Fernando Romero - 2017

[Dance with Disco Dan]

FERNANDO ROMERO

 

http://www.milb.com/assets/images/8/5/4/197257854/cuts/romero960_skx4wvv4_q2xjtvcf.jpg

 

 

Position: Right-Handed Pitcher.

Height/ Weight: 6’0’’ 215 lbs.

Age: 22 years old all season (12/24/94 d.o.b.).

Drafted: Signed as an International Free Agent out of the Dominican Republic in November 2011 (16 years old)

Signing Bonus: $260,000
                                                                                                                                          
2017 Twins Prospect Rankings: Fernando is generally considered a top-5 Twins prospect by the national media and has cracked at least one top-100 overall prospect list:

•      MLB.com (No. 4);
•      ESPN (No. 2/ No. 65 overall);
•      Fangraphs (No. 7);
•      Baseball America (No.4);
•      Baseball Prospectus (No. 3).

Expert Sentiment: The experts find a lot to like about Fernando’s stuff. The following are select quotes from a couple pre-season prospect rankings:

MLB.com:

             Scouting grades: Fastball: 70 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50

There is no question about Romero's pure stuff. He'll throw an 80-grade fastball at times, approaching triple-digits, and showed that not only can he sit in the 95-97 mph range, he can maintain his velocity throughout a start and a season, though he threw just over 90 innings a year ago. Velocity-wise, his slider is where it should be, but it doesn't always have the action for it to be an out pitch. His changeup will flash average as well and it's just a matter of Romero refining his pitchability to become a complete starting pitcher, though he threw a lot more strikes than anticipated in his return.

Keith Law, ESPN.com:

He’s built like a workhorse starter, though there’s some reliever risk to the delivery, but it’s definitely starter stuff. He’ll pitch at 95-98 mph, retaining his velocity deep into games, which he supports with a hard slider thrown into the upper 80s that he can throw for strikes and backdoor to left-handed batters, as well as a changeup that should end up at least average. Romero over-rotates in his delivery and lands wide open . . . for command’s sake and the health of his elbow, he should be landing online to the plate.

 

Romero might be consistently up at 97-98 mph with a slider that reaches 90 if he ends up in the bullpen. But . . . [h]e might have the best shot of any of their guys to become a true No. 1 or No. 2.     
                                 
2016 Minor League Season and Selected Stats: Fernando pitched 90.1 innings over 16 starts in 2016 . . . He made 5 starts in low-A Cedar Rapids and was quickly promoted to high-A Fort Myers where he made another 11 starts . . . Fernando was excellent at both levels posting sub-2 ERAs and sub-1 WHIPs . . . He also surrendered only 1 home run and had a SO/W ratio over 6 . . . Fernando surprisingly showed no signs of rust after nearly 2 years off the mound—he missed most of the 2014 season, the entire 2015 season, and the start of the 2016 season rehabbing his elbow after Tommy John surgery

2017 Assignment: Fernando will begin 2017 as part of the Chattanooga Lookouts’ starting rotation.

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Start No. 1 (04/08/16)

 

 

Fernando’s first start of 2017 came against the Mobile BayBears, a L.A. Angels affiliate.  The BayBears’ lineup featured only two players ranked among the Angels’ top prospects: SS David Fletcher (No. 11 MLB.com) and DH Caleb Adams (No. 29). Unfortunately, Fernando did not pitch well in his first appearance at AA level. He was unable to complete four innings leaving the game down 1-0 and the bases loaded in a 3-2 Lookouts loss.

 

 Fernando faced 16 batters over 3.1 innings surrendering 3 earned runs on 3 hits (including 1 2B and 1 HR) and 3 walks. Control was obviously a big issue as he threw 74 pitches before being lifted in the 4^th inning. In 16 starts last year, Fernando gave up only 1 homerun so we can hope that the homerun surrendered in this game is an outlier. One positive was that Fernando struck out 4 BayBears (3 swinging) for a 25% strikeout rate. Overall, however, it was a forgettable debut in AA:

 

   IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero  3.1       3          3          3          3          4          1          8.10

 

 

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

 

 

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Start No. 2 (04/14/17)

 

In this game, Fernando was matched up against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp—a Miami Marlins affiliate. The first three hitters were each ranked Jumbo Shrimp prospects: 3B Brian Anderson (No. 3 MLB.com); RF John Norwood (No. 27) and 2B Yefri Perez (No. 30). Fernando was looking to bounce back from a poor first start. Unfortunately, things only got worse for him and control was the primary problem. He was lifted in the 3rd inning down 3-0 with two runners on in a 4-0 Lookouts loss.

