Ricky Romero on Blue Jays memories, pitching mindset, and today’s roster

I had the pleasure of sitting down with 2011 All-Star and former Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Ricky Romero for a wide-ranging conversation. We touched on everything from his memories in Toronto to insights from behind clubhouse doors, while also offering his perspective on the current Blue Jays.

Robbie: During that World Series run, I noticed on socials that you and your sons were tuned in. Did that experience help bring back your love for the game?

Ricky: Oh, yeah, I mean, the love has always been there, and I think it made me fall in love with the game even more. The fact that I got to experience it with them. It was beyond special.

That idea of “core memories” is something Romero returned to throughout the conversation, once some past Toronto legends were discussed. "We never made the playoffs, but I was part of sellout crowds. Opening Day, Canada Day, but nothing compared to that. The stadium was shaking," he added.

As an East Los Angeles native, his baseball world revolved solely around the Los Angeles Dodgers, so the thought of playing in Canada was foreign to him. He says, "I just didn't know where Toronto was. When I was drafted, I was like... I have to go to Canada?"

It didn't take long for Romero to adapt, and he made his first trip up north alongside fellow Cal State alum, Reid Johnson. "He took me under his wing, and he told me nothing but great things about the Blue Jays. Once I worked my way up through the system and made it, I realized how beautiful the city is."

Inside the clubhouse, Romero’s development was shaped by a melting pot of personalities, none more influential than one of the best pitchers of all time, Roy Halladay. Halladay’s reputation as a competitor and leader was well established, but earning access to that knowledge for Ricky was far from automatic.

Robbie: What was it like forming a relationship with Doc Halladay? Did you have to work your way up?

Ricky: Yes, absolutely. He didn't really give the time of day to young guys like me. There were very few early interactions with Halladay. But that changed one day when he said, 'Hey, man, 10 wins in the big leagues. It's a big deal. Super proud of you,' and I jokingly said 'that was the most words you've ever spoken to me!'

Romero further described how Later in that season, Ricky described moments when they were both struggling. He'd talk about the importance of grinding through those tough moments, reassuring him that they'd get out of their slump. His experience with Halladay contrasts with his time under Manager Cito Gaston, whose leadership style brought a different kind of intensity.

Robbie: How would you describe his approach with pitchers?

Ricky: He's a hitter through and through. He doesn't like pitchers. When you got his trust, though, it was like alright, go out there and get them. I appreciate that now, but at the time, I just wanted the ball.

He reflected on his post-career relationship with Gaston, noting how meaningful it’s been to hear his perspective on what he truly thought about him. Romero added that Gaston should probably be in the Hall of Fame, hoping he gets his flowers in due time.

Robbie: How much did picking the brains of José Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion help you as a pitcher?

Ricky: They helped big time, those guys were beyond smart. They always knew the sequence. Those two guys are two of the smartest ballplayers I've ever been around. That's why Edwin is in the dugout now. I can guarantee he's telling them which pitch is coming next.

Robbie: Let's switch gears. Trey Yesavage made his return a few days ago and picked up right where he left off. What do you see that separates him from the other young arms?

Ricky: He has no pulse. He's very steady Eddie. He's never too high or too low. We watched him on the grandest of stages last season in the World Series. You could just tell he was just going out there to do his job. He's had mentors like Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer, Dylan Cease, Shane Bieber. You're talking about legit, legit arms to learn from.

Robbie: You mentioned Cease, he’s striking guys out at insane rates, but the command starts to taper off. What’s actually happening there?

Ricky: It's mentality, it's realizing 'I don't have to strike everyone out. I can pitch the contact. I don't have to be extra fine, uncertain pitches', and I think that's where he gets in trouble a little bit sometimes. His stuff is elite, but he needs to attack more.

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