Toronto Blue Jays: Sergio Romo is the Answer for the Bullpen
By Paul Taylor
If the Toronto Blue Jays are serious about strengthening the bullpen, Sergio Romo is exactly what they’re looking for.
With J.P. Howell safely signed, the Toronto Blue Jays can now turn their attention to finding a right-handed reliever. The question is, who is the most likely candidate?
Speculation has seen them linked to David Robertson. However, as Fox Sports‘ Ken Rosenthal reported, there has been no recent talks between the Blue Jays and Chicago White Sox.
Another possibility is Joe Blanton, although there has been no indication of any conversations taking place with the 36-year old or his representatives. Regardless, with spring training edging ever closer, let’s throw another name into the mix – Sergio Romo.
In truth, it’s somewhat surprising there has been no mention of Romo. If the Blue Jays are serious about strengthening the bullpen, surely he should be at the top of their list?
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The fact the 2013 All-Star is still a free agent is amazing, given his resume, which includes three World Series rings. Perhaps his best moment came in 2012, when he recorded three saves, to help the San Franciso Giants win the championship.
Sergio has been remarkably consistent during his nine years in the Majors. His impressive career numbers include a 2.58 ERA, 0.955 WHIP and 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings.
In terms of the 2005 28th round draft pick’s pitching arsenal, his sinker is arguably his best pitch. Averaging 86 mph, it has a slow, heavy sinking action and generates an extreme number of groundballs compared to other pitchers’.
Romo also relies heavily on his slider (77 mph), which sweeps across the zone and results in a higher than average number of flyballs. Maybe most important of all though, he is extremely dedicated to his craft, often putting in long hours analyzing and correcting his mistakes.
When considering all of this information, you could be forgiven for asking why the Jays aren’t making more of an effort to pursue the 33-year old? Part of the reason could well come down to developing renewed elbow problems last summer, which impacted the remainder of his season.
However, even here, the Blue Jays could use this to their advantage. While Romo earned $8 million in 2016, the chances are he will have to settle for less money this season, to prove his elbow issues have resolved themselves.
Of course, there’s every possibility the Jays’ front office would still have to fork out more than the $3 million they apparently have tabbed for adding another reliever, (especially with the rumored interest from the Mets and Nationals). Regardless, while this could prove to be the stumbling block, he is worth the gamble.
Next: Will the Jays Pursue Hector Mendoza?
What’s your opinion on the possibility of pursuing Romo? How much stock would you put in having him in the Blue Jays’ bullpen and what do you think would be a fair offer for him? Share your thoughts in the comments section.