Create your own site

Headlines

Subscribe to our Newsletter






Romero helps Rookie of the Year candidacy


By WAVE STAFF

Story Published: Aug 24, 2009 at 5:30 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 24, 2009 at 5:30 PM PDT

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero continued to help his candidacy for American League Rookie of the Year honors with another quality start Sunday against the Angels.

The 24-year-old lefthander out of East L.A. recorded his 11th victory against five defeats with a six-inning stint in an 8-3 victory over the American League West-leading Angels. He allowed two earned runs.

Despite some rocky performances after the all-star break, Romero is 8-2 since June 21. Sunday’s victory was his first since Aug. 2 in Oakland.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia was impressed with the graduate of Roosevelt High School.

“He’s got a good arm and comes right after you,” Scioscia told Jordan Bastian of mlb.com. “We’ve been swinging the bats pretty well, and he shut us down pretty good.”
Toronto manager Cito Gaston liked the way his pitcher battled despite not always being sharp.

“It tells me that he’s growing,” Gaston said. “Once he learns the hitters a little better, he’s going to be able to pitch better.”

Talk of Rookie of the Year honors is increasing for Romero, who would be the first Blue Jays pitcher to ever win the award. Alfredo Griffin (1979) and Eric Hinske (2002) are the only Toronto players to win it.

His own teammates are making noises about Romero and the award.

“A lot of the guys, they jokingly say, ‘Rookie of the Year. Rookie of the Year,’”
Romero said with a smile. “I try not to look at it like that. If I win it, it’s going to be an unbelievable accomplishment for me, personally, but I’ve just got to take it start by start.”

His next scheduled start is Friday against the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park.

Romero has never pitched in Fenway, though, he has three times against the Red Sox in Toronto. He hasn’t fared too well, though, going 0-2 with a 10.50 ERA.

If Romero can conquer the Sox in Boston, it will add to a dream season.

He has battled high expectations since being the sixth overall pick, and first pitcher, taken in the 2005 first-year player draft out of Cal State Fullerton.

He’s had a bumpy run through the minor leagues before earning a job with the parent club this spring. Now, he’s the No. 2 starter behind Roy Halladay.

Fellow rookie Travis Snider has enjoyed watching Romero this season.

“He had so much pressure on him in the minor leagues,” Snider said. “When you see him go out there and do his thing and be the guy he is, the guy we know he can be, it’s good.”