Colts sell hard-throwing righty Romero to Red Sox
August 17, 2008 - United League Baseball (ULB)
San Angelo Colts News Release
SAN ANGELO, Texas - The San Angelo Colts needed the services of righty pitcher Robert Romero after the fireballing Mitch Lively was sold to the San Francisco Giants in late July. In his short time with the Colts, he certainly did his job, dominating United League hitters to the tune of four hits and three runs in 9 1/3 innings, striking out 14 while picking up two saves in eight outings, including seven scoreless. Romero only allowed hits in two of those games, and just like Lively, his performances have not gone unnoticed.
On Sunday, Romero was rewarded for his efforts, as the Colts sold his contract to the Boston Red Sox organization, making him the second San Angelo pitcher, after Lively, to be picked up by an Major League organization this season.
"I'm so excited to be getting this opportunity," Romero said. "I can't say enough about what [Colts manager] Doc Edwards did for me here in San Angelo and I will always be thankful for him helping me get to where I am now."
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Texan was originally with Cedar Rapids (Iowa), an Angels' Class A team. He spent his first two pro seasons there, holding opponents to a .216 batting average with 25 strikeouts in 29 innings. This season, the 23-year-old was with two other teams, spending May with Camden of the independent Atlantic League, going 1-0 with a 7.84 ERA, hurt by walks and two rough outings. He then was with the independent Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League, where had four saves and allowed eight hits in 9 2/3 innings.
It was while he was with Gateway that Romero first came to Edwards' attention, after the Colts acquired two former Grizzlies, pitchers Alex Merricks and Billy McKinney. Edwards said that the duo bragged about how well Romero threw, and when he became available, he brought him in for a workout.
"I was surprised by how easy he threw so hard," Edwards said.
Romero regularly threw his fastball in the low-to-mid 90s with the Colts, and hit 96 miles an hour on several occasions. But Edwards thinks that if he sticks with one team and does not get hit by rainouts as the Colts have recently, he may throw even harder.
"When he gets in to a regular routine he has the potential to throw 97 or 98," Edwards said.
San Angelo general manager Mike Babcock was disappointed that the Colts lose Romero's services right before the playoffs begin, but said that he's excited for Romero's career prospects.
"When he got here and started throwing so hard, I knew he wasn't going to be here long," Babcock said. "It's tough to lose your set-up man right before the playoffs, but that's what independent baseball is all about, giving people the opportunity to get to the next level. His future is with the Boston Red Sox and I wish him the best. He certainly has the talent to play at a very high level."
Romero, who despite his Texas roots, grew up a Boston fan, will be sent to the Lowell Spinners, in the short-season Class A New-York Penn League. The Red Sox organization want Romero to contribute to the Spinners' stretch drive, as Lowell is in first place in its division with three weeks left in the season.
To replace Romero on the roster, the Colts have acquired sidearming righty David Wasylak from the Laredo Broncos. The 6-3, 195-lb. 25-year-old has a 3-1 record with two saves with Laredo, allowing less than a hit per inning while striking out more than one per inning in 26 games. He also had a very brief stint with Worcester of the Can-Am League in May.
The Colts begin their quest for their first United League championship with a best-of-three series against the two-time defending champion Alexandria Aces. All three games will be at Foster Field, on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, if necessary. Advertising, ticket, and group information are available by calling the box office at (325) 942-6587. All Colts games are broadcast live on "Cool 100" - KCLL 100.1 FM and online at the Colts' official website, www.sanangelocolts.com, which is updated daily with the latest team news.
• Discuss this story on the United League Baseball message board...
United League Baseball Stories from August 17, 2008
- Sunday's Game Verses Aces Canceled - Amarillo Dillas
- Colts sell hard-throwing righty Romero to Red Sox - San Angelo Colts
- Colts season finale rained out, tickets good for playoffs - San Angelo Colts
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
