Tyler Walker

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Mets #20 prospect in 2003
  Walker had a breakthrough season in 2000, but it ended badly as he tore his labrum in the Arizona Fall League and required shoulder surgery. He didn't get back to full strength until he pitched in Venezuela after the 2001 season. His command has improved since he got hurt. He lost 40 pounds in order to put less stress on his arm, and he also has found it easier to repeat his delivery and throw strikes. The velocity on his fastball has returned to the low 90s, and he also has a plus changeup and reliable curveball. Walker no longer is a maximum-effort pitcher and does a better job of keeping his pitches low in the strike zone. He's working on a slider that shows promise. Though Walker had arthroscopic surgery to clean out his right knee after the 2002 season, it was considered a minor procedure and he'll be 100 percent for spring training. Capable of starting or relieving, he'll get a chance to make the Mets in spring training and will be on call in Triple-A if he doesn't.
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  Ranked New York Mets #16 prospect in 2002
  Walker earned a spot on the Mets' 40-man roster after a breakthrough season in 2000. A torn labrum in his right shoulder, however, kept him sidelined for six months. He returned to the mound in Double-A last June, having shed more than 30 pounds after undergoing an intense conditioning regimen. The weight loss and surgery did nothing to reduce Walker's velocity, as he consistently threw in the low 90s. As a college closer, he touched 96 mph. His fastball makes his sweeping curveball and above-average changeup even more effective. He's intelligent and has a good feel for pitching. He'll open 2002 season in Triple-A, where the overall consistency of his pitches will determine whether his future lies as a starter or reliever.
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  Ranked New York Mets #15 prospect in 2001
  Walker followed a 12-win season in 1999 with another outstanding year at the upper levels of the Mets system. Producing another solid encore will be more difficult in 2001. He left the Arizona Fall League early with a torn labrum that required surgery. His goal is to return in the spring, though the Mets would like to take things slowly and have him pitching again some time around May. Walker threw 95-96 mph when he was a closer in college, but a little of that velocity has been sacrificed since he became a starter in 1998. In exchange, he has developed a potentially above-average changeup. Walker is intelligent, and he has shown good control and durability. His curveball needs work, and its development may dictate whether he winds up a third or fourth starter or a reliever as he finishes his climb through the minors.
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  Ranked New York Mets #12 prospect in 1999