Player Journal: Romero relishes thaw

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Once again, I want to start off by saying hello to everyone back home in East L.A.

As for me, the past couple of weeks were a challenge. We went on a seven-day road trip to two towns in Connecticut: New Britain and Norwich. With the weather being so bad, we only managed to play four games out of the seven scheduled. We played two up in New Britain and a doubleheader on the last day in Norwich.

I made my second start of the year on Sunday April 22. When most pitchers around the Minors were working on either their third or fourth start of the year, I was working on my second. Since the weather had been so bad the past couple of weeks, everyone on our staff kept getting pushed back. Well, it got to the point were we could not keep pushing everyone back another day. So, what they did with some of us was that we had to throw simulated games indoors.

Since I missed a start, people were wondering if something was wrong with me. They thought I was injured or something. I had one simulated game where I threw 100 pitches. The way it works is, you play catch like you're going to get ready for a game and then throw your bullpen as if you were going into a game. You then throw your first inning, throwing 15-20 pitches, and you build up until you get to 100. This is mostly to keep your arm in shape and game-ready. It was a challenge not being able to face hitters for nearly 10 days, but I dealt with it fine.

The weather here in New Hampshire has been absolutely perfect since we got back. It's been in the 70's during the day and 50's at night. This is my type of weather. I don't think I understood how cold it was going to be when guys that had played here before said it would be cold. Well, you know what, it was cold! Hopefully, from here on out the weather keeps getting better and better. I was able to feel my hands and face for my second start because of the nice weather we have had.

This has been a challenge, but I have been able to stay mentally ready and mentally strong during this. I just have been able to stay positive which is very important. Thank you very much for your support -- and I can't wait to read some e-mails.

Ricky's Mailbag

Is there anything specific that the Jays' scouts and/or coaching staff have you working on this season? Or, is it basically just go out and perform well, in general? Also, other than wins and losses, what stat do you strive most to do better at, like out of K's, H/9, BB & H per IP, opp. avg., etc.? -- JJ, Methuen, Mass.

It is pretty much to go out there and perform well, and to the best of my abilities. They know what I can do, and know I just have to be consistent and perform well.

I strive hard to do better at not walking guys. That's what is important during a game. Walks can really hurt you, and can help determine the outcome of a game. Good question, thank you.