 

Fernando faced 16 batters over only 2.2 innings. He gave up 3 hits (including 2 2Bs) and a career-high 5 walks which resulted in 3 earned runs. He threw 79 pitches and only 41 of them for strikes. He did, however, manage to strikeout 5 Jumbo Shrimp (4 swinging) for a 31% strikeout ratio. After two games, it does not appear that Fernando is going to carry over last-season’s dominance and that he’s going to have an adjustment period.

 

Box Score:

 

IP    H   R   ER   BB   SO   HR   ERA

F. Romero  2.2    3    3     3      5       5      0      9.00

 

Season Stats:

IP:   6.0
ERA:   9.00
FIP:   6.06
WHIP:   2.33
AVG:    .250
GO/AO:    1.25
K/9:   13.50
BB/9:   12.00
 
Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

MiLB.com:
http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

Baseball Reference:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

Fangraphs:
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 3 (04/20/17)

 

Fernando had his first good outing of the season in this game against the Biloxi Shuckers—a Milwaukee Brewers affiliate. Technically, he will be credited with a relief appearance rather than a start because the teams played two innings of this game before being rained out the night before and started up in the 3^rd inning with Fernando on the mound. In all but name, however, this was a start and Fernando pitched 5.2 innings of one-run ball in a 3-1 Lookouts win.

 

Fernando’s biggest improvement over his first two starts was his control—58 of 87 pitches were strikes and he walked only one batter. He faced 23 batters over the 5.2 innings giving up 6 hits (5 singles and 1 double) and striking out 4 Shuckers (all swinging) for a 17.3% strikeout ratio. One prospect writer and scout, Chris Blessing, stated that Fernando’s fastball was “up to 98 [mph] early,” “comfortably living in the lower half of zone 94-97” and “slider good too.” All of which suggests that Romero’s arm is feeling fine and that his early struggles were mechanical not physical. Kudos to Seth Stohs for bringing those tweets to the Board.

 

One thing to consider before we declare Fernando officially back-on-track is that the Shuckers have been a terrible hitting team this season (OPS .563) despite having two ranked Brewers prospects and a former 1^st rounder in their lineup: SS Mauricio Dubon (No. 9 MLB.com); C Jacob Nottingham (No. 14) and DH Victor Roache. Nevertheless, this game was the type of performance that we were hoping to see from Fernando and was big step in the right direction.

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   5.2       6          1          1          1          4          0          5.40

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:    11.2

ERA:    5.40

FIP:    4.24

WHIP:    1.80

AVG:     .267

GO/AO:     1.63

K/9:    10.0

BB/9:    6.9

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 4 (04/25/17)

 

In this game, Fernando was a tough-luck loser despite having his best outing of the year.   The Lookouts played a double-header against the Tennessee Smokies—a Chicago Cubs affiliate—which meant that both games were shortened to 7 innings.  Fernando started the first game and shut out the Smokies for 6 innings.   In the seventh inning, he was lifted with 2 outs and runners on first and second.   The decision to remove Fernando in that spot is curious because he had only thrown 81 pitches and an Vielma error had extended the inning (a strict pitch count is the only thing that makes sense). In short, he was cruising and this was his first time the Smokies had two runners all game. Unfortunately, Fernando’s relief could not pick him up and both runners scored resulting in a 2-0 Lookouts loss.

 

Fernando faced 24 batters over the 6.2 innings giving up 4 hits (all singles) and striking out 6 for a 25% strikeout ratio.   He surrendered only 2 walks and both runs were unearned. The real story of this outing, however, was that Fernando had the Smokies beating the ball into the ground.   Of the 16 balls put into play, 14 were ground balls and only one was a line drive.   That, coupled with a decent strikeout ratio is a formula for success (assuming his offense can score a couple runs in support—the Lookouts have scored a total of 3 runs in the 4 games Fernando has pitched).

 

After 4 games, Fernando has a ground ball rate of 62% (using raw data from Baseball-Reference) and a line drive rate of 20.8%.   He is also striking out 24% of all batters faced.   The ground ball ratio is very strong and has been particularly impressive over the last two games—72.7%.  It certainly looks like Fernando has worked out his early season issues.   Hopefully, he will continue to have performances like this one while building his pitch counts and innings totals.

