Romero the Real Deal?

Generally speaking, I tend to not trust rookies. They show flashes of brilliance one night and the next night they look as lost as I used to when listening to a Michael Vick postgame interview. Every once in a while, though, a rookie will come out and shine on a consistent enough basis that I’m willing to put my trust in him. This year one of those guys is Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Ricky Romero. Or, as I call him: Ricky “The Real Deal” Romero. It sounds like a sweet Boxing name, doesn’t it? In 79 innings this year Ricky has a 2.96 ERA and 1.27 WHIP and those numbers are severely inflated by two bad starts he had after coming off a month long DL stint in May. To go along with those numbers, Ricky has been racking up Wins and Strikeouts. The Real Deal is 7-3 and has 66 Strikeouts, which for those of you who are mathematically challenged is good for a 7.5 K/9 ratio. Those are very impressive numbers for a rookie Starting Pitcher. Even more impressive is what Ricky has done over the past month. In his last six starts (41.2 innings) Romero has a 4-1 record, a 1.94 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. He also fanned 40 batters in that time. Romero’s numbers have been more impressive at home- a 2.31 ERA compared to 3.60 away- but after watching him throw a solid game at Yankee Stadium this week, I am ready to trust this kid as “must start” at least for the time being. Don’t make me regret it Ricky… Romero is available in 41% of Yahoo and 56% of ESPN leagues, with a 21% spike in ESPN league ownership this week alone. Better get on it, kids.

-

-

PCB Scout

-

-

-

Questions? Comments? Actually reading my columns? Email me: pcbscout(at)gmail.com

Take a Chance: Ricky Romero

Ricky Romero, left handed starting pitcher for the Blue Jays, is having a brilliant start to the year. In 3 starts, he is 2-0, 21 IP, 4 Runs, 4 Walks, 13 Ks, and an ERA of 1.71. Not bad for a 24 year old. Romero was a top draft pick, and has been average until this year. If he keeps this up, wow! He will be the unknown pitcher to 'come out of nowhere' to be a difference maker. Wouldn't it be nice to be the 'genius' to pick up this guy and gloat in October? Yea it would! Back to reality, there is a good amount of pitching out there in the fantasy world, but if you are in a deep league, grab Romero. If you are in an average or shallow league, keep a close eye on him. - Scout Monkey (scout_monkey@gmx.com)