The long baseball tour of Red Sox right-hander Marcus Walden
By Rick McNair
Marcus Walden of the Boston Red Sox has certainly paid his baseball dues. Here is a quick glance at Mr. Perseverance.
Just who is Marcus Walden? I cursory review of pertinent data shows Walden is a ninth-round draft choice (2007), a right-hander, 30-years-old, and has a world of baseball experience. You look closer at Walden’s statistical accomplishment and they are rather paltry with a 46-49 record and 3.88 ERA, but based on 12 minor league seasons.
The statistical accomplishments may be minimal but the perseverance quotient is simply off the charts. Walden’s original organization was Toronto followed by Oakland, Cincinnati, Minnesota, and now Boston. In spring training of 2018 Walden’s aforementioned perseverance was rewarded and he opened the season as a member of the Red Sox.
Walden didn’t last long and by early May had departed for Pawtucket (AAA) where a 0-4, 4.96 ERA did nothing to establish the swingman as a future. Walden was recalled to Boston this season to add some needed innings to a stretched bullpen and responded with two shutout innings.
In the proverbial big picture, there is nothing mechanically that placed Walden above others. There is no unique pitch, a blazing fastball, or pinpoint control. Walden is merely a name that appears on the baseball wire with usually dire consequences. What Walden does have is a grittiness that every organization needs.
More from Red Sox News
- Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
- Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
- Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Why Red Sox fans should be rooting for Carlos Correa’s Mets deal to go through
Historically Walden has gone through Tommy John Surgery, done time in Independent league baseball, and had over a decade of minor league seasons before getting a taste of the show. What Walden does organizationally provide is a role model not for the Mookie Betts’, but of the kids languishing in the minor league system.
The perseverance will now be rewarded as Walden now has enough service time for a pension. Walden will also have quality health insurance for life. What he will also have is a ring that demonstrates he was part of something special. When the reunion takes place of that team Walden will walk out from centerfield, but most fans will scratch their heads with “Just who is this guy?”
Walden will stay with Boston and when a roster spot is needed expect the trip down I-95 unless Walden’s numbers force the issue. In his brief tenure this season Walden has done well, but expectations – at least from the fans – are relatively low. Any positive contribution is viewed as a plus.
Next. Red Sox Prospect Watch: Start of the 2019 MiLB season. dark
A player of Walden’s caliber lives each day with the idea it may be his last in MLB. A roster spot is needed then an option is exercised or a DFA is issued. When you have been in the game as long as Walden has bounced around the bushes and multiple organizations each day in The Show is something special. May he be the pitching version of Daniel Nava.