.
(6/14/2001) Villone will move from the bullpen to the rotation to replace the injured Denny Neagle. We don't recommend you add Villone, who is 0-2 with a 6.62 ERA, to your Fantasy team though.
(5/1/2001) The Denver Post reported Tuesday that Villone and Brian Bohanon are on the trade market. The Texas Rangers have reportedly expressed interest in the two left-handers, as well as Houston's Jose Lima. Shawn Chacon has joined the Rockies' rotation after his spot start Sunday, making Villone expendable. Drop Villone if he's not traded to a more pitching-favorable team.
(4/30/2001) Villone will likely be replaced in the rotation by Shawn Chacon, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Villone hasn't been pitching well this season anyway, so you might as well drop him at this point.
(4/9/2001) Villone is expected to make three starts in April before moving to the bullpen once John Thomson is ready to rejoin the rotation, according to the Rocky Mountain News. You probably shouldn't be counting on Villone for your Fantasy team anyway, but if you've got him, know that you won't be getting many more starts from him.
(3/28/2001) In perhaps his best performance of the spring, Villone allowed just three runs on four hits in six innings against the Cubs in Tuesday's exhibition game. He is currently scheduled to make his first start of the regular season on Apr. 8 against San Diego, although as of now, he's not scheduled to pitch again until then. Rockies pitching coach Marcel Lachemann will figure out how to keep Villone sharp in the meantime, but we're not recommending the southpaw in Fantasy leagues regardless.
(3/23/2001) The Denver Post reports that the Rockies might be forced to trade Villone to pare payroll in order to acquire the right-handed setup man they need. Because John Thomson has made an impressive comeback from labrum surgery and Masato Yoshii hasn't generate much trade interest, Villone might be the one Colorado deals. While we expect that Villone will indeed serve as the Rockies' fifth starter to open the season, the chance that he might be dealt elsewhere means you should be ready to claim him if he ends up in a favorable situation.
(3/13/2001) The Rocky Mountain News reported Tuesday that the Rockies have just about decided on Villone as their fifth starter to open the season, at least until John Thomson completes his rehabilitation from labrum surgery. This means Brian Rose and Masato Yoshii, Villone's primary competiton, are likely to be traded soon. We don't forecast any Fantasy impact from Villone pitching in Coors Field.
(2/1/2001) Assuming the Rockies use Mike Hampton, Denny Neagle, Pedro Astacio and Brian Bohanon as their top four starters, Villone will compete against Masato Yoshii, John Wasdin and Brian Rose for the final rotation spot. Villone could be at a disadvantage because he'd become the fourth lefty in the rotation, but he's a better pitcher than any of his competition. Either way, expect him to drop considerably in Fantasy value this season.
(11/8/2000) The Colorado Rockies acquired Villone from the Cincinnati Reds today for two minor league pitchers to be named. The 30-year-old adds a valuable left-handed arm to the Rockies' staff, although it will be tough for Villone to improve much on his 10-10 record and 5.43 ERA over 35 games pitching in the thin air of Colorado.
(8/29/2000) Ron Villone started Monday in Scott Williamson's place. Villone will stay in the rotation as long as he's semi-effective and Williamson is on the DL. Villone allowed three runs in a complete game victory against the Braves Monday. He lowered his season ERA to 5.37, so don't jump all over him just yet.
(6/26/2000) Is pitching with a cut on his left index finger. Villone pitched with the tip of his index finger covered by a clump of glue to prevent it from bleeding. Villone gave up 8 hits and 4 ER in 5 IP. He walked four and struck out none. As he said, "With the glue on my finger, it was hard to get the feel of the ball"
(1/18/2000) Villone agreed to a one-year contract with the Reds. Villone, 30, pitched effectively after the club converted him to a starter last season, finishing 9-7 with a 4.23 ERA, and at one stretch tossing 21 consecutive scoreless innings.
(6/1/1999) Ron Villone will take Brett Tomko's vacated spot in the Reds rotation. Villone is a deceptive southpaw, who has pitched masterfully out of the bullpen this season. In five appearances that cover a span of 13 and one third of an inning, he has allowed only four hits and seven walks while striking out 16. He could be a Fantasy sleeper.
(5/13/1999) Lefty Ron Villone was recalled from triple-A, Edmonton. He had posted a nifty 2-0 record with a 1.42 ERA in 18 appearances. He will move into the middle of the Reds lineup.
