Phillies Sign Their Second Roberto Hernandez

2014 Chachi Transactions #12

Yesterday, the one-year deal to add Roberto Hernandez to the Phillies starting rotation became official.  Hernandez made a comeback of sorts last season, appearing in 32 games for the Rays and going 6-13 with a 4.89 ERA.  When I first read the news of Hernandez's signing, I'll admit I wasn't sure if I knew who he was.  The first image that came to mind was long-time reliever and former Phillie Roberto Manuel Hernandez.  That Hernandez spent the 2004 season with the Phillies, appearing in 63 games as a reliever.  That Hernandez was also a two-time All-Star with the 1996 White Sox and the 1999 Rays.

So who is this new Roberto Hernandez?  The new Phillies pitcher began his professional career using the name Fausto Carmona.  As Carmona, and purporting to be two years younger than he actual was, Hernandez made his debut with the Indians in 2006.  His finest season came in 2007 when he went 19-8 for the Indians, finishing fourth in the A.L. Cy Young Award voting.  His false identity came to light in January 2012 when he was arrested in his native Dominican Republic for trying to obtain a U.S. visa illegally.  In July 2012, after a stint in jail, he returned to the U.S. and served a three week suspension before returning to the Indians pitching staff.

2004 Topps #571

Hernandez's sole mainstream 2013 baseball card was recently released in the Topps Heritage High-Number Series.

And now he's projected to be the third or fourth starter for the Phillies.  Just don't get him confused with the other Roberto Hernandez.  Or call him Fausto.

Moving On

Steven Lerud (10/1/13) - Elected free agency.  (Signed as a minor league free agent with the Atlanta Braves, 11/23/13)

Raul Valdes (10/2/13) - Claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros.

Tyler Cloyd (10/2/13) - Claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Indians.

Michael Martinez (10/7/13) - Outrighted off the 40-man roster and elected free agency.  (Signed as a minor league free agent with the Pittsburgh Pirates, 12/18/13)

Zach Miner (10/7/13) - Outrighted off the 40-man roster and elected free agency.

Pete Orr (10/7/13) - Outrighted off the 40-man roster and elected free agency.

Roger Bernadina (10/17/13) - Outrighted off the 40-man roster and elected free agency.

J.C. Ramirez (10/17/13) - Outrighted off the 40-man roster and elected free agency.  (Signed as a minor league free agent with the Cleveland Indians, 11/1/13)

Casper Wells (10/17/13) - Outrighted off the 40-man roster and elected free agency.  (Signed as a minor league free agent with the Chicago Cubs, 11/23/13)

John Lannan (10/17/13) - Outrighted off the 40-man roster and elected free agency.

Roy Halladay (10/31/13) - Elected free agency.  (Signed by the Toronto Blue Jays and announced his retirement, 12/9/13)

Mauricio Robles (11/5/13) - Outrighted off the 40-man roster and became a minor league free agent.

Erik Kratz (12/3/13) - Traded with Rob Rasmussen to the Toronto Blue Jays for Brad Lincoln.

Coming Back

Cesar Jimenez (11/15/13) - Signed to a minor league contract and invited to spring training.

Carlos Ruiz (11/21/13) - Resigned by the Phillies to a three-year contract with a club option for a fourth year.

New Additions

Marlon Byrd (11/12/13) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Brad Lincoln (12/3/13) - Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays for Erik Kratz and Rob Rasmussen.

Wil Nieves (12/5/13) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Kevin Munson (12/12/13) - Selected in the Rule 5 draft from the Arizona Diamondacks.
Roberto Hernandez (12/18/13) - Signed as a free agent formerly with the Tampa Bay Rays.