I can’t remember the last time I received so many questions about the mechanics of a Rockies player.
Questions about salaries, playing time, manager Bud Black’s bullpen decisions and front office moves — those come fast and furious. But questions about mechanics are rare.
But the questions about rookie catcher Drew Romo’s awkward-looking, soft tosses back to the mound are unavoidable.
Here’s what’s going on.
Romo, the 35th player selected in the 2020 draft out of The Woodlands High School in Texas, was renowned for his defense. But he came down with “the yips” when working his way up through the minors. He was fine throwing runners out on the bases, but throwing the ball back to the mound became an adventure. He also struggled with throws to first base after a dropped third strike.
Romo’s “pushball” back to the mound is his way to compensate.
“I guess you could say it was ‘the yips,’ or anxiety,” Romo said Friday when asked what led to his unusual throws back to the pitcher. “I think it’s just part of being a catcher. A lot of catchers deal with this.
“It’s an awkward throw, and you make hundreds of those throws every single game, so it’s going to get weird over time.
“And it’s a weird throw because there is so much going on. There is the hitter and you have base runners. Sometimes it gets weird and sometimes your throwing motion changes over time. It’s just part of being a catcher.”
Other players, notably Rockies reliever Daniel Bard, former Cubs pitcher Jon Lester, former Cardinals pitcher-turned-outfielder Rick Ankiel, former Mets catcher Mackey Sasser, and former Rangers and Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia had to find solutions to their battles with the yips.
Romo, who made his major league debut Aug. 17, insists he’s in a good place,
“This is the way I throw now,” Romo said. “It’s how it happened over time.”
The Rockies say it wasn’t a problem at Triple-A this season, but will it be a problem going forward against big-league teams? Will opposing teams find a way to steal bases and take advantage of Romo’s soft lobs back to the pitcher?
“No, you just have to be more aware of things and the situation,” Romo said. “It’s all about taking care of the situation.”
Rockies manager Bud Black agreed.
“He’s overcome (the yips),” Black said. “He’s in the major leagues.”
General manager Bill Schmidt said Romo’s throws “haven’t seemed to be” an issue.
Still, Black emphasized that Romo must have a steady routine to make sure he can control baserunners.
“He has to get up, check the runners, and then throw the ball the way he throws it back to the mound,” Black said.
OK, fine, but will it be problematic, especially against a speedy, aggressive team like the Diamondbacks? Scouts are surely taking a long, hard look at videos to see if they can take advantage of Romo’s soft throws.
“Right now, it’s not (problematic), as long as he gets the ball back to the mound with less of an arc on it,” Black said. “He’s very capable of that.”
Romo entered the weekend with just seven big-league games on his resume. He’s thrown out two of the nine runners who have attempted steals against him. His 22% caught stealing rate is just about at the major league average (21%). He’s been charged with two passed balls.
After 28 plate appearances, he’s slashing .222/.250/.296 with three RBIs.
If Rockies fans are concerned about Romo’s throwing motion back to the mound, he says he’s not.
“I think there are a lot more important things, like receiving, which has been good,” he said. “And blocking, which has been good. And my throw-downs when runners are trying to steal are important. And my game management is important.
“So, really, getting the ball back to the pitcher is not a big deal in comparison to a lot of other things.”
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