Red Sox Prospect Watch: Production from young players

Pawtucket Red Sox

With Pawtucket losing its best pitcher and hitter to Boston’s roster over the past week, the pickings were slim. But, after combing through everything, there is something who deserves praise for the season he has had in Pawtucket.

Marcus Walden is not a name that many Red Sox fans would know. Walden is a 28 year-old pitcher who has never pitched in the majors. He started his career with the Blue Jays, and has spent time in the minors with the Athletics, Reds, and Twins. This is Walden’s first season in the Red Sox organization, and so far he has pitched very well.

Walden has been a jack of all trades in Pawtucket, starting 6 of the 9 games he has appeared in. And during his time on the mound, he has been very efficient. Marcus Walden currently sports a 2.31 ERA in 35 innings pitched this year. Also, he has kept the balls in the yard by only giving up 1 home run all season.

Obviously, Walden is not a key piece of the future of the Boston Red Sox. He is a journeyman who might never pitch an inning at the major league level. Remember, just last year he was playing independent ball.

But, if Walden was ever able to make the majors, it would be a story that happens once in a while in baseball. When it does, it truly shows how hard it takes to make the show. Personally, I’ll be rooting for Marcus Walden to one day get his shot to say “I pitched in the major leagues.”