Neil Walker, Zach Duke Help Bucs Beat Rockies
by Charlie on Jul 28, 2010 12:39 AM EDT
53 comments
Zach Duke got through six innings at Coors Field and only gave up two solo homers (back-to-back jacks to Brad Hawpe and Clint Barmes in the fifth) and Neil Walker went 3-for-4 to help beat the Rockies tonight. One of Walker's three hits was a towering homer in the eighth. This was a nice game to win, because for a few innings there, Jorge de la Rosa looked just about unstoppable - between the second and fourth innings, he struck out seven of eight batters he faced.
Walker's average rose to .310 with his big day. He wasn't really a high-average hitter in the minors, so normally I'd be inclined to dismiss his line so far as a fluke, particularly since he has a .359 BABIP, which is pretty high. But it's hard to really believe that argument when you're watching him. He's hitting the ball hard pretty much all the time, a little like Freddy Sanchez did back in 2006 - despite Walker's homer tonight, his game has been more about the double than the long ball, just like Sanchez's was.
Of course, Sanchez had an inordinately high batting average that year too, and that eventually fell. And Walker is a lot more strikeout-prone than Sanchez is, which doesn't affect what Walker has done so far, but does make it trickier for him to put up a .310 average year in and year out. Still, between Walker's performance in the majors and the minors from the end of last year to the present, the likelihood that he'll eventually hit 15 homers a year or so, and his ability to play second on a regular basis, there are finally plenty of reasons to be excited about the guy, even when the batting average comes down. I had all but written him off after a poor season in 2008 and a 2009 campaign that wasn't much better until the very end, but clearly he's proving me wrong. Good for him.
-P- The Pirates signed pitcher Travis Chick and sent him to Indianapolis. Chick carved up the low minors when he was with the Marlins and performed decently in Class AA with the Padres as a 21-year-old, which isn't easy to do, but his career peaked there, probably because he doesn't throw terribly hard. He bounced around the Reds, Mariners and Dodgers systems before ending up in indy ball. He's only 26 now and he can start, but he isn't a prospect.
-P- The same article contains the note that Tyler Waldron and Phillip Irwin were named the Pitchers of the Week in the New York-Penn League and South Atlantic League, respectively. Waldron, the Bucs' 2010 fifth-rounder, pitched eleven scoreless innings for State College, and 2009 draftee Irwin pitched seven no-hit innings this weekend for West Virginia.
-P- After missing a start, Bryan Morris came back tonight and pitched brilliantly, allowing two hits and no runs while striking out eight in five innings.
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Walker & Sanchez
Quick check, because I was curious and because it seems that Walker has been driving the ball so solidly:
LD/GB/FB
Sanchez, 2006 27.5/37/35.5
Walker, 2010 24/32.2/43.8
So, similar LD numbers, but way more FBs for NW. That would be good news (and alleviate some K concerns), if it persists.
Also
Walker’s BABIP is actually a bit lower than Freddy’s, who had .364 that year. If Neil can maintain an SLG in the .440 ballpark, then he can afford to come back to earth on BABIP.
This is what I was saying the other day.....
Hitting the ball hard and hitting to all fields isn’t ‘BABIP luck’, but rather a pretty efficient way for balls to drop in.
And, agreed about the SLG %.
by CabreraKilledMyChildhood on Jul 28, 2010 2:18 AM EDT up reply actions
couple of other minor league notes mentioned other places
Gorkys is on the DL at Indy with a broken right ring finger.
Aside from Morris and his 8 Ks, Molleken and Dubee added 6 Ks apiece for Altoona…for 20 Ks and ZERO walks over the first 12 innings of the Curve game. The Mayor of Altoona (Hankins) gave up a 2 run bomb in the bottom of the 13th.
At the end of the game, Altoona and Erie combined for an unreal 33 Ks in 25.1 innings with only 14 hits and 2 walks.
All pitchers can send their gratitude to Joel Hospodka, the home plate umpire that night.