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   6.2       4          2          0          2          6          0          3.44

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:    18.1

ERA:  3.44

FIP:  3.39

WHIP:  1.47

AVG:   .239

GO/AO:   2.67

K/9:  9.3

BB/9:  5.4

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 5 (04/30/17)

 

On the last day of April, Fernando faced the Jackson Generals—an Arizona Diamondbacks affiliate—which is far and away the best hitting team in the Southern League (.288/.365/.468).   By way of comparison, the Lookouts are middle-of-the-pack (.235/.326/.332).  Although the Generals challenged him, Fernando had another impressive result pitching 6 innings of one-run ball in a 9-4 Lookouts win.

 

Fernando faced 25 batters over the 6 innings giving up 1 earned run on 7 hits (all singles) and striking out 6 (5 swinging) for a 24% strikeout ratio.   He threw 90 pitches and 60 of them were strikes.   Most significantly, Fernando did not walk a batter.   Whatever caused the unusual lack of control during his first two starts, it appears Fernando has cleaned that issue up.

 

It should be noted that, despite the great result, the Generals caught up to Fernando the second time through their order.   He retired the first 9 batters then gave up all 7 hits in the last three innings. In truth, he did well to limit the damage to only one run.   That said, it was still another encouraging performance by Fernando and it was also nice to see the offense finally score some runs in support.

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   6.0       7          1          1          0          6          0          2.96

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:  24.1

ERA:  2.96

FIP:  2.79

WHIP:  1.40

AVG:   .250

GO/AO:   1.81

K/9:  9.2

BB/9:  4.1

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Vanimal46]

Loving your updates Disco Dan! Keep em coming! 

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 6 (05/08/17)

 

Fernando took the mound for the first time in 8 days facing the Montgomery Biscuits—a Tampa Bay Rays affiliate. The delay between starts was the result of a couple rainouts and the apparent decision to rotate in a couple of spot-starters (presumably to lower the season workload of the regular starters). In any event, the extended rest derailed Fernando’s recent run of excellent pitching. The Biscuits touched him for seven runs (5 earned) in a 9-4 Lookouts loss.

 

Fernando faced 28 batters over the 5.2 innings giving up 9 hits (including 1 double and 1 triple).  Although he did not walk anyone he hurt himself with 2 wild pitches and 1 hit batter (his first WPs and HBP of the season). The hit batter eventually scored and one of the wild pitches allowed a runner on third to score.  Fernando struck out 4 Biscuits (3 swinging) for a 14.2% strikeout ratio.   He was around the strike zone throwing a season-high 94 pitches with 63 strikes.  The biggest positive of this outing was that 15 of the 22 balls put into play by the Biscuits were ground balls (GB%: 68%) including 5 of the 9 hits.

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   5.2       9          7          5          0          4          0          3.90

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:  30.0

ERA:  3.90

FIP:  2.76

WHIP:  1.433

AVG:   .271

GO/AO:   2.28

K/9:  8.7

BB/9:  3.3

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Oldgoat_MN]

Romero is only 7 months younger than Berrios, but a lot of good pitchers don't get to MLB before they are 24 or 25. That said, he needs to dominate with some consistency. I'm glad they put him in AA. He needs to be challenged.

Go Fernando!

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 7 (05/13/17)

 

Back to pitching on 4-days rest, Fernando faced the Birmingham Barons—a Chicago White Sox affiliate.  While he performed better than his previous start, it was not an outing that can be characterized as either good or bad.  Let’s call it a small step in the right direction but otherwise mediocre.  The good news is that the offense got to work late resulting in a 9-6 Lookouts win.

 

Fernando faced 26 batters over 5.2 innings giving up 7 hits (including 1 double) and three runs (only 2 earned).   He issued 2 walks (his first in 3 games) and hit his second batter of the season.  Fernando struck out 4 Barons (all swinging) for a 15.3% strikeout ratio.   Fernando’s K/9 ratio has been on a slight but steady decline which is something to watch as the season progresses. The biggest positive from the outing was that Fernando battled back after the Barons jumped on him for two runs in the 1^st inning allowing only an unearned run the rest of the way.   On the negative side, it took Fernando 95 pitches to complete 5.2 innings.   Given that he has been allowed mid-90s pitch counts the last two games, it’d be nice to see him pitch deeper into the games. Fernando has pitched into the 7th inning only once this season (ironically in a game in which he was lifted after only 81 pitches).

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   5.2       7          3          2          2          4          0          3.79

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:  35.2

ERA:  3.79

FIP:  2.81

WHIP:  1.46

AVG:   .277

GO/AO:   1.84

K/9:  8.3

BB/9:  3.3

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 8 (05/18/17)

 

On a night that Jose Berrios pitched to his full abilities, the same could not be said for Fernando.  His second start against the Biloxi Shuckers did not go well.  In fact, it’s hard to find a silver lining in this performance.   Fernando failed to get out of the 5^th inning leaving the contest down 5-1 (and quickly 7-1 after his relief came in and gave up 3 straight hits) in a 9-3 Lookouts loss.

