Romero’s Quest for Opening Day

DUNEDIN, Fla.–(RSE) Left-hander Ricky Romero faced live hitters on Monday with good results in his quest to be the Toronto Blue Jays opening day starter.

     [media-credit attachment_id=4746 name=” ” align=”alignleft” width=”130″][/media-credit]Romero, the team’s first round pick in 2005, faced the top of the Blue Jays order.

     “Got to work in some things today,” said Romero afterwards, “I got a lot of ground balls because I was keeping the ball down.”

     “I threw about 30-pitches,” Romero continued, “I was 100% with the guys I was facing.”

     Part of the hitters taking a stance in the batters box were Aaron Hill, Yunel Escobar and major league home run champ Jose Bautista.

     After Romero’s performance Monday manager John Farrell liked what he saw.

     “He puts himself in a very select group of pitchers, there is no secret as to why he has been a success,” said Farrell.

     The team workouts continue at the Englebert Complex on Tuesday.

 

BLUE JAY NOTES: Third base coach Brian Butterfield continues to miss workouts with a touch of the flu.  He is listed as day-to-day by manager John Farrell. …OF Travis Snider (left rib muscle strain) is still listed as day-to-day. …OF Scott Podsednik is scheduled to report to camp on Wednesday.  After signing a minor league contract with Toronto with an invite to spring training, Podsednik reinjuried his left foot working out at home.  According to Farrell he has seen a doctor in Dallas and will be reexamined when he arrives in Dunedin.