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he has looked overmatched and overwhelmed but todays game shows why you have to stick with him long term...the guy had 2 go ahead and ultimately winning hits...he has an absolute canon for an arm...he is huge powerful and the ball jumps off his bat...if he ever puts it together look out...yes it is tough to watch him struggle but he is simply too talented to give up on

I’ll get excited when he starts elevating the ball.

Swuhgen wrote: ↑24 May 2025 18:36 pm I’ll get excited when he starts elevating the ball.

Agreed. Im both skeptical and optimistic. I’ll put faith in Brant Brown here. He’s done well with the lineup thus far.

We know with Walker work ethic and talent aren’t a factor. Hopefully good coaching puts it all together.

jbrach wrote: ↑24 May 2025 16:35 pm he has looked overmatched and overwhelmed but todays game shows why you have to stick with him long term...the guy had 2 go ahead and ultimately winning hits...he has an absolute canon for an arm...he is huge powerful and the ball jumps off his bat...if he ever puts it together look out...yes it is tough to watch him struggle but he is simply too talented to give up on

Yes. He’s worth waiting on bc if he figures it out, he’s a middle of the lineup bat. No reason to jump to conclusions in May

In one article, Mo seemed to say the fork in the road time when Cardinals need to look at continuing with Walker or not would be mid-June .
According to my calendar , he sure needs to get going (like he did today ) in the next 3 weeks.

ramfandan wrote: ↑24 May 2025 19:17 pm In one article, Mo seemed to say the fork in the road time when Cardinals need to look at continuing with Walker or not would be mid-June .
According to my calendar , he sure needs to get going (like he did today ) in the next 3 weeks.

He did win last Saturday's game as well with a home run.
He's now up to 20 RBI on the season and only turned 23 a couple days ago. He HAS to play this season!!!

Have loved his at bats lately. He's following the ball better and not just waving at it. This kid will work his way into being a good hitter and will astound us some day, soon I hope.

I just love how magically (much work kinda magic) he became a very good defender; notwithstanding his defensive gaffe today which was simply one of experience....

Every time I really get frustrated with Walker (which is often), I repeat the mantra...

He's only 23
He's only 23
He's only 23

imyourhuckleberry wrote: ↑24 May 2025 22:32 pm Every time I really get frustrated with Walker (which is often), I repeat the mantra...

He's only 23
He's only 23
He's only 23

Yes, and he turned 23 just two days ago . This is his 3rd year in the big leagues and a vast number of players his age are at AA, or AAA . Yes, he struggled mightily last year and this year but also remember this kid his rookie year hit .276 with 16 HR's . Not many 21 year olds show that production.
Don't know what the final product may look like but your repeated mantra is a good one He's only 23

Swuhgen wrote: ↑24 May 2025 18:36 pm I’ll get excited when he starts elevating the ball.

Just let him hit the ball hard.

Last 7 have been good

All true. Swing is much bettter.
And he provided some great comic relief in right field tonite.
Reminded me of pirouettes past.

I like him. I think he's a first round Cardinal draft choice. Seems to be a great kid, a hard worker and very coachable. I think on a previous thread, Valdemort posted some very interesting info regarding JW's swing and postulating he will never be able to hit unless he makes significant change to his approach. All I know is that he is big, strong and athletic. Now, his height may well make it more difficult for him to hit. But it doesn't seem to be bothering Aaron Judge too much this year. Keep working with him. It's worth it. Sorry for the long reply.

If you want to see his tools, check out statcast:
https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-p ... itting-mlb

The tools:
TOP in bat speed in all MLB - WOW
ELITE exit velocity
ELITE arm strength
ELITE sprint speed

However:
WORST "squared up" percentage in baseball
HORRIBLE chase rate
HORRIBLE whiff percentage
HORRIBLE "arm value"

He's got the tools, but he's not playing great baseball. Even today, his defense was a problem in RF.
I'd like to see him back in AAA so he can get more ABs and keep working on improving his game. I love JW, but I'd like to see other players get more ABs.

Off topic: Demote Gorman immediately. Similar reasons, but with much less potential, IMO.
You could promote Fermin, who is crushing AAA (again). He could use one more shot.
If you move Walker down, you can bring in Vilade. He's hitting great in AAA and could also use one more shot.