Has Walker finally arrived?

[Mariners_44]

If last night is a sign of things to come we may be on to something very special; especially as Felix is yet one year older. Walker looked dominant last night, and I have personally felt he's looked very confident since his first start this year. Something has felt different with him so far, and last night MAY have been his coming out party. I know as Mariners fans we don't want to get our hopes up, but are you ready to accept that he has actually arrived or still need to see more?

 

[EVille3]

If last night is a sign of things to come we may be on to something very special; especially as Felix is yet one year older. Walker looked dominant last night, and I have personally felt he's looked very confident since his first start this year. Something has felt different with him so far, and last night MAY have been his coming out party. I know as Mariners fans we don't want to get our hopes up, but are you ready to accept that he has actually arrived or still need to see more?

Still need to see more. He has had games like this in the past. I'd say I'm cautiously optimistic. I would still like to see him get his pitch count under control, 118 in 7 innings is not sustainable. However, it was nice to see him pump it up there 96-97 in the 7th. Also, as good as he looked last night, he was facing an Astros team that is struggling at the plate and got in really late the night before. However, that being said, I think he starting to become more of a pitcher than a thrower. His change up and curve ball are becoming reliable pitches allowing his fastball to be that much more impressive.

 

[PolarVortex]

If last night is a sign of things to come we may be on to something very special; especially as Felix is yet one year older. Walker looked dominant last night, and I have personally felt he's looked very confident since his first start this year. Something has felt different with him so far, and last night MAY have been his coming out party. I know as Mariners fans we don't want to get our hopes up, but are you ready to accept that he has actually arrived or still need to see more?

Good thread, 8. If you hadn't started a thread like this, I might have. I don't know if TW has officially arrived yet. But, his start this season is polar opposite to his start last season. If he finishes this season in the same manner that he finished last season, he could be a CY candidate this year. He is certainly a CY candidate right now, although it's still pretty damn early.

 

[cezero]

It'll take more than half a season of consistent good play to know for sure, but he's certainly looking great. Maybe it'll light a fire for Felix. From what I've seen, Walker and Kuma are pretty close, too.

 

[Mariners_44]

I just feel that there's a confidence in him that I haven't seen before. Plus, at 100+ pitches and still throwing 97mph fastballs with control isn't something that most pitchers can do. I think the organization has always felt he had "it", but with their track record of "it" players we as fans have always gotten our hopes up. This one looks special so far this year, and may be becoming our future ace right in front of our own eyes as we speak.

 

[PolarVortex]

I just feel that there's a confidence in him that I haven't seen before. Plus, at 100+ pitches and still throwing 97mph fastballs with control isn't something that most pitchers can do. I think the organization has always felt he had "it", but with their track record of "it" players we as fans have always gotten our hopes up. This one looks special so far this year, and may be becoming our future ace right in front of our own eyes as we speak.

I think he gets that from sleeping with Angela Rypien.

 

[Anointed One]

We still need to see a sample size of consistency, imo... Remember, Chris Bosio threw a no-hitter for us if that tells you anything...

I would say this... At least he's meeting/exceeding our expectations so far this season... That's a sign of great things to come...

 

[gohusk]

This ump is absolutely ridiculous. Dead center of the strike zone, ball. Painting the bottom of it (probably low) strike.

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

Walker will be an ace some day. His stuff is too good. I'm sure he'll fully come on and be an all star/MVP once the Ms trade him for some random 2nd baseman who does nothing.

 

[JMR]

Walker is a horse. Of course we need to see him do it consistently before proclaiming he's officially a top of the rotation guy, but he's clearly on that trajectory this season. If this team ends up being a contender for a playoff spot and gets in, a post season rotation of Felix-Kuma-Walker would be better than most. Just too bad no lefty in there. (Cmon, Paxton!!)

 

[unlvmariners]

He sure looks damn good lately.