Les Walrond

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #21 prospect in 2001
  Walrond was more of an outfielder in college at Kansas, until a scout told him he had more potential as a pitcher. He turned to the mound after that and has made himself into a prospect. He ranked among the Carolina League ERA leaders in 2000 and had a stretch of 21 innings without giving up an earned run. He's a workmanlike pitcher who doesn't overwhelm hitters. The Cardinals jokingly say Walrond has the kind of stuff that puts you to sleep, meaning that he doesn't have spectacular pitches but finds a way to get people out. His fastball velocity is average at best, but he has a good curveball and an improving changeup. He's effective because he throws his two-seam and four-seam fastballs, curve and change from the same release point and with the same arm speed, giving him great deception. He also has the good movement typical of all lefthanders, and he has become adept at working hitters. He has little margin for error because of his average stuff, and he still could stand to improve his command. He'll continue his quiet progression through the organization at Double-A in 2001.