Series changed Romo’s career
Series-clinching pitch to Cabrera transformed pitcher’s career path
There is nothing intimate about a Zoom call, but Sergio Romo has a knack for warming even the coldest human interactions.
Romo’s goofy personality was on full display as he re-introduced himself to the Bay Area on a call with reporters.
“Hey guys, I’m wearing green this year,” Romo said in that February call. “It’s gnarly. So gnarly.”
The 38-year-old was both giggly and candid and he explained with a masked grin why Oakland was his preferred destination. He wanted to win again. And the A’s were one of a few contending teams in dire need of some bullpen help. Romo has called San Francisco home since 2008 — with his fifth son on the way, a short drive across the Bay Bridge to compete for a World Series was a nobrainer.
On paper, Romo complements this A’s bullpen perfectly. The A’s saw the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles
Dodgers bullpens go head-to-head with a variety of arm angles, speeds and looks in the World Series. Sideslinging right-hander Romo would be the right piece to help diversify the ‘pen.
But more than the technical fit, the A’s were signing experience. Not on paper is the guidance of a threetime World Series champion and experience of a veteran headed into his 13th MLB season. Out on the latter half of his career, Romo has learned that, to be a leader, it was essential to stay loose. Silly. He made that impression quickly when he joined the A’s and hopped on Zoom.
“He seems to be a bit of a free spirit, and that should play well here and fit in well here,” manager Bob