The Los Angeles Dodgers’ search for a right-handed relief pitcher seemingly concluded with the club reportedly coming to terms with Sergio Romo on a one-year contract. Romo was said to have chosen signing with the Dodgers over a more lucrative offer from the Tampa Bay Rays, though his deal has not yet been finalized.
Once official, Romo’s signing will represent a homecoming for the Brawley, Calif., native, as he attended games at Dodger Stadium as a child, and hails from a family full of Dodgers fans. Blood being thicker than water was tested when the San Francisco Giants selected Romo in the 28th round of the 2005 Draft.
He proceeded to become the club’s closer, supplanting Brian Wilson, who also made the switch from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Although the Giants didn’t have interest in re-signing Romo, it hasn’t resulted in any resentment, nor does he believe the situation is identical to Wilson moving on from the Giants, Romo explained in a text message to KNBR:
“No lie i am not [Brian] Willson, nor did i leave with a sour taste in my mouth about anything, even though I am no longer needed there. I know what I was a part of and I left my heart out there whenever i got the ball no matter who it was against.”
“It wasn’t my choice not to be a giant again as I was straight up told I didn’t have a spot there anymore. So, I chose la for my family and not to piss off, in spite, nor to hurt anyone with the Giants. I have no vendetta and no ill-will towards any of my friends that I was made to leave behind in San Francisco. I will not do anything to show any of them up up as I respect and truly love everyone one of them for the way they accepted me and let me play on their team.”
Over parts of nine seasons with the Giants, Romo went 32-26 with 84 saves, a 2.58 ERA, 2.71 FIP and 0.96 WHIP. He missed nearly three months last season due to a flexor strain near his right elbow.
Romo finished the year with four saves, a 2.64 ERA, 157 ERA+, 3.80 FIP and 1.08 WHIP, while appearing in 40 games and throwing a career-low 30.2. innings.
Romo, who will turn 34 years old in March, is expected to earn a base salary of $3 million this season, and his deal reportedly includes incentives. Although there may be some health concerns, longtime scout Mike Brito watched Romo pitch this offseason and provided a positive report to the Dodgers.