 

Fernando faced 23 batters over 4.1 innings giving up 5 hits (including 1 double) and 7 runs (6 earned).   A lot of his problems in this game were self-inflicted.   Fernando’s control issues resurfaced and he walked 4 and hit a batter (3 of 5 of those baserunners scored).  He also made a throwing error on a bunt attempt that put the batter on third base and led to him to scoring on a ground-out.  Fernando struck out 4 Shuckers (all swinging) for a 17.3% strikeout ratio.   The Southern League is hitting Fernando at a fair clip (.278 BA) but, thankfully, for not much power (.354 SLG).  To end on a positive note, he has not given up a home run since his first appearance.

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   4.1       5          7          6          4          4          0          4.73

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:  40.0

ERA:  4.73

FIP:  3.00

WHIP:  1.46

AVG:   .278

GO/AO:   1.76

K/9:  8.3

BB/9:  3.8

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 9 (05/24/17)

 

Facing the Montgomery Biscuits for the second time in May, Fernando had much better results.  Two weeks earlier, the Biscuits scored 7 runs against Fernando but he got the better of it in this game pitching his first scoreless outing of the season in a 2-0 Lookouts win.

 

Fernando faced 22 batters over 6 innings giving up only 3 hits (including 1 double) and 3 walks.  He was in control most of game allowing two baserunners only once.  Fernando struck out 5 Biscuits (2 swinging) for a 22.7% strikeout ratio.  Overall, this game was his best of the season to date and only the second time he posted a WHIP of 1.0 or lower. It’d be nice to see Fernando pitch more efficiently (97 pitches to complete 6 innings) but this was an encouraging start after three-straight subpar outings.  

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   6.0       3          0          0          3          5          0          4.11

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:  46.0

ERA:  4.11

FIP:  2.99

WHIP:  1.46

AVG:   .266

GO/AO:   1.6

K/9:  8.2

BB/9:  3.9

 

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 10 (05/30/17)

 

Fernando followed-up his best start of the season with an even better start.   Facing the Birmingham Barons for the second time in two weeks, he allowed only 4 runners over 6 innings in an 11-0 blowout win.

 

Fernando faced 23 batters over 6 innings giving up only 2 hits (both singles) and two walks.   No Baron advanced past second base.   Fernando also recorded a season-high 7 strike outs (6 swinging) and struck out the side in the 5^th inning.   Although dominant, he turned the game over to the bullpen to start the 7^th inning because his pitch count was at 98.

 

After 10 appearances, Fernando has a 54.8% GB% and a 19.9% LD%.   Opposing batters have struck out 21.7% of the time and have posted .313 SLG and .643 OPS. Fernando has surrendered only one home run over 52 innings.   However, his walk rate--9.7%--has spiked over last year’s stellar 4.5%.  The last two games look a lot like the pitcher we hoped Fernando would be this season.   Let’s hope he continues to build innings and remains effective (or better!)

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   6.0       2          0          0          2          7          0          3.63

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:  52.0

ERA:  3.63

FIP:  2.92

WHIP:  1.37

AVG:   .247

GO/AO:   1.64

K/9:  8.5

BB/9:  3.8

 

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[goulik]

Great update, Thank you!!

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 11 (06/04/17)

 

Although the Jackson Generals scored 5 runs against Fernando, the Lookouts rallied for a pair of runs in the bottom of the 9^th inning to win 6-5.  More importantly (from the perspective of a prospect report), Fernando had another strong outing, this time against the best hitting team in the Southern League.

 

Like a lot of teams in the Southern League (including the Lookouts), the Generals’ lineup has a number of old-for-the-league (24-27 y.o.), non-prospect hitters.   Unlike a lot of teams (particularly the Lookouts), the Generals’ non-prospect hitters actually hit.    In fact, they really hit—4 of the top 7 in league OPS are Generals fitting this description. Supplementing these players are Diamondback 22 y.o. prospects Dawel Lugo (MLB no. 4) and Victor Reyes (MLB no. 14) who are also having nice seasons. In short, Fernando faced the most dangerous lineup in the league and pitched very well

 

Fernando faced 31 batters over a season-high 7 innings giving up 5 runs (2 earned) on 8 hits (including 4 doubles and 1 home run). He recorded a season-high 8 strike outs (7 swinging) and did not issue a walk.  Although he retired the Generals 1-2-3 in the 7^th inning and had thrown only 83 pitches, he was replaced to start the 8^th inning.  This game was only the second game Fernando pitched into the 7^th inning so perhaps that factored into the decision.  But, Fernando had mid-to-high 90s pitch counts over the last several games which would suggest he had more pitches to give.    Maybe the answer is as simple as Bard and Melotakis were scheduled to pitch and they needed their innings.  In any event it was nice to see a relatively efficient pitch count from Fernando who has needed 90+ pitches to complete 6 innings most of this season.

