Philadelphia, Jamie Moyer agree to 2-year deal

PHILADELPHIA — Jamie Moyer understands the importance of timing.

The left-hander's return to Philadelphia resulted in his first World Series title. And, last season's success led to Monday's agreement on a $13 million, two-year contract that keeps the 46-year-old with the champion Phillies.

"I feel, based off of last season, the security of a two-year contract pushes and drives me," ex-Mariner Moyer said. "In my estimation, I don't think the negotiations dragged on. Both sides had a stance which they believed to be right.

"Things moved along smoothly and it's all about timing. I'm happy to be with the Phillies and look forward to defending the World Series championship."

Philadelphia also confirmed it has a preliminary agreement with right-hander Chan Ho Park, a one-year contract worth $2.5 million.

And, on a busy day of Phillies news, All-Star second baseman Chase Utley said he is recovering well from hip surgery and hopes to be ready for opening day.

Moyer went 16-7 with a 3.71 earned-run average in 33 starts last season and pitched 6-1/3 innings as the Phillies won Game 3 of the best-of-seven World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Moyer is 35-21 with a 4.33 ERA since the Phillies acquired him from the Mariners in August 2006, and the Pennsylvania native has a 246-185 career record.

"I'm sure if you ask Jamie, he'll say that he will play out a few more contracts," Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "I know on paper it probably says this is his last contract, but it will be fun to see how it plays out."

Moyer depends on control and off-speed pitches.

"If his stuff does go backward, he'll try to figure it out and how to pitch through it," Amaro said. "That's the beauty of Jamie Moyer."

Moyer would earn $20 million over the two years if he pitches at least 190 innings and makes at least 31 starts each season. He has a limited no-trade provision that allows him to block trades to six teams, no more than four in a league.

Park went 4-4 with a 3.40 ERA in 54 appearances for the Los Angeles Dodgers this year. He can earn an additional $2.5 million in performance bonuses.

Notes

• Left-hander Chris Capuano is close to agreeing to a minor-league deal with incentives should he return to the majors with the Milwaukee Brewers, a person familiar with the talks confirmed.

Capuano, 30, missed the 2008 season after having elbow problems and undergoing "Tommy John" reconstructive surgery.

• Left-handed reliever Alan Embree was guaranteed $2.25 million in his one-year contract with Colorado. He was 2-5 with a 4.96 ERA in 70 games this year for the Oakland Athletics, who declined a $3 million option.

• Shortstop Adam Everett, 31, and the Detroit Tigers finalized a $1 million, one-year contract.

Everett batted .213 with two home runs and drove in 20 runs in 48 games for the Minnesota Twins this year. He might replace Edgar Renteria, who became a free agent after the Tigers declined his 2009 option.

• Outfielder Jason Michaels, 32, and the Houston Astros agreed to a $750,000, one-year contract. Michaels hit .224 with eight home runs and 53 RBI in 123 games with Cleveland and Pittsburgh this year.

• Right-hander Doug Mathis, 25, stayed with the Texas Rangers, agreeing to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.

• Outfielder Ichiro and catcher Kenji Johjima of the Mariners and Boston pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka were among seven major-leaguers named to the list of 34 candidates for defending champion Japan's team to next year's World Baseball Classic. There are 28 roster spots available.