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By VAN ROSE vorse@leader.net
Wednesday, March 19, 2003 Page: 1B
CLEARWATER, Fla. – Joe Roa is locked in a battle with Hector Mercado for
what may prove to be the final pitching position on the Phillies’ Opening Day
roster.
Right now, it appears to be a close call, but the man who went 14-0 for the
Red Barons last season likes his chances.
“I feel really strong and very confident,” Roa said. “I’ve never felt
better.”
There’s another reason that Roa’s confidence is sky-high. He’s developed a
secret weapon – a 91 mile per hour fastball. That’s a major plus for the
14-year veteran, who has made a career of getting batters out with offspeed
pitches.
Roa credits Phillies’ pitching coach Joe Kerrigan with helping him add
velocity to his fastball.
“It gives me a whole new dimension,” said Roa, who was 4-4 with a 4.04
ERA with Philadelphia after being called up last July. “I can throw it inside
or outside with conviction. It really keeps hitters off balance, because it
compliments my breaking pitches.
Roa, who was named International League Pitcher of the Year in 2002, has
appeared in four games in spring training, including two starts. He’s 0-1 with
a 5.25 ERA, but is happy with his performance.
“My two starts were good and productive,” he said. “For the most part,
I’m pleased with my mechanics and my approach. It’s not a question of whether
I can pitch up here, but you’re always looking for improvement.”
Mercado has also pitched well in spring camp. He’s 1-0, with a 4.97 ERA.
Some people feel Mercado may have a slight edge over Roa, because he’s a
left-handed reliever.
The two are fighting for a bullpen job, which isn’t Roa’s forte. He says
he’s much more comfortable in a starting role.
“In my mind, I’m a starter,” Roa said. “I think I deserve to be a
starter. I’ve proven I can do it.”
For Roa, the 2002 season was like a trip into The Twilight Zone. He rose
from the scrap heap to the major leagues in a span of just four months. He was
cut by three teams in spring training.
Roa was the winning pitcher in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s home opener, and
went on to set a single-season club record in wins before being promoted to
Philadelphia on July 1.
“Going 14-0 really didn’t sink in until this year,” Roa said. “I guess
it’s a pretty amazing accomplishment. I won by final six decisions at Calgary
in 2001, so I actually have 20 consecutive wins in Triple-A.”
Now, Roa is reaping the benefits. He’s in a comfort zone.
“Last year, I was so caught up in getting back to the big leagues, that
nothing else mattered,” said Roa, who had pitched in the big leagues for
Cleveland and San Francisco. “I’m in a completely different position now.”
Roa isn’t worried about job security. He knows he’s good enough to start
for a lot of major league teams. If he’s cut by the Phillies, there’s little
doubt that he would be picked up by another team.
He’s out of minor league options, so he can’t return to
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre without clearing waivers.
“There are several teams in need of pitching, but I would like to stay
with the Phillies’ organization. This is an exciting team that’s going to win
a lot of games.”
However, Roa is aware that he may not control his own fate.
“All I can do is take advantage of it when the ball is in my hands. One
way or the other, things are going to work out.”
RED BARONS NOTES: On Tuesday, the Phillies sent pitcher Josh Hancock and
catcher Marcus Jensen to the Red Barons.
Hancock, a right-hander, was acquired last December from Boston in exchange
for Jeremy Giambi. He was 4-2 at Pawtucket in 2002, with a 3.45 ERA. He
underwent groin surgery during the offseason, and is scheduled for extended
spring training.
Jensen is a major league veteran, who has played for seven teams, including
Milwaukee.