Allan Dykstra, Logan Verrett and Jeff Walters – The Killer Bees
RHP Jeff Walters has been promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas in time for their game against the Salt Lake Bees today, according to ESPN New York.
Thoughts from John B.
A live arm with a fastball that regularly touches 96 mph, an above average curveball, and a developing change-up — Walters can shut down a game. I’ve watched him throw 16 consecutive ninth inning fastballs all at 94 to 96 mph one night, then use a 73 mph breaking ball behind a 96 mph fastball the next. He’s recorded a record-breaking 38 saves in 56 games for the B-Mets in 2013 while going 4-3 with a 2.09 ERA .
Walters seems to thrive on the pressure that comes with the 9th inning and crunch-time baseball. Earlier in the season, when I asked Wheeler how he handled the pressure that comes with entering a game in the final inning with the contest on the line he smiled broadly and said, “That’s the time to rock and roll.”
Thoughts from Joe D.
I’ve had my eyes on Jeff Walters since mid-May and like you say, John, he has had a remarkable record-breaking season for the B-Mets smashing their all time single-season saves mark.
I wrote last month that we might see him in Citi Field this September, and I still think that will happen once the post season is over in the PCL. Walters must be added to the 40-man roster to avoid being exposed to the Rule 5 draft to be held during the Winter Meetings in December.
The kid has the swagger you want in a closer, and he could find a role in the Mets bullpen coming out of camp next Spring if everything breaks right for him.
