Journeyman reliever Villone accepts Cards' minor league deal

JUPITER, Fla. -- Reliever Ron Villone and the St. Louis Cardinals reached agreement on a minor league contract Tuesday, and the veteran left-hander was invited to spring training.

The 38-year-old Villone pitched the last two seasons with the New York Yankees. He was 0-0 with a 4.25 ERA in 37 appearances in 2007.

General manager 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.