Bad Games to Evaluate Pitchers
I was at the Monday and Tuesday games in Erie seated behind home plate. The umpires both had generous strike zones but not overly so. Neither team could hit. Saw Locke Monday night and Morris Tuesday night. Both have a ways to go but look to be legitimate middle to upper-middle of the rotation prospects. Would have loved to see them live against a strong line up.
I was at the game Tuesday night too and I agree. It was a long 13 innings.
Free Pedro
by Bruce A. Ketcham on Jul 28, 2010 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Hitting the ball hard is going to have some effect on BABIP.
Certainly Andy LaRoche’s BABIP is low this year at .259. But when a hitter makes as much weak contact as Andy (constant slow-rollers to the pitcher or 2nd baseman, shallow flies, infield flies), then he only has a little bit of room to complain.
Also
Morton picked up the win today for Indy, pitched 6.2 innings, scattered 7 hits, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 Ks, one run came from a solo homer. Danny Moskos also earned his first save in AAA, although an eventful one, walking 2 and striking out 2 in the 9th.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
Man, I really hope Morton can find a way to turn things around.
I’m sure that is exactly what Neal is thinking too lol.
Charlie, you're not alone on writing off Walker.
Personally I had hopes that he would turn things around (he did and still does have talent) but few guys have enough talent to make it on talent alone. It seemed like for a few years that Walker wasn’t putting in the work needed but in the last year it seemed like he finally got it. That is just my impression as I don’t have any sources.
Walker's Spot
I posted a few weeks back that Neil simply isn’t a 3-hole hitter. I still don’t believe this is the best spot for him or the team, although he is hitting well. I thought at first he was pressing, or over-swinging in the 3-hole. He has settled in nicely. Walker is definitely the type of kid I root for. I hope this isn’t a fluke.
This lineup needs a right handed bat to put between GI and Pedro (sweet lag putt by the way)…….amongst many starting pitchers.
Quick WAR stat.....
Behind Cutch (1.7), who is our most ‘valuable’ player this year?
If you said, Ronny Cedeno…..you would be correct. (1.3)
In fairness, Jose Tabata has alread accumulated just short of a WAR of 1 (.9) in only 40 games, making his rookie season on pace for a 4 WAR over 160 games.
FWIW, if Cedeno can somehow cut down his Ks and get his OBP (currently at .295) up around .320-.330, he would be a pretty valuable SS. His glove is well above-average and his pop from a SS is a luxury that few teams (especially bad teams) have.
I see him starting at SS in 2011….and I don’t think that is necessarily a bad thing.
by CabreraKilledMyChildhood on Jul 28, 2010 9:24 AM EDT reply actions
Altoona last night
Was at the game in Erie. Some quick thoughts:
Morris looked very good, not only with the K’s but also getting people to swing and miss in general. Dubee was throwing something (couldn’t tell from my angle) that not only made them miss but was making them look baffled doing it. The ump was calling a pretty generous strike zone from my POV but it appear consistent.
Did not see much of anything as far as hitting (obviously) but Josh Harrison looked competent. Very impressive in the field, including one play where he ranged WAAAAAY to his left, cut in front of D’Arnaud and made the play. Not sure it was a wise play but he made the out. Not quite sure what to make of a batting order with a 3B leading off and a SS batting 3rd however.
Speaking of Chase his ABs were unimpressive. Didn’t even make any loud outs.
The DH last night was someone named Chen. Based on one night’s performance they can send him packing. Looked totally overmatched.
Didn’t stay to see the winning HR. Not many others did either.
Peace
JP
Good report
I listened on-line and the announcer was surprised that Harrison made that play. Chen is the “org filler” that Coonelly was talking about being cheap and freely available. He won’t be around much longer but he did have a GS the night before. D’Arnaud is really struggling.
What about the Erie pitcher Villareal? Sounded like he was even better than Morris. Also, any idea on MPH for Morris?
Yinzers uber alles
Brayan Villarreal?
He’s a killer. He was on my shortlist of the best available Rule 5 picks at the start of the year, and he’s done nothing but gun guys down since then. Three good pitches, and he commands them well. On the down side, he’s short and kind of fragile, but still…
We probably missed our shot at him, unfortunately. I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t go on Detroit’s 40-man this year.