 

            As for the runs scored against Fernando, back-to-back two-out errors on ground balls were the difference between 0 runs scored and 3 runs scored in the 4^th inning.   Converting either would have ended the inning without damage.    Ironically, the other 2 runs were the product of a bunt single followed by a home run by the only General batter with a sub-.700 OPS.    Because in the last report I bragged that Fernando had given up only 1 home run in 52 innings, this was fated to happen.   Looking past the runs, this was an encouraging start as Fernando posted season-highs in innings and strikeouts, did not issue any walks, and allowed only two earned runs.   The only glaring negative was the 5 extra-base hits which is unusually high for Fernando.

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   7.0       8          5          2          0          8          1          3.51

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:  59.0

ERA:  3.51

FIP:  2.91

WHIP:  1.34

AVG:   .249

GO/AO:   1.68

K/9:  8.7

BB/9:  3.5

 

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Fernando was named to the Southern League North Division All-Star team along with four other Lookouts!

 

[Dance with Disco Dan]

I missed the following article Alex Craft posted two-weeks ago on MiLB.com: 

 

https://www.milb.com/milb/news/minnesota-twins-fernando-romero-rebounds-with-scoreless-outing/c-232286378/t-185364810

 

It features a number of quotes from Ivan Arteaga, the Lookouts' pitching coach, after Fernando's 6 innings of shut-out ball against the Montgomery Biscuits on May 24th:

 

He's a competitor. He's got a great work ethic. What we worked on this week was just to make sure he was finishing his pitches, especially the fastball, to be able to have some command on it and throw his changeup more.

 

His command wasn't great, but at the same time he was able to throw some sliders behind in the count and locate his fastball when he needed it, and it played for him. His fastball was 96, 97, up to 99 [mph]. He's got the ability to go in and out.

 

The one thing with Fernando Romero is that he's focused on the task. He's got velo, but he's not a thrower, he's a pitcher. He was able to throw a slider behind in the count to get the guy out.

 

For the most part this season, it's been one bad inning at a time. Tonight he was able to match zeros with [Wood]. It was one of those games where any mistake could cost you the game, and he was able to stay poised and make the pitches like he always does.

 

Although Arteaga is unlikely to be to critical of his player in print, it was nice to read his perspective.  Also, 96, 97, up to 99 mph sounds good to me!

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 12 (06/09/17)

 

 Facing the Montgomery Biscuits for the third time this season, Fernando had a decidedly mixed performance.   On the plus side, he limited the Biscuits to 2 runs and led the Lookouts to a 7-4 win.   On the negative side, he tied his season-high in walks and was not able to complete 6 innings despite a season-high pitch count.    Basically, how someone views this performance likely depends on the importance they place on the inputs versus the result.   The result was good but his control was not.

 

Fernando faced 27 batters over 5.2 innings giving up 2 runs on 3 hits (including 2 doubles), 5 walks and a HBP.   He helped his cause by striking out 6 (5 swinging).   Clearly the number of walks was disappointing coming on the heels of a 7-inning, 0-walk performance.   It should be noted that Fernando had a terrible 1^st inning issuing 2 walks and 2 doubles and surrendering both runs.   After that, he was fairly dominant but a little wild (1 single, 3 walks and a HBP).   He was removed with a runner on 3^rd base but most likely because his pitch count had reached a season-high 99.   Fernando’s ability to right the ship after a bad 1^st inning is an encouraging take away from this outing.

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   5.2       3          2          2          5          6          0          3.48

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:  64.2

ERA:  3.48

FIP:  3.04

WHIP:  1.35

AVG:   .240

GO/AO:   1.77

K/9:  8.8

BB/9:  3.8

 

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[goulik]

Personally I put more emphasis on results as sometimes a guy just needs to bulldog through a rough day but if it becomes a pattern, I become concerned

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 13 (06/14/17)

 

Fernando faced the Tennessee Smokies for the second time this season and had another strong outing against this club.   He matched his season-high in innings pitched and turned the game over to the bullpen for the 8^th inning leading 6-1 in an 8-1 Lookouts victory.   Fernando was on his game and, when he needed to, impressively worked himself out of a couple of jams.

