The Oakland A’s have been looking everywhere possible to find competent pitching this season. Whether in the bullpen or the rotation, the A’s have cycled through arms as they try to find pieces for the present and future. More often than not, it has not been pretty.
Their search to find anything that could resemble a competent pitcher has involved the waiver wire as well. There has not been any harm in hoping to find diamonds in the rough, although they have typically failed in that case as well. But now, a familiar face is available once again as Sergio Romo was released by the Mariners.
Sergio Romo worth a look for Oakland A’s
Romo was a disaster in Seattle. He allowed 13 runs on 18 hits, including six homers, and four walks in his 14.1 innings, striking out 11 batters. Yet, despite how bad his numbers may be, they would not be the worst on the A’s pitching staff.
At 39 years old, he is not going to be a part of the A’s future. There is also no guarantee that, even if the A’s were to bring him on board, he would even be a part of the bullpen picture in another week or two. The end of the road is clearly in sight for Romo’s career.
But there is the chance that he could still be a useful part of the bullpen. He still had a solid 2.75 K/BB rate. Romo is also the type of savvy veteran that can help the younger pitchers, especially as they learn to get outs without having their best stuff. He has carved out a 15 year career without being the most overpowering of arms, making him the perfect player for those youngsters to learn from.
If Romo can put together a strong month, there is the outside chance that the A’s could trade him for something. Even if it is a low level minor leaguer, that is a lottery ticket that could pan out. If not, he could be let go at minimal cost. He is worth the chance.
The Oakland A’s are still looking for useful arms in their bullpen. They may as well give Sergio Romo another look.