Athleticism attracts Seattle to choose Walker

J_Ray · Jun 7, 2010

ARLINGTON -- The Mariners went into the first day of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft on Monday prepared for just about anything.

The organization's scouts had scoured the country looking for potential future Major League players, but with the 43rd overall selection, the "best athlete" available seemed the best way to go.

And so, when it was the Mariners' turn to get involved in the annual restocking of the Minor League system -- almost 2 1/2 hours after the Draft started -- they selected a two-sport star athlete from California in 6-foot-4 right-handed pitcher Taijuan Walker from Yucaipa High School.

Walker was his high school team's best pitcher and a top-notch basketball player, averaging 21 points and 15 rebounds as a forward during his senior season.

The 17-year-old went 10-4 with a 1.77 ERA as a senior, striking out 93 batters in 67 1/3 innings, pitching four complete games in 14 starts. He led Yucaipa to the CIF Southern Section Division 2 championship game. He allowed just six extra-base hits but no home runs this season. In his final 10 games, he went 8-1 with a 1.22 ERA with 59 strikeouts.
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J_Ray · Jun 7, 2010

Sounds like he could be a decent player in 4-5 years depending on how he develops. It would be amazing if he could get his breaking ball back and become a good #2 or #3 guy someday.

J_Ray · Jun 18, 2010

Annnnd he's signed:

http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100618&content_id=11317666&vkey=pr_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea

I'm excited to get a high pick in so quickly

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