 

For example, the leadoff hitter in the 1^st inning hit a triple but Fernando stranded him there by striking out the next batter then inducing a ground ball to 2^nd base (infield in?) and a fly out to left field.   Inning over, no runs.  In the 6^th inning, a single, a double, a ground out to SS, and another single accompanied by a throwing error plated one run and left runners on 2^nd and 3^rd base with only one out.   Just when it seemed he was tiring, Fernando battled back with two swinging strikeouts to end the threat.    He went on to complete the 7^th inning.

 

Fernando faced 29 batters over 7.0 innings giving up just 1 run on 7 hits (including 1 double and 1 triple).   After walking 5 batters the previous game, he did not issue any walks to the Smokies although he did have a HBP.   Fernando threw 94 pitches and struck out 7 batters (6 swinging).   In short, it was a very good performance and it was nice to see is control bounce back.

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   7.0       7          1          1          0          7          0          3.27

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:  71.2

ERA:  3.27

FIP:  2.93

WHIP:  1.31

AVG:   .238

GO/AO:   1.82

K/9:  8.8

BB/9:  3.4

 

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 14 (06/25/17)

 

Pitching on 11-day rest, Fernando faced the Pensacola Blue Wahoos—a Cincinnati Reds affiliate—for the first time this season.   Like the Lookouts, the Blue Wahoos won their division in the first-half securing a place in the playoffs.   But it was the Blue Wahoos pitching that carried them during the first half and their lineup (9^th in the 10-team Southern League) was overmatched against Fernando despite the call-up and addition of the Reds’ No. 1 prospect, 3B Nick Senzel (No. 20 overall at MLB.com).   Fernando threw a complete-game shutout (only 7-innings because they played a double-header) leading the Lookouts to a 6-0 win.

 

           Fernando faced 26 batters over 7.0 innings giving up just 3 hits (including 1 double) and zero runs.   He threw a season-high 100 pitches and struck out 6 Blue Wahoos (all swinging).   Despite issuing 3 walks and 1 HBP, only one runner reached third base.   This was a very strong performance and arguably the best of Fernando’s season.   Personally, it has my vote primarily because I was starting to get worried about Fernando’s health.   He was next up in the rotation at the All-Star break and did not pitch in the All-Star Game because it was rained out.    Yet, after the break, Gonsalves and Jorge started the first two games and I could not find anything online explaining why Fernando was skipped.    Given his strong performance, we can safely assume the reason was not injury-related and was perhaps related to managing his innings and/or appearances. In any event, I am glad to see Fernando get some rest and pick up where he left off.  FYI, Senzel was 0-3 with a strikeout against Fernando.

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   7.0       3          0          0          3          6          0          2.97

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:  78.2

ERA:  2.97

FIP:  2.94

WHIP:  1.27

AVG:   .231

GO/AO:   1.80

K/9:  8.7

BB/9:  3.4

 

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Ben Noble]

Great game, and really happy to see the pitch count up to triple digits.

[jimbo92107]

Reading the progression over the season, looks to me like Romero is exactly where he belongs. I wouldn't completely rule out a September call-up, but there are other guys I'd bring up before him, like Jorge and Gonsalves. Romero should be knocking hard on the door by next spring. If he's as good as predicted, a rotation with Santana, Berrios, Gonsalves, Romero and Jorge could be pretty darn good. 

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 15 (07/01/17)

 

Fernando’s start against the Mississippi Braves was cut short by a storm that forced a postponement.    He pitched only 2 innings before the game was called.    The 1^st inning was an easy 1-2-3 but, in the 2^nd inning, Fernando found himself in a no-out, bases-loaded jam after a single followed by two walks.   Impressively, he worked out the jam by striking out the next two batters then inducing a ground ball to 3^rd base.  Fernando had 3 strikeouts and 2 walks and did not allow a run.   When the game was postponed, the score was 0-0 and the Lookouts won the game 5-4 when it was completed the next day.

 

After 15 appearances, Fernando is striking out 22.7% of the batters he faces.   He has a 54.4% GB% and a 20.3% LD%.   Opposing batters have posted a slash-line of .231/.315/.316 (.631 OPS).   Fernando had a very good June and, other than a few games with more walks than we’d like to see, he’s been nearly dominant his last 6 appearances.   Let’s hope he doesn’t lose any more starts to weather and that he keeps building his innings with similar results.

