Thoughts on Jordan Walden? Will he close again?

[tommyfro21]

The kid had a great season last year, but basically fell apart early this season. He's essentially been moved to mid-relief at this point and it doesn't look like he will ever get to go back to the closer role with the Angels. Scott Downs and Frieri are in front of him with Frieri likely keeping the closing role.

Will this kid get a shot to close again? I think he can considering how he broke out his rookie season, but it's going to happen with another team. No clue on what his contract status is like so not sure how long he will be with the Angels, but I assume he would get traded before he didn't get a contract renewed.

I actually started investing in him during the offseason because he was an inexpensive investment and I thought the Angels would start tearing it up with Pujols on the team. I'm still holding for the future because I don't have a ton of money on him, but I have also wondered what it will now take for his cards to rise again, if ever at this point.

Thoughts?

 

[Bill Bray Collector]

Investing in a relief pitcher is never a good idea IMO. Obviously if he closes again though you may be able to flip for a small profit.

 

[chompsmcgee]

Will he close again? Potentially, if guys go down or he gets moved. Is he ever going to be elite? Probably not. His fastball is electric but his slider would have to develop into a plus weapon. The command is always going to be a question with Walden because of his awkward mechanics.

See gif below. Dude literally jumps off the rubber at the batter. Not to mention the elbow. Yikes.

RPs who will never be front-end starters, should be avoided as investments. They're the most expendable guys on the roster, nomads of the major leagues.

 

[tommyfro21]

Honestly, I don't have much on him like I have with other guys in the past. With him, it was more like low risk with a potential for a decent reward.

There is still a good market for his stuff interestingly. I hope he will turn it around and do well, but if not, at least I didn't break the bank on him.

 

[Hallsgator]

Will he close again? Potentially, if guys go down or he gets moved. Is he ever going to be elite? Probably not. His fastball is electric but his slider would have to develop into a plus weapon. The command is always going to be a question with Walden because of his awkward mechanics.

See gif below. Dude literally jumps off the rubber at the batter. Not to mention the elbow. Yikes.

RPs who will never be front-end starters, should be avoided as investments. They're the most expendable guys on the roster, nomads of the major leagues.

his arm is so late whoa

 

[cstmleather]

As an Angels fan, I hope not. Don't think he did too good last season. Can't remember how many times he'd load the bases and blow a save or just barely get out of it.