List of top 100 performers in the game - MLB 2012 Update - Part 40
79. Ricky Romero
Undoubtedly, Ricky Romero has improved his game play significantly since Toronto Blue Jays traded Roy Hollday to Philadelphia Phillies. The move allowed the left handed thrower an excellent opportunity to change the course of his career. Pitching with great control and accuracy, he asserted himself as the ace of a talented and young pitchers attack last season.
It will not be wrong to say that Romero is one of those players who get better with each passing game in Major League Baseball. Since making his debut in 2009, the flame throwing pitcher has gone 42-29 with a decent 3.60 ERA. His incredible 54.6 GB percentage and 7.12 K/9 suggest that he can be a dominant strike-out pitcher. While he has been pretty decent in his last three big league seasons, it will be fair to say that he hasn’t fully realised his immense potential as yet. His BB/9 has been dropping each and the Blue Jays will be hoping to see the best from him in 2012.
“It's more of just a learning experience -- learning what the Major League life is all about. I see the guys workout hard every day and it just motivates me to workout harder, too. Being here is just, a good way to put it is, this is where I want to be. This is the life I want. This is what I want to do,” said Romero.
The upcoming Spring Training will be of great importance for Romero. He will have an excellent opportunity to work on his weaknesses to perform consistently during the regular season. In addition to his throwing abilities, he has the capability to learn new tricks very quickly. The Blue Jays, on the other hand, will have high expectations from their ace. If the starter can make the most of available opportunities, his team will have a great chance to make it to the World Series.
80. Asdrubal Cabrera
When Asdrubal Cabrera made his Major League Baseball debut, he showed glimpses of his talent. However, it wasn’t until 2011 when he put it all together to post one of the finest seasons of his career. As a shortstop, he proved to be a valuable asset for Cleveland Indians. In 2011, the Venezuelan displayed some high quality hitting abilities to finish second among all short stops with 25 home-runs and 92 RBIs. His .792 OPS was also quite outstanding and he helped the Indians secure memorable wins during the season.
“I’m taking my time. I feel much more confident, and every day I feel like I’m getting better. If I worry about what everybody is saying, there is going to be a lot on my mind. I don't want that. I want to do everything I can to play baseball,” said Cabrera in an interview.
While Cabrera posted one of his best hitting stats the past season, he failed to do well in the field, making a large number of unforced errors. His defence was the subject of much criticism at the end of the season. Although he finished last among all shortstops in UZR in 2011, he can certainly improve his defensive game play with persistent hard work. Cleveland Indians will be hoping that he does well in both departments of the game to earn a huge pay day at the end of 2012 season.
Continued in part 41
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