ABWII: He Does Have a Particular Set of Skills

[GMinTraining]

With all of ABW II's (Adam Brett Walker II) flaws, he does have a particular set of skills that seem to rise to the top of his league rankings.  Having not been promoted in any level of professional ball, Walker raises many questions about his future.  (1) He strikes out too much.  Way to much.  (2) He is said to only lead his league in positive categories because everyone else is promoted already.  (possible).  (3)  He has played more games on a yearly basis than any other prospect over the last 4 seasons (durable/dependable).  (4) He continuously puts up solid power numbers despite his flaws.  Who is this guy?  Really?

 

*Currently leading AAA International League in Home Runs (26), which would be the 5th consecutive season in which he has completed this feat.  Probably never been done before in Twins history.  

 

*He has placed Top 3rd in every one of these following categories during his professional career as well. HOME RUNS - RBI's - TOTAL BASES & EXTRA BASES.  Notice I didn't say strikeouts, because he ranked 20th in his league in 2013 (NOT 1st)

 

*His defense has been much improved this season despite accounts of his failing arm and speed.  He currently leads the team in OF assist although he holds no comparison to Rosario while he was in AAA.  Walker does play the outfield well enough to play everyday at the next level.  His speed is often ignored despite his 42 for 54 stolen base rate (77%).

 

The question becomes, does his skill set work in Minnesota if he is able to reproduce like he has at EVERY level since being drafted.  He might eventually stop producing because the level is to difficult (MLB), but I would sure like to see him fail just once in regards to him not placing top 3 in a league HRs - RBI - TB - XBH before giving up on him.  Excited to see if he gets called up after his team goes for his 5th championship in 5 years of minor league ball.  STILL IN THE HUNT - GO ROCHESTER!!!

[Doomtints]

If you look at ABW's numbers, he has been the same player for three years now.  He is a known quantity.  If the Twins want to sell him, now's the time.  If they want to see if he can play, ditto.  But what happens if he CAN play and next year the Twins have Buxton, Rosario, and Kepler all firing on all cylinders?

[goulik]

If you look at ABW's numbers, he has been the same player for three years now.  He is a known quantity.  If the Twins want to sell him, now's the time.  If they want to see if he can play, ditto.  But what happens if he CAN play and next year the Twins have Buxton, Rosario, and Kepler all firing on all cylinders?

Then you move on from Grossman...

[goulik]

I agree that he needs to be given a shot and this lost season may be the best time to bring him up. Worst case are scenario, he sees he needs to work on some things in AAA to start next year. The good news is, Palka and Granite are gonna be nipping at the heels. Competition is a good thing.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I suspect he gets a September call.  He probably should as he earned it.  Problem though is that he hasn't cut down on those Ks. His defense is bad, and he has no position at the major league club. He starts next year in AAA, that I suspect. If he makes strides on the K rate, he might be of value to someone in  a trade, but to be honest, I suspect he doesn't have much value as a prospect at all.

[operation mindcrime]

Then you move on from Grossman...

Why would we do that? Robbie's defense is irreplaceable!

[goulik]

Why would we do that? Robbie's defense is irreplaceable!

I suspect a tongue in the cheek and a wink were missing from this post...

[GMinTraining]

 

I suspect he gets a September call.  He probably should as he earned it.  Problem though is that he hasn't cut down on those Ks. His defense is bad, and he has no position at the major league club. He starts next year in AAA, that I suspect. If he makes strides on the K rate, he might be of value to someone in  a trade, but to be honest, I suspect he doesn't have much value as a prospect at all.

Couldn't disagree more.  He hasn't hurt his AAA team from being in the playoff hunt, nor his previous championship teams (4) by playing in the field.  Way more athletic than given credit for.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_hYvi0BJQrSZqbsG3NRtSRWjgtVm7ONo

ABW - The Defensive Side

 

Not bad for a guy 6'5  230+ lbs.

[DocBauer]

What I find so interesting about Walker is that despite his K's and not so great BA at every level, he's also produced and been virtually the same player at every level.

 

I don't know that he's ready for the last step just yet, but if he could once again be that same player at the ML level, DH or OF, he would be valuable as a bottomed third power and RBI producer.

[Rosterman]

He should get a looksee.

 

He should probably return to AAA next season.

 

The Twins have to make a hard decision between Park and Vargas. He could push that decision.

 

Palka has essentially passed him on the depth chart, but Palka can still be kept a year behind Walker if the Twins choose. And that is the way the current management would operate.

 

At some point, Mauer comes off the books.

 

At some point, Rosario and Santana become tradable assets.

 

Even with Granite in the wings, Buxton will have to start showing production vs. longterm worth.

 

No, Walker will not start 2017 with the Twins if they keep MOST of their current roster. He could be an able callup if you need a replacement in right or left and decide to call your 4th outfielder (be he Grossman or Santana) a 4th outfielder.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

Couldn't disagree more.  He hasn't hurt his AAA team from being in the playoff hunt, nor his previous championship teams (4) by playing in the field.  Way more athletic than given credit for.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_hYvi0BJQrSZqbsG3NRtSRWjgtVm7ONo

ABW - The Defensive Side

 

Not bad for a guy 6'5  230+ lbs.

 

Oswaldo Arcia never hurt his teams playing in the field either. This is a poor argument. The standards for both offense and defense are quite a bit higher at the major league level, and while the guy can make a good play, every scouting report/eye-witness report from those who see them play regularly says he's below average in that aspect of things.

 

The reality is that he's striking out in 40+% of his at bats, and that number isn't going to likely drop in the majors. How he's going to help with a Mendoza line batting average, little to no walks, and double digit home runs is beyond me.  Even the double digit home runs is in question if he cannot improve those contact skills.  Perhaps he can still be a star, but things need to change there, and personally I'd rather roll the dice with Palka who has shown just as much power, better contact skills, fewer (albeit still way to high) Ks, and more BBs. 

[GMinTraining]

 

Oswaldo Arcia never hurt his teams playing in the field either. This is a poor argument. The standards for both offense and defense are quite a bit higher at the major league level, and while the guy can make a good play, every scouting report/eye-witness report from those who see them play regularly says he's below average in that aspect of things.

 

The reality is that he's striking out in 40+% of his at bats, and that number isn't going to likely drop in the majors. How he's going to help with a Mendoza line batting average, little to no walks, and double digit home runs is beyond me.  Even the double digit home runs is in question if he cannot improve those contact skills.  Perhaps he can still be a star, but things need to change there, and personally I'd rather roll the dice with Palka who has shown just as much power, better contact skills, fewer (albeit still way to high) Ks, and more BBs. 

 

His numbers are said to likely drop at every level he has been at.  Which might eventually be true as you stated.  As for little to no walks, he would currently sit 5th on Twins in that category.   It is not that he doesn't walk, it is that he doesn't walk much as it pertains to his strikeout totals (BB/K ratio).  I just know that I would rather gamble with a guy who has never struggled in the HR - RBI category.  I would rather gamble with a guy who has finished TOP three in extra base hits and total bases every year he has played professionlly (with this being his only year not being 1st).  If you don't like strikeouts - "I Get It"  you will never be a Walker fan.  I just know his style of play has helped him win at every level.  He is a Game Changer.  Somebody should ask the Buxton's, Vargas, Polanco's, Kepler's, Sano's what they think of Walker?  I'm curious if they think he could play with them at the next level considering their youthful struggles.

[Guest]

Walker should be traded to Atlanta or Colorado. At best, he's in the Plouffe zone: not a bad player, but not going to be a key contributor to a winning Twins team. At worst, he's sub-Arcia. Either get something for him now or DFA him later.