Clearly Drew Romo has the tools to one day be a switch-hitting catcher in the big leagues, or the Rockies wouldn’t have picked him Wednesday at No. 35 overall in the MLB draft.
But as Romo’s high school coach in Texas explains, it’s the catcher’s intangibles that truly separate him and could one day put him in the company of the most accomplished ballplayer to ever come out of The Woodlands — Cardinals all-star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.
“Just like when Goldschmidt was here, and (Lions wideout) Danny Amendola played second base for us a ways back, both those guys had something special just like Drew does,” Ron Eastman explained. “The talent is there, yes, but it’s not as much the talent as it is the drive and work ethic to excel. That’s why his chances of becoming a major leaguer are good.”
Eastman describes Romo as “a premium defender with a plus arm, and his release down to second is very quick.”
Committed to play collegiately at LSU, Romo was all-state and an All-American as a junior, and was the catcher for the U.S. 18-and-under National Team for the past two seasons.
As Eastman said, Romo believes his dedication to the game has him primed for a successful professional career — even if there is no start date yet in sight with the 2020 minor league season likely to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Grit is a big part of (my success),” Romo said. “I’m thankful and blessed to have a lot of natural talent, but in order to separate myself, it’s taken a lot of hard work. That doesn’t stop now. This is just the first step toward a long career.”
While scouting director Bill Schmidt acknowledged Romo has room to grow offensively, Eastman said the 18-year-old made strides during this spring’s shortened prep season.
“He was off to a slow start for us this year (offensively) because people didn’t want to pitch to him,” Eastman said. “That really made him focus on being disciplined within the strike zone. He’ll carry that momentum to the next level and he’ll continue to grow in his power.”
— , The Denver Post
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Quick Hits
+ Rockies select Zac Veen in first round of 2020 MLB Draft at No. 9 overall
+ Texas high school catcher Drew Romo selected by Rockies with No. 35 overall pick of MLB draft
+ Rockies release slew of minor leaguers amid pandemic, forcing many players to face a new, non-baseball reality
+ Clock ticking on 2020 MLB season as owners and players remain at odds
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By The Numbers
Ep. 147
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Parting Shot
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Get in Touch
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