"My dad always told me to dream big and dream always," he said. "It's not like I shoot for the Rookie Diamond Heater Award," he said. "I have big aspirations for what I want to do in this game and what I want to achieve in a long career."
The Starfires pitching ace made some of his dreams come true this year, winning 6 games and losing only 0. In 13 starts, Rijo registered a 1.76 ERA and limited other clubs to a .164 batting average. He fanned 108 in 66.1 innings and issued 31 walks.