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When I was standing next to the back fields in Jupiter last time, there were a bunch of people standing behind the left field fence when Walker took batting practice. I had never seen that over the years for any prospect. His reputation for power was huge. I truly wonder what has happened since then.rockondlouie wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 09:55 am This won't be popular but I'm starting to wonder if Walker (2 Hr's/ 1 double/ .239 .299 .338 .637) will ever be more than a "meh" hitter.
I see no power, no extra base hits and too make KO's.
The terms "overhyped" and "overrated" are on the tip of my tongue.
I'm starting to wonder if 20 games is the right sample size to make that conclusion.rockondlouie wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 09:55 am This won't be popular but I'm starting to wonder if Walker (2 Hr's/ 1 double/ .239 .299 .338 .637) will ever be more than a "meh" hitter.
I see no power, no extra base hits and too make KO's.
The terms "overhyped" and "overrated" are on the tip of my tongue.
This is a tough one. The organization didn't do him any favors with the way he's been handled. However, you would still like to see more out of him. He'll be 23 in a month, so I think it's still too early to say either way. But I don't care how bad he gets this year, he needs to be in as many games as possible. I'd say the same thing next year as well.rockondlouie wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 09:55 am This won't be popular but I'm starting to wonder if Walker (2 Hr's/ 1 double/ .239 .299 .338 .637) will ever be more than a "meh" hitter.
I see no power, no extra base hits and too make KO's.
The terms "overhyped" and "overrated" are on the tip of my tongue.
Unfortunately, it’s not just 20 games. He didn’t hit for outstanding power at any stop coming up through the minor leagues.imadangman wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 10:03 amI'm starting to wonder if 20 games is the right sample size to make that conclusion.rockondlouie wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 09:55 am This won't be popular but I'm starting to wonder if Walker (2 Hr's/ 1 double/ .239 .299 .338 .637) will ever be more than a "meh" hitter.
I see no power, no extra base hits and too make KO's.
The terms "overhyped" and "overrated" are on the tip of my tongue.
All true ronnieRonnie Dobbs wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 10:13 amThis is a tough one. The organization didn't do him any favors with the way he's been handled. However, you would still like to see more out of him. He'll be 23 in a month, so I think it's still too early to say either way. But I don't care how bad he gets this year, he needs to be in as many games as possible. I'd say the same thing next year as well.rockondlouie wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 09:55 am This won't be popular but I'm starting to wonder if Walker (2 Hr's/ 1 double/ .239 .299 .338 .637) will ever be more than a "meh" hitter.
I see no power, no extra base hits and too make KO's.
The terms "overhyped" and "overrated" are on the tip of my tongue.
But it is giving me PTSD from other Cardinals hitting prospects who came up, looked really good their first year, then regress, but you're so high on them that you don't want to trade them. Then, after a few down seasons their value is at a low, and you're not going to get anything for him, so you have no choice but to stick with him.
I'm not there with Walker yet, but the thought is starting to form in the back of my mind.
Try 720 PA'simadangman wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 10:03 amI'm starting to wonder if 20 games is the right sample size to make that conclusion.rockondlouie wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 09:55 am This won't be popular but I'm starting to wonder if Walker (2 Hr's/ 1 double/ .239 .299 .338 .637) will ever be more than a "meh" hitter.
I see no power, no extra base hits and too make KO's.
The terms "overhyped" and "overrated" are on the tip of my tongue.
Organizational failure to develop his talent?Cranny wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 10:02 amWhen I was standing next to the back fields in Jupiter last time, there were a bunch of people standing behind the left field fence when Walker took batting practice. I had never seen that over the years for any prospect. His reputation for power was huge. I truly wonder what has happened since then.rockondlouie wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 09:55 am This won't be popular but I'm starting to wonder if Walker (2 Hr's/ 1 double/ .239 .299 .338 .637) will ever be more than a "meh" hitter.
I see no power, no extra base hits and too make KO's.
The terms "overhyped" and "overrated" are on the tip of my tongue.
Potential that was never developed properly is probably right. Then they promote him to the majors, followed by demoting him back to the minors to change his launch angle. Sheesh.rockondlouie wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 10:29 amOrganizational failure to develop his talent?Cranny wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 10:02 amWhen I was standing next to the back fields in Jupiter last time, there were a bunch of people standing behind the left field fence when Walker took batting practice. I had never seen that over the years for any prospect. His reputation for power was huge. I truly wonder what has happened since then.rockondlouie wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 09:55 am This won't be popular but I'm starting to wonder if Walker (2 Hr's/ 1 double/ .239 .299 .338 .637) will ever be more than a "meh" hitter.
I see no power, no extra base hits and too make KO's.
The terms "overhyped" and "overrated" are on the tip of my tongue.
Overrated power potential due to his massive size?
Combination of many factors?
Watch I. Hererra's AB's, that's a dangerous young hitter who swings to do damage.
Walker's never gave me that same feeling.
This is what gives me confidence about him improving. He obviously is willing to put in the work to get better, because he did it with his defense. He looks like a different player out there. I hope he can put in the work and improve his swing.12xu wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 10:14 amToo early to give up on the young man, but it is frustrating to see him fooled on the same pitches time after time. His defense has improved greatly, so I think he is receptive to the advice and instruction of the coaches. Hopefully Brown can keep working with him and change some of his bad habits.
Given his similar size, I've always wondered if he should use a Dave Winfield like stance to generate elevation to go w/the power?craviduce wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025 10:36 am He does have power. Unfortunately, his swing hits the ball into the ground... that's a result of keeping the same swing composition since he was teenager, but his body outgrew him and his swing. It's incredibly difficult to change. Depends on the person I guess. But I can't bemoan him. He's made the slight alterations over the winter to try and fix the problem. He's hitting the ball, that's a plus. Maybe the loft will come later?
His Exit Velocities are incredible. So, Again...the power isn't a problem
I wish he would shorten up the swing like Judge or swing a bit more up like Stanton...but that's easier said than done.