Texas acquired Cordero as part of the Juan Gonzalez blockbuster trade last November. The hard-throwing Dominican missed most of the 1996 and 1998 seasons with a fractured right elbow that is still held together by screws, but he had no health problems in '99. Cordero has two plus-plus pitches in his fastball and slider, and can overmatch hitters when he is pitching confidently. Cordero's delivery is smooth and effortless. His control unraveled last year and wasn't sharp in winter ball, either.
Indications are that the problem is mostly mental.
Cordero's injury history is a concern, especially after throwing in more than 80 games in the last 12 months. The strong right side of the Texas bullpen makes that a possibility. Romano played third base at prospect factory Hillsborough High in Tampa, but he switched to second base after signing. His older brother Jimmie is a catcher in the Rangers system. Romano has excellent offensive tools for a middle infielder.