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D-Backs exercise option on Rauch for 2010
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Working ahead, the Diamondbacks exercised right-hander Jon Rauch's option for the 2010 season on Friday, securing him for the next two seasons.
Rauch was acquired from Washington on July 22 to strengthen a struggling D-Backs bullpen, painted as a possible successor to closer Brandon Lyon, but himself struggled the final six weeks and ended the season without a defined role.
While Chad Qualls will enter spring training as the closer, Rauch and Tony Peña will be candidates for late-inning setup roles in a bullpen that is likely to lose free agents Lyon and Juan Cruz.
Rauch, 29, is to make $2million in 2009 and $2.9 million in 2010.
The terms of Rauch's contract specified a decision on his option had to be made within four days of the conclusion of the World Series.
Rauch was 4-8 with 18 saves and a 4.14 ERA last season, although he faded to 0-6 with a 6.16 ERA in 26 appearances with the D-Backs. He had one save and one blown save with the D-Backs.
In another move, first baseman Tony Clark filed for free agency, the third of the D-Backs' seven potential free agents to file.
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