Romero, signed in November, 2011 as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic, has a strong, compact frame, and throws from a low-3/4’s arm slot. He works without a windup and has a long arm action with a good arm circle and quick arm through the slot. He falls off when he finishes, and would benefit from a more online finish so he can consistently stay on top of the ball. While reports had his fastball in the 96-to-98 mph range, the velocity was down in this viewing to 92-95 mph, with most readings at a plus 94 mph. the decline could be some typical end-of-season fatigue as he’s thrown 125 innings to-date, or it could be an attempt to generate some sink and tail at the lower velo bands. The fastball showed some run and bore, but it can flatten out on him when he’s not locating down in the zone, which was the case in this view, where command was below average, and he surrendered 9 hits over five innings pitched. In fact over his last three outings he’s allowed 26 hits over just 14 1/3 innings while striking out just five in that span, versus 8.6 SO/9 for the season. The fastball projects to a 65 grade with the average movement and future average command. His slider was above average at 85-to-87 mph. Though it was seldom used, it showed tilt and ¾’s depth. His changeup was plus, coming in at 85-to-88 mph with late fade, and he front-doored it to righties with effectiveness, but it was over-used versus lefties in this viewing.

While the command/control profile flashed some erratic tendencies, the overall control profile is still fringy this year, with 3.2 BB/9 versus a double-plus 1.5 BB/9 last year. He should settle at average control at maturity, and he’ll need to throw more quality strikes to reach a ceiling of a Role 60 number three starter. His floor is that of a solid number four arm.