Zach Duke: Was 15-6 with a 1.46 ERA in the minors last summer. Click photo for larger image.
When Zach Duke looks back on his mind-numbing 2004, he shakes his head. He was the Pirates' minor-league pitcher of the year, producing a 15-6 record, 142 strikeouts in 148 1/3 innings and a subatomic 1.46 earned run average. He allowed more than two earned runs in only one of his 26 starts.
"The things that happened last year were just ... so perfect," he said. "It was, like, 'Man, I shouldn't have gotten out of that jam there, but I did somehow.' I just don't know if I'll have another year like that again. I'd like to, but no one expects something like that."
When Duke looks ahead to the coming season, he has a similar reaction: He shakes his head and does not know what to expect or where to expect it.
The Pirates were so taken by Duke's showing that they are planning to give him a long look in spring training to become part of their starting rotation immediately, even though he is only 21 and has not pitched above Class AA.
A more realistic scenario -- and the one management has outlined to Duke -- is that he might reach Pittsburgh by year's end.
"I don't know where I'll start out, but I know that the level where I start probably will be a pretty good indication of where I end up," Duke said. "That's the approach I'm taking, but I'm not going to put any emphasis on it either way. I'm just going to go out there and do my job."
Duke started last season with Lynchburg in high Class A and went 10-5 with a 1.39 ERA. In mid-July, he was promoted to Class AA Altoona but did not stumble in the slightest, going 5-1 with a 1.58 ERA.
A 6-foot-2 left-hander, Duke has a fastball that consistently hits 90-92 mph, mixes speeds effectively and has a reputation for learning quickly how to outwit a hitter. He acknowledges a need to improve his two-seam fastball and changeup, but his repertoire generally is viewed as major-league ready.
"All he needs is experience and better command," director of player development Brian Graham said. "He is a solid- average pitcher in terms of stuff, but that's not the thing with Zach. What sets him apart are intangibles, his maturity, his ability to watch hitters' swings and adjust to them, taking care of men on base. That's what makes him special."
Duke was invited by the team to attend a game at PNC Park in September, and he said the experience has resonated with him through the winter.
"Think about it all the time," he said. "You look at that atmosphere and say to yourself, 'Man, I can do this.' I feel like I can pitch at that level. I feel like I have the necessary stuff. I don't know. It would just be fun to try it out. We'll see."
"Don't sweat the small stuff." "I am responsible for the effort -- not the outcome. "
Posts: 5101 | Location: South Florida | Registered: December 26, 2002
quote:"He is a solid- average pitcher in terms of stuff, but that's not the thing with Zach. What sets him apart are intangibles, his maturity, his ability to watch hitters' swings and adjust to them, taking care of men on base. That's what makes him special. "
The italics are mine.....
Just for the emphasis.......
Posts: 3101 | Location: Texas | Registered: December 27, 2002
Really - really enjoyed seing this, thanks for posting it for all of us to see. I read all about what a good year Zach was having last season, this sums it all up. Maturity is so important on the mound - that makes or breaks a pitcher. Congratulations to Zach, and the family,as I know all too well what kind of sacrifices those around the player make along the way. The pay off is worth it all.
So proud of you Zack! Really happy I got to meet you in person. I have never met Ty Wiggington, but is my '02's college coach's best friend and recent Best Man. It's another connection, you need something when you get to Pittsburg, we'll try to help.
Oh and by the way, the BEST band ever is from P-burg.. The Clarks.. Ya'll will know at least 1 song from the movie "Summer Catch", "Let it go"
What can be said that hasn't been said before.. Congrats to all the great press on Zach.
Sure glad I have Zach's first baseball card here in my office, in a plastic case, personally signed.. I think I will be showing it off for years to come
_______________ "Baseball, it is said, is only a game. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole."
"JustMom"
Posts: 1631 | Location: Virginia | Registered: December 26, 2002
The title is right ... another good article !!! another great read !!!
Looking forward to reading more great news during the season ...
Mary Ann * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8 [8/21/08]
Posts: 3937 | Location: Somewhere out there beneath the pale moonlight ... | Registered: January 02, 2003
