Nationals sign Ron Villone to minor league deal

March 10, 2011 7:21 PM by Ben Goessling View Comments

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Ron Villone, once again, is back in the Nationals system.

The team has signed the left-hander to a minor-league deal, marking the third year in a row the 41-year-old will be in the organization.

He pitched in 63 games for the Nationals in 2009, going 5-5 with a 4.65 ERA. Villone was at Triple-A Syracuse all last year, making 41 appearances and posting a 6.59 ERA.