Mound Talk

BACKGROUND AND STATS

Jordan Walden was drafted in the 12^th round of the 2005 draft by the Angels. Entering his senior year of high school, Walden was touted as a top prep and thought of as a first rounder but a sharp drop in velocity caused him to drop. He de-committed to Texas in favor of Grayson County Community College and signed with the Angels in 2006.

The 6-foot-5, 220 pound righty debuted in Orem (Rookie League) where he struck out 63 in 64 innings while walking 17. He allowed just 49 hits. Walden was very impressive in Orem.

The Angels sent him to Low-A, Cedar Rapids this year for his first full season. I was able to catch the game tonight (4/11/08) as the Kernels took on the Lansing Lugnuts. I left Walden off my Top 100 list entering the season but he was one of the last players I held back. The choice was fairly questionable in that he had demonstrated success statistically and has good scouting credentials. However, I kept him off because I was concerned about his changeup and command of his breaking pitches.

Taking on a Lugnut team that features prospects Justin Jackson, Kevin Ahrens and John Tolisano, Walden squared off against a pretty solid lineup. He worked six innings before being pulled. He allowed just two hits, both singles, and walked one. He struck out six. He has now thrown 12 Low-A innings allowing eight hits, three walks and ten strikeouts.

ON THE MOUND

Walden’s calling card is his fastball which sits comfortably around 97 mph. Though he didn’t hit 100 tonight, he has before. He successfully maintained his velocity throughout and showed very good command on the fastball. He has decent downward movement on his fastball which makes it extra deadly for opposing hitters. His fastball grades as a plus-pitch.

During the offseason, Walden made some adjustments to his delivery. He had a few mechanical issues, mostly centered on a rigid weight transfer, but he looks much more fluid on the mound this year. The primary difference I noticed between last year and this year is the improvement he made in his changeup. He has better command this year as a result and is much more effective. However, he still needs some work hiding it out of his hand. His change isn’t an out-pitch yet but shows good potential if it’s used more efficiently.

Walden will also throw a slider though this is certainly his most inconsistent pitch. He’ll throw this in the low-80s but he needs to harness it better to be a more consistent pitcher. He shows very sharp, late break on this pitch but also had times where there was little bite and not impressive at all. His slider could easily become a plus-pitch.

Aside from a plus-fastball, average change and potentially plus-slider, Walden brings a great deal of poise to the mound. He is confident on the mound and attacks hitters relentlessly with his fastball.

Walden’s inconsistency in his slider could hold him back against more elite hitters who will sit and wait for him to make a mistake. I don’t think this will be a problem in the future for him as his delivery is pretty smooth. I don’t have any major injury concerns from his frame, delivery or anything else.

THE FUTURE

Walden has a lot to learn before he’s one of the elite prospects in baseball but he has the potential to become that with
little more consistency. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Angels try to shield him from the California League but any
improvements by Walden this year are certainly great steps for him becoming an elite prospect. I am expecting a big season out of him with the improvements he’s made.