Jays @ Twins pregame
It’s no coincidence that Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi mentioned Ricky Romero as a rotation candidate again yesterday, a few days after Casey Janssen fell out of the running due to muscle tightness near his right shoulder. With Janssen out, Romero is being given another look.
“That’s one of the reasons,” manager Cito Gaston said on Sunday. “He’s pitched over at the complex, too. He’s pitched well. I guess the last time we played Philly, J.P. went over and watched him pitch and [pitching coach Brad] Arnsberg has been working with him and he really says he’s come on quick. He retains well and I’m looking forward to seeing him tomorrow.
“I know he has the arm to pitch here, that’s for sure. He really does.”
Romero is being handed six innings in tomorrow’s “A” game against the Reds in Sarasota, Fla. Righty Jesse Litsch will move over to Minor League camp to get his scheduled start in. Today, we’ve got Scott Richmond and Matt Clement set to make their case for a job. Sp, another day, another element added to the rotation situation.
Still no word on the signing of Shawn Hill to a Minor League contract. He’s talking to other teams as well, but the Jays remain very much in the picture. When and if he signs, I will be sure to let you guys know. Jays assistant GM Tony LaCava said Leon Boyd will likely open at Double-A.
Today’s lineup:
BLUE JAYS
Russ Adams, RF
Brad Emaus, 2B
Adam Lind, LF
Jason Lane, CF
Michael Barrett, C
Randy Ruiz, 1B
Scott Campbell, 3B
Kyle Phillips, DH
Justin Jackson, SS
Matt Clement, P
Scott Richmond, P
TWINS
Denard Span, CF
Nick Punto, SS
Jason Kubel, DH
Justin Morneau, 1B
Joe Crede, 3B
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Delmon Young, LF
Mike Redmond, C
Matt Tolbert, 2B
Scott Baker, P
~JB
Major League Bastian 
I can’t think of a better place for Shawn to try and resurrect his career. With the rotation depleted it’s a good chance for him to get a shot down the line when more injuries occur.
Sounds like Arnsberg is pleased with the results Romero is getting after the delivery mechanic fix. The only remaining issue with Romero is, someone will need to calm him down before he throws the first pitch in his first 5-10 starts.
I have said before, of all the guys, Romero has the best stuff, its just getting it over the plate,eliminating the BB’s and believing in himself.
If he does that, he will be more than just effective, he will be a very good starter.
My take is this could be the last day Clements is taken seriously as a starter if he doesn’t perform exceptionally well. Even if he does, I still think the odds favor Richmond over Clements.
I know a number disagree, but an 86 mph fastball with little movement is going to get wacked most times out.
Was that ugly or what? Clement goes 4.1, gives up 6 hits, 7 bb’s, 9 runs. Had to be hard to watch.
Looks like I will have to eat my words on Clement – what an ugly line today.
I’d expect we send Clements to the minor league camp in the next day or so. Cito has to start thinking about getting the 5 starters ready for opening day which is only two weeks away and they still want to look at Romero again.
I wonder if Clements goes down or retires?
So I’d say 4 starters are Halliday, Litsch, Purcey and Richmond. The last spot still up for grabs is between Mills and Romero. It will be interesting to see how Romero pitches tommorrow.
I dont see how Richmond has clinched a spot i think the rotation will look like this: Halladay, Litsch, Purcey, Mills, Romero. And if and WHEN there is an injury or a under achieving starter then Cecil will get the call.
Richmond will go North with the team for sure, he is a good #5 starter on any team. Shawn Hill will be another waste of money, I for one hope they can’t land him.
Halladay has not looked good this spring I hope he’s not hurting somewhere.Adams is making a case to stay with the team, I wonder what will happen to him.
garryguy
Adams is having a great spring. He would be a good candidate for a bench job this year if a few guys go down. Until then he is destined for AAA.
92.
I would like to se Adams traded to a team that will give him a chance, but I don’t think we can get anything for him, also I wonder when he will be a free agent.
I believe Adams becomes a minor league free agent if he doesn’t make the team and there is no room for him here.
Adams has always had a reasonable bat, his defense has always let him down, even in AAA last year. I just don’t see anyone picking him up for a mlb job.