Romo Ready To Resume Key Role For Giants
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) ― Closer Brian Wilson has an edge to his demeanor and a hedge on his face.
But he is not the only San Francisco Giants pitcher who has a beard to be feared.
Around the corner from Wilson's locker at Scottsdale Stadium is the spring residence of right-handed reliever Sergio Romo.
Romo's beard is just as full as Wilson's, and it even has its own Twitter account — RomosBeard.
With all this attention and a World Series championship ring due to arrive during the first homestand of the regular season, it's sometimes difficult for Romo to believe what has happened.
"Not bad for a guy who weaseled his way onto this team a few years ago," he said.
Well, there is a bit more to it than that.
He has been remarkably consistent in his three major league seasons. In 2008, he was 3-1 with a 2.12 ERA in 29 games. In 2009, 5-2 with a 3.97 ERA in 45 games. And in 2010, his best season, 5-3 with a 2.18 ERA in 68 games.
Romo is ready to resume his role as the bridge between the talented starting rotation and Wilson.
"Last season was quite a ride," he said.
In the days after winning the World Series title against Texas, Romo returned to San Francisco "and raged and raged. I had to get out after a while. The city was just too nuts," he said.
He also shared what is a once-in-a-lifetime experience with his family.
"I can honestly say that last season I wasn't playing for my own well-being. It wasn't about me. It was about the team. We were all selling out for the same cause," Romo said.
On the mound last season, there were many situations Romo had not been in before. He said he matured as a pitcher, showing less emotion and pitching with more of a strategy, learning how to pitch to certain hitters in certain counts.
"Even a few times with the bases loaded. I got the job done most of the time," he said.
What might be in store for 2011?
"It's easy to play well when you are having fun, and that's what we are trying to do," Romo said. "I want to further establish myself as a consistent pitcher, be a good teammate and have us all continue to work.
"We want to do it again. We are ready to rock."
NOTES: Ace right-hander Tim Lincecum did not participate in Wednesday's workout due to a stiff neck and Wilson shut down a long-toss session due to a stiff back. Manager Bruce Bochy said their conditions are not serious. ... Infielder-outfielder Mark DeRosa is set to make his return after missing most of last season after having surgery to eliminate the aftereffects of a previous surgery on his left wrist. Bochy said he will try DeRosa at numerous spots this spring. ... Former Giants second baseman Jeff Kent, the NL MVP in 2000, will be a camp instructor later this spring.
(© 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
