Walker Named Mariner's Minor League Pitcher of the Year
November 29, 2011 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Clinton LumberKings News Release
Clinton, IA - Clinton LumberKings right-hander Taijuan Walker added another accolade to his impressive 2011 season yesterday as the Seattle Mariners named him their Minor League Pitcher of the Year. The 19-year-old phenom went 6-5 with a 2.89 ERA in 18 games, all starts with the LumberKings last season. The award comes roughly two months after Walker was named the Midwest League's top prospect by Baseball America.
Walker, Seattle's supplemental first-round pick (43rd overall) in 2010 out of Yucaipa (CA) High School, joined Clinton from extended Spring Training in early May. After starting out 0-2 with a 9.95 ERA in his first two starts, he rebounded to go 6-3 with a 2.39 ERA over his final 16 outings. That span included his first career complete-game effort, a home victory over the Great Lakes Loons on July 13. Following his final start on August 10, Walker ranked eighth in the Midwest League in ERA (2.89) and was also amongst league pitching leaders in lowest opponent average (3rd at .202), strikeouts per 9.0-inning ratio for starters (4th at 10.52), total strikeouts (6th with 113) and WHIP (8th at 1.12).
Former LumberKings infielder/outfielder Vinnie Catricala was named the Mariners' Minor League Player of the Year as well yesterday. Seattle's 10th round pick in 2009 out of the University of Hawaii, Catricala hit a combined .349 with 25 home runs and 106 RBI between High-A High Desert and Double-A Jackson. The previous season, he hit .302 with 17 home runs and 79 RBI to help Clinton claim the Midwest League West Division title.
Clinton alumni appear all over the Mariners' awards list for several Minor League classifications (years with the LumberKings listed in parentheses):
Tacoma (AAA): Pitcher of the Year Blake Beavan (2008)
Jackson (AA): Catricala (2010) and Pitcher of the Year Andrew Carraway (2009)
High Desert (A): Player of the Year Daniel Carroll (2009-2010)
Clinton (A): Player of the Year Stefen Romero (2011) and Walker (2011)
Everett (short-A): Player of the Year Jabari Blash (2011)
In addition, Carroll and right-hander Willy Kesler (2011) were each awarded the 2011 John Ellis Award for community service.
***
The Clinton LumberKings, Midwest League affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, open the 2012 season at Ashford University Field on Thursday, April 5 as they take on Burlington. For the 2012 schedule, season ticket and group party information, merchandise and more, call the LumberKings at 563-242-0727 or visit www.lumberkings.com.
• Discuss this story on the Midwest League message board...
Midwest League Stories from November 29, 2011
- Walker Named Mariner's Minor League Pitcher of the Year - Clinton LumberKings
- Brewers Announce 2012 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Coaching Staff - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
- Donald Lutz to Appear on WONE Wednesday - Dayton Dragons
- TinCaps Win Baseball America Freitas Award - Fort Wayne TinCaps
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
