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| 7th April, 2008 - 1:20 pm | Christopher Reina/RealGM - Ricky Romero is beginning his fourth season in the Jays' organization, and it is not uncommon for even a college pitcher to still be a year or two away from the big leagues, but he is unquestionably behind his anticipated pace set in 2005. The improbable immediate success of so many members of the 2005 class leaves Romero (fair or not) particularly unprotected from scrutiny.
"I don't think the expectations have changed," said Romero when RealGM asked him if he's altered his expectations since he came into the Blue Jays' organization. "My biggest problem has been inconsistency and injuries."
"The draft doesn't matter anymore. Everyday I take my bullpen, lifting and running very serious. It (comparisons to other members of '05 draft) is a challenge. It is good for me to deal with failure."
Romero, who features a fastball, curve, change, and cutter, had a 4.89 ERA in 18 starts for New Hampshire in Double-A last season. He had an unhealthy WHIP of 1.69 but an improving K/9 rate of 8.15. Romero talked to me about how the caliber of Double-A hitters is far higher than those in college and the lower minor league levels.
"I came out of the bullpen during the Arizona Fall League, something I haven't done since my freshman year of high school."
He worked on his fastball/curveball command coming out of the bullpen.
Although he'll start again for Double-A New Hampshire and would prefer to do that long term, he's open to a possible future in the bullpen.
Click 'Read' to view the full article and interview with Romero. [READ] |
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