 

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   2.0       1          0          0          2          3          0          2.90

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:  80.2

ERA:  2.90

FIP:  2.96

WHIP:  1.28

AVG:   .231

GO/AO:   1.81

K/9:  8.8

BB/9:  3.6

 

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 16 (07/06/17)

 

Fernando pitched well (but was not dominant) in his second start against the Tennessee Smokies.   Unfortunately, the Lookouts’ lineup was shut down by the Smokies' pitchers and Fernando being good was not enough.    He was trailing 2-1 when he was replaced at the start of the sixth inning and that ended up being the final score in the Lookouts’ loss.

 

The most disappointing part of this outing is that Fernando completed only 5 innings which is the fewest he’s thrown in 8 weeks (excluding last week’s postponement).   That prior start was limited by weather to only 2 innings and he’d only thrown 86 pitches when lifted in this game.    He’d also struck out 2 batters in a clean 5^th inning so it’s not entirely clear why he didn’t continue pitching into the 6^th inning.    Fernando faced 22 batters over 5.0 innings giving up 6 hits (including 1 double and 1 home run) and walking one.    He struck out 7 Smokies (5 swinging) and had 1 HBP.    He also gave up his 3^rd home run of the season to 3B Jason Vosler, a 23-year old non-prospect according to MLB.com’ ranking of Cubs prospects, who happens to be second in the Southern League with 15 HRs and third with a .879 OPS.    Given his age, I expect Vosler will crack the top-25 when that list is updated.

 

In any event, Fernando’s outing was good and only a step back in the context of his recent dominance.

 

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   5.0       6          2          2          1          7          0          2.90

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:  85.2

ERA:  2.94

FIP:  3.02

WHIP:  1.28

AVG:   .235

GO/AO:   1.69

K/9:  9.0

BB/9:  3.5

 

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Oldgoat_MN]

There is a good chance Romero will be successful as an MLB pitcher some day. Possibly next year. I am anxious to see him continue on the statistical path he has set for himself.

Gotta keep those walks down. Every game he pitches that is the first stat I look at.

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 17 (07/11/17)

 

Facing the Pensacola Blue Wahoos for the second time in four starts, Fernando dominated in another short outing.   Like last game, he was removed after only 5 innings, this time after only 63 pitches.   The Lookouts were leading 1-0 when Fernando was replaced but lost the game 4-1.

 

There is no report that Fernando was injured during this game.    Assuming that he was not (fingers crossed), Twins management has definitely implemented a work-load management plan.    Seth Stohs recently posted a comment indicating he’s been told that such a plan is in place.   If true, we’ll have to wait and see to what end?   If they’ve assigned Fernando a bright-line innings limit, management may be trying to ensure that he has innings left when the Southern League playoffs begin.   The plan could also be related to an anticipated September call-up to the Twins (he is already on the 40-man roster).   In any event, it should be noted that Fernando established a career high for innings pitched this game.

  

Fernando faced 16 batters over 5.0 innings giving up only 2 hits and 1 walk.   He struck out 5 Blue Wahoos (3 swinging) and no runner reached second base.   In short, Fernando was on top of his game and on pace for his best start of the season.  In that respect, it was frustrating that the work-load plan came into play.    But, trusting that the plan is for the greater good, it doesn’t get much better than Fernando’s outing given the constraints he was pitching under.

 

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   5.0       2          0          0          1          5          0          2.78

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:    90.2

ERA:    2.78

FIP:   2.93

WHIP:   1.25

AVG:    .231

GO/AO:    1.69

K/9:   9.0

BB/9:   3.4

 

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance Nos. 18 & 19 (07/16/17 & 07/22/17)

 

While I was off on vacation, Fernando logged two more 5-inning starts leading the Lookouts to two more victories.    It is crystal clear now that management has capped his appearances at 5 innings for the time being.    Fernando has been pulled from each of the last four starts after 5 innings regardless of his pitch count.

 

On July 16^th, Fernando faced the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp for the first time since April 14^th, when he had a very poor outing in which he gave up 3 runs on 5 walks and 3 hits in 2.2 innings.   Fernando was much better in this game but not at his best.   Like the first game, the Jumbo Shrimp put a lot of men on base but this game Fernando was able to limit the damage.   He faced 23 batters over 5.0 innings giving up 2 runs on 6 hits (including 1 double) and 3 walks.    Fernando threw 82 pitches (54 for strikes) and struck out 6 batters. He may have been helped along by a generous strike zone as 5 batters went down looking (by far the most this season).   The Lookouts were leading 3-2 when Fernando was relieved and went on to win 5-2.

