Halladay’s departure leaves Romero, who went 13-9 as a rookie, as the most experienced healthy starting pitcher on the roster, and the 25-year-old is tackling the new challenge the way Halladay would.
By training like a maniac.
In addition to his throwing sessions, Romero worked out at Athletes’ Performance in suburban Carson, Calif., putting in two-hour sessions four days a week, and fine-tuning for the grind that begins with spring training in two weeks.
“I feel I’m ready to tackle a 200-plus inning season,” said Romero, who logged 178 innings last year.
“Bring me a story about some outfielder who developed a Cheetos addiction over the winter,” I’d yell as I chomped on my cigar, J. Jonah Jameson-style, “and if he doesn’t want to be famous, I’ll make him infamous!”
