Washington Nationals: Opening Day 2017 Roster Projection
By Ricky Keeler
Enny Romero
Romero is another wild card thrown into the mix for a bullpen spot. When compiling these predictions, it came down to Romero or Joe Nathan, who received a non-roster invite to spring training. Nathan has the experience, but will he find a better opportunity to get more appearances with another team by his March 24 opt-out date?
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As for Romero, the Washington Nationals acquired him from the Tampa Bay Rays earlier this month in exchange for pitching prospect Jeffrey Rosa (pitched in the Gulf Coast League). With no minor league options left, the 26-year-old left-hander either has to make the team or the Nats can designate him for assignment.
When you talk about Romero, the first thing that stands out about him is the fastball. Over the past two seasons, the average velocity on his fastball has been 96 miles per hour (Fangraphs). The only question with that fastball is can he control it and avoid giving up too many free passes?
Last season, his walks per nine innings went up from 3.9 to 5.5. But, to be fair, he made 29 more appearances last season compared to 2015. If Romero can control his pitches this spring, he can find a home in D.C. If not, that opens the door for Nathan or maybe even another left-handed non-roster invitee in Neal Cotts.
If you agree or disagree with any of my roster predictions, feel free to share them in the comments section below. Tomorrow, it will be great to finally watch some exhibition baseball games.