Ricky Romero

2013

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2012

Romero took another step forward in his third season, establishing himself as one of the top starters in the American League. He got even better as the season wore on (8-3, 2.72 ERA, 1.023 WHIP in the second half) thanks to a blistering August. For the second straight season, Romero chipped away at his walk rate (3.20 BB/9IP) and it paid off. Life in the Jays' division is never going to be easy on pitchers, but you can expect another fine season from Romero as he heads up the Blue Jays' starting rotation.

2011

Romero enjoyed a breakout season in 2010 for Toronto in just his second year in the majors. His control (3.5 BB/9IP) is still an issue, but his ability to keep the ball in the park has kept it from doing much damage to his ERA. It was a nice encore to a rookie season that saw him slump badly in the second half after a quick start. Life in the AL East comes with its share of bumps and bruises, but he's a good bet to repeat if he can improve his control a tick and will return as the team's ace.

2010

Romero won a rotation spot last spring and got off to a fast start (7-3, 3.00 ERA, 1.264 in 13 starts before the All-Star break) but struggled with his command and slumped badly in the second half (5.54 ERA, 1.769 WHIP in 16 starts). It's worth noting that there's really nothing in his history in the minors to support his success in the season's first half so that's a cause for some concern. He'll be back at the top of the Jays' rotation but may struggle in a tough AL East division.

2009

Romero has struggled at Double-A in each of the past two seasons, though he never really was much of a prospect. A 1.59 WHIP, 4.96 ERA, suspect control and mediocre strikeout rates at Double-A don't point to much success in the majors, though he did fare slightly better in seven starts at Triple-A. There's nothing here separating him from myriad other so-so prospects.

2008

Romero battled elbow and shoulder problems for much of 2006 and was limited to just 18 starts at Double-A New Hampshire (88.1 innings, 98 hits, 51 walks and 80 K). While it's nice to see his K/9 rate return after a drop at Double-A the season prior, the walk rate is still way too high to be effective as he advances. A brief stint in the AFL, mostly in relief, was better but there are still major control concerns going forward. His future could be out of the bullpen.

2007

Romero posted solid numbers during 10 starts at high-A Dunedin before being promoted to Double-A New Hampshire, where his K:BB and K/9 dropped. He'll likely begin the 2007 season at Double-A and should improve enough to see some time at Triple-A Syracuse by year’s end.

2006

Romero, the sixth overall pick in the 2005 draft, signed quickly and made eight starts at High-A Dunedin. His numbers weren't jaw-dropping, but look for Romero to begin the 2006 season at Double-A.