Saw the game in Erie and stood behind a guy charting Villareal with a radar gun. His fastball was 91 – 93 but his motion is borderline violent. He really puts his whole body (all 175lbs of it) into every pitch. Not built to be a starter over the long haul. Could be an interesting relief prospect.
Walker
Does Walker remind any of you old timers of Todd Ziele, who came up as a catcher and played 3rd base for years?
Interesting comparison Vlad...
Only problem I see is that Inge had literally no success in the major’s until 27.
Even if Walker’s average drops to around .275 over the next few years, I’d think he projects as a much better player than Inge.
True on the age thing.
But in terms of skill set and style, I think there are some similarities. Good 3B glove, low walk rate, good power, low BA, deceptive speed.
If Walker ended up better than Inge, I certainly wouldn’t complain.
I see a poor man's Dan Uggla...
..Less power, better average, similar plate patience. MUCH better defense.
Then, how are they similar?
You just described two completely different players…..
by CabreraKilledMyChildhood on Jul 28, 2010 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Lol okay douche...
…Not vastly different (Aside from the defense)
Uggla averages 32 HR and .260 avg
Future Walker (IMO) Low 20’s HR’s and .270 – .280 avg
Didn’t mean for Walker to sound like Sean Casey.
I was just pointing out.....
That you essentially compared the two as similar (“poor man’s Uggla”) and then went on to say how they were completely different.
In terms of WAR, maybe you are right that Walker will be a little less valuable than Uggla. But, in terms of what each brings to a team, I think your description is right (about them being different) much moreso than the way you phrased it (poor man’s Uggla).
by CabreraKilledMyChildhood on Jul 28, 2010 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Bad news strikes Bucco farm system again
Twitter.com/Dejan_Kovacevic
“#Pirates Gorkys Hernandez out 3-4 months”
by BadAndy on Jul 28, 2010 9:59 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Ugh - Terrible...
..Not that Gorkys was lighting the world on fire, but he was coming out of his early season slump. Not only does this delay development, but also eliminates him from any trade considerations.
Only brightside? He’ll repeat AA most likely, and should play with a good group including Grossman and Sanchez early on next season.
he's already repeating AA this year
I expect that he’ll start out in Indy next season.
by BadAndy on Jul 28, 2010 11:02 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Travis Chick
Thought Chick’s name sounded familiar from past trades. Sure enough, he’s been dealt for Ismael Valdez, Joe Randa and Eddie Guardardo.
Zach Duke's trade value back up?
2 ER run in each of his last 3 Starts since coming back or is it too late?
If Ed Wade and the Astros were contending.....
We may get something for him. Seeing that they are not, our only chance of fleecing someone is if the Arizona Diamondbacks like Duke……
by CabreraKilledMyChildhood on Jul 28, 2010 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
The average haul for frontline starter Dan Haren and his team-friendly contract ensures that the Pirates would get nothing for Paul Maholm and Zach Duke.
by Adam Reynolds on Jul 28, 2010 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Not necessarily.
There was only one Haren on the market, and he’s gone.
The price tag of other available SPs (like Oswalt or Lilly) will have a bigger effect on Maholm’s price tag, since they’re in direct competition with him as commodities.
Maholm has 1 year plus 2 months remaining
Plus a team-friendly (to some) option.
We should get 2 B rated prospects outta Maholm. If playoff teams aint willin to do that then tough shat. Hell give KC a call they have a good pitching farm system right now.
by BadAndy on Jul 28, 2010 3:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
for want of a more apt thread, i m posting it here
Altoona’s game is done- won 6-3 with Justin WIlson going 6 IP, 4K, 2 BB, 6H, 1ER, 3R. D’Arnaud 3-4, Hague with a homer, anyone know why Jordy Mercer had just one AB?
From the play-by-play it looks like
Mercer and the CF (Norton) collided on a popup which led to a double and one of the runs Wilson gave up. Both left the game following that play.
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