Lady’s Choice: Player Pick for June

July 1st, 2008

• UPDATE •

July 09, 2008 — Chris’ fan club was kind enough to inform me they call themselves TEAM WALKER. They even have uniforms! Many, many thanks for the information and for allowing me to share this photo.

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July 01, 2008 — This month I’d like to feature one of the newest members of the Salt Lake Bees, #14, Chris Walker, OF. Chris arrived in late May from the Camden Riversharks of the independent Atlantic League (not affiliated with any major league team). Originally drafted as a Chicago Cubs prospect, Chris worked his way up through their farm system before stalling a bit at the Triple-A level. The Cubs cut him right at the start of spring training this year, which is how Chris eventually ended up in Camden.

I think it would be appropriate right now to mention that I’m still puzzled as to why Chris was cut so abruptly—just prior to the start of spring-training games. Granted, Chris didn’t have spectacular numbers throughout his stay with the Cubs (we’ll discuss some of this below), however they didn’t seem all THAT bad. And considering how productive he’s been here (albeit for a very short period thus far) you have to wonder why the Cubs didn’t think he was worth hanging onto, even as an add-on for an early season trade. Just seemed worth mentioning at any rate.

Photo credit | Brent Asay©2008 Used with permission

When you look at Chris’ numbers, there are three things that jump right out at you: 1) speed, 2) speed and 3) SPEED. Chris’ preferred territory is center field, and he’s got the wheels to prove it. His fielding percentage in 2007 was 100%, with 65 PO (put-outs) in 47 games. Currently for Salt Lake, his fielding percentage is 98.6% with 71 PO in 32 games and only one error. We’ve been treated to more than a few spectacular running catches that kept runs from scoring in key game situations. The other place he showcases his speed is on the basepaths. Chris stole an eye-popping 220 bases during his first five years of professional baseball. He stole 60 bases at Single-A in 2004, 60 at Advanced-A in 2005 and 50 at Double-A in 2006! (Did I mention the kid’s fast?)

Batting-wise, there is his worrisome history of striking out, a lot. This is a problem if you don’t balance out the equation by driving in a lot of runs with homers and sacrifice flies, in which case such sins are forgiven (somewhat). Chris does not appear to have the power to be a slugging, clean-up hitter. His ability to switch-hit, bunt and steal bases indicates that his ideal role is as a lead-off hitter. All the more reason why he needs to put a serious dent in the number of strike-outs. That said, the future looks bright here in Salt Lake, where Chris has shown a talent for getting on base any way he can. As of June 29, Chris was batting a nice .329 with a perfectly acceptable 46 H, 9 BB and 22 SO in 140 plate appearances. He’s even delivered a grand slam, on May 30th. He lays down the prettiest push/drag bunts, and can use his speed to transform a move-the-runner-up sacrifice into an everyone-is-safe base hit. All of these tools should help him succeed in a farm system built on Scioscia’s small-ball philosophy.*

*There is a prevailing attitude among American League teams to rely on game tactics that offer the best statistical chances of scoring runs. This often means batters will walk rather than swing, swing rather than bunt and only advance one base at-a-time on a clean hit to the outfield. LA Angels manager Mike Scioscia prefers an aggressive style of play, nicknamed small ball, that seeks to advance runners whenever possible. Needless to say, small-ball is a h*ll of a lot more fun to watch than the more patient, playing-it-safe approach.

Photo credit | Brent Asay©2008 Used with permission

One Chris’ most attractive assets is his attitude. Naturally, any time a player finds himself hitting leadoff for the team with the best win-loss record in the PCL after spending the last two months playing independent ball (May 28th interview) in the middle of nowhere, yes, well, that tends to put a smile on a guy’s face. Even so, it seems to be a genuine expression of his personality. Chris comes out early and often to sign autographs, and takes his time chatting with fans before the game; he’s already got a vocal and supportive fan club. Granted, with only 32 games played Chris hasn’t had many bad plate appearances, however he seems to bounce right back after a less-than-ideal outing. Keeping his head on straight and sustaining that all-important “even keel” could end up being the difference between failure in Iowa and success in Salt Lake. I will definitely have my ear glued to the radio when the Bees visit the Iowa Cubs (Chicago Cubs Triple-A affiliate) in early August.

Chris has only been with us a month, and as seasoned diamond watchers know, a lot can happen during the grind of 144 games. Nonetheless, if he can keep this up through the dog days of summer, he’ll be golden. Do I hear the faint notes of a September call-up beckoning from far-off in the West? Bye for now!

Entry Filed under: Lady's Choice,Minor Leagues,Salt Lake Bees