Drew Romo unconcerned about funky throws back to mound

I can’t remember the last time I received so many questions about the mechanics of a Rockies player.

Questions about salaries, playing time, manager Bud Black’s bullpen decisions and front office moves — those come fast and furious. But questions about mechanics are rare.

But the questions about rookie catcher Drew Romo’s awkward-looking, soft tosses back to the mound are unavoidable.

Here’s what’s going on.

Romo, the 35th player selected in the 2020 draft out of The Woodlands High School in Texas, was renowned for his defense. But he came down with “the yips” when working his way up through the minors. He was fine throwing runners out on the bases, but throwing the ball back to the mound became an adventure. He also struggled with throws to first base after a dropped third strike.

Romo’s “pushball” back to the mound is his way to compensate.

“I guess you could say it was ‘the yips,’ or anxiety,” Romo said Friday when asked what led to his unusual throws back to the pitcher. “I think it’s just part of being a catcher. A lot of catchers deal with this.

“It’s an awkward throw, and you make hundreds of those throws every single game, so it’s going to get weird over time.

“And it’s a weird throw because there is so much going on. There is the hitter and you have base runners. Sometimes it gets weird and sometimes your throwing motion changes over time. It’s just part of being a catcher.”

Other players, notably Rockies reliever Daniel Bard, former Cubs pitcher Jon Lester, former Cardinals pitcher-turned-outfielder Rick Ankiel, former Mets catcher Mackey Sasser, and former Rangers and Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia had to find solutions to their battles with the yips.

Romo, who made his major league debut Aug. 17, insists he’s in a good place,