John Gibbons isn’t ruling out Ricky Romero and Dustin McGowan when considering short and long-term options for the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation.
Gibbons suggested Romero could get a start before the end of the 2013 season and said he isn’t ruling out the possibility that McGowan will join the starting rotation next spring.
The Toronto Blue Jays manager joined Sam Cosentino and Dirk Hayhurst on Baseball Central on Sportsnet 590 The FAN Friday, explaining that the Blue Jays still have hope that Romero will succeed.
“We’re still high on the guy,” Gibbons said, noting that the Blue Jays may call on the left-hander to start toward the end of the regular season.
As for McGowan, Gibbons confirmed that the right-hander wants to start.
“He’s always liked that role,” Gibbons said. “We’re looking at it. We’re not sure how the rotation will stack up next year.”
But Gibbons noted that McGowan has sustained injuries as a starter in previous years and explained that the Blue Jays like what he has done out of the bullpen in 2013.
McGowan has a 1.89 ERA with 19 strikeouts and nine walks in 19 innings as a reliever this year. He started 27 games in 2007, 19 games in 2008 and four games in 2011.
YOUNG CONTRIBUTORS: Gibbons explained that he has enjoyed mixing in young players such as Anthony Gose, Moises Sierra and Ryan Goins in recent days. It’s a chance for the players to become comfortable at the MLB level, the manager explained.
“There’s a lot at stake,” Gibbons said. “A bit part of success in the big leagues, too, is getting over the hype.”
For example, Gibbons has been impressed by Sierra’s game, in particular his power.
“He’s got some kind of arm. He’s got power,” Gibbons said. “When he’s under control — and I’m specifically talking about his swing now — good things happen for him.”