 

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   5.0       6          2          2          3          6          0          2.82

 

On July 22^nd, Fernando faced the Mobile BayBears for the first time since April 8^th, which was also a rough outing in which he surrendered 3 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks in 3.1 innings. In this game, however, Fernando was in control throughout despite allowing runners in each inning.  He faced 22 batters over 5.0 innings giving up 3 hits and 3 walks but 0 runs.   He threw 82 pitches again (54 for strikes, again – weird right?) and struck out 6 BayBears (4 swinging).   Fernando did hit a batter for eigth time this season.   The Lookouts were leading 7-0 when he was relieved and went on to win by the same score.

 

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   5.0       3          0          0          3          6          0          2.68

 

 

Fernando walked more batters than we’d like but, overall, he had two more good performances and is putting together a season that continues to look better.   Also, kudos to Fernando for crossing the 100-inning threshold for the first time in his career.

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:    100.2

ERA:    2.68

FIP:  2.92

WHIP:  1.27

AVG:   .232

GO/AO:   1.56

K/9:  9.2

BB/9:  3.6

 

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 20 (07/28/17)

 

So, it continued.    The Lookouts sent Fernando to the mound for 5 innings, he pitched very well, and the Lookouts won again.   This time the formula worked against the Birmingham Barons who fell 7-2.   The big take-away from this game was that Fernando set as season-high for strikeouts in only 5 innings.

 

Fernando faced 20 batters over 5.0 innings giving up 1 run on 4 hits (including 1 double) and 1 walk.    He was not very efficient with his pitch count (94 pitches) but he struck out 9 Barons (ALL swinging).    The Barons went down in order in 3 of the 5 innings.   They did, however, load the bases with only one out in the 2^nd inning (2 singles and a walk) but Fernando ended the threat with back-to-back strikeouts.   It’s particularly fun to root for a pitcher that can get a strikeout when he needs one.   And, I think we can agree it’s been too long since the Twins have had a starter with this gift at the MLB level.   Fernando has demonstrated this knack on many occasions this season and, hopefully, keeps it as he moves up.

 

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   5.0       4          1          1          1          9          0          2.64

 

After 20 appearances, Fernando is striking out 24.8% of the batters he faces.  He has a 52.4% GB% and a 21.1% LD%.   Opposing batters have posted a slash-line of .231/.315/.314 (.629 OPS).    Although the LD% has crept up, the slash line is nearly identical to the slash-line after 15 appearances.   Fernando has been remarkably consistent comparing his results month-to-month.   In July, however, he upped is SO/9 to 12.0 which was a significant increase over prior months (9.2 being the next best rate).   It’s possible the increase is the result of Fernando knowing he has only 5 innings and doesn’t need to conserve his energy for longer outings.  It would be interesting to know if his average velocity has increased since the innings limit was imposed.  

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:    105.2

ERA:    2.64

FIP:  2.75

WHIP:  1.26

AVG:   .231

GO/AO:   1.51

K/9:  9.5

BB/9:  3.5

 

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P

[Dance with Disco Dan]

Appearance No. 21 (08/02/17)

 

You guessed it.    Fernando gave us more of the same—and that is a good thing!   In his sixth-straight 5-inning start, Fernando and the Lookouts beat the Montgomery Biscuits, 5-2.   Although he pitched a good game, he followed up his season-high in strikeouts with his season-low.   But that is just picking at nits.   In the six games since his 5-inning limit was imposed, Fernando has given up a total of 6 earned runs (2.16 ERA) and the Lookouts have won the last four.

 

Fernando faced 21 batters over 5.0 innings giving up 1 run on 6 hits (including 1 double).   He was much more efficient with his pitch count (72 pitches) striking out 3 Biscuits (all swinging), hitting one, but walking none.   Fernando had to battle a bit this game because he allowed 7 base-runners over 4 innings (the Biscuits went down in order in the 4^th inning) but he had the groundballs working which helped his cause.   Overall, it was another good performance and builds on the impressive consistency he’s shown since his last poor start way back on May 18^th.

 

 

Box Score:

 

Player                          IP        H         R         ER       BB       SO       HR      ERA

F. Romero                   5.0       6          1          1          0          3          0          2.60

 

 

Season Stats:

 

IP:    110.2

ERA:    2.60

FIP:  2.74

WHIP:  1.26

AVG:   .234

GO/AO:   1.58

K/9:  9.4

BB/9:  3.3

 

                       

Check these webpages for more granular stats for Fernando:

 

MiLB.com:

http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=t498&player_id=622864#/career/R/pitching/2017/ALL

 

Baseball Reference:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romero000fer

 

Fangraphs:

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa657418&position=P