Pitcher Appreciation Day: “Bro-dictions” Part II Brings Black Arms Race To The Forefront

Pitcher Appreciation Day: “Bro-dictions” Part II Brings Black Arms Race To The Forefront

Ever feel like you are Marty McFly, and you just came back from the future with the Sports Almanac? Well, in this case, that’s me. 

As we wait with bated breath for another one-of-a-kind season of Major League Baseball, we look forward to performances of some of the game’s most promising bros on the bump.

This year’s roster of talent is nothing short of spectacular, with each hurler set to make an impact for their squad. Let’s “brodict” their performances and see where they will stand statistically by the end of the year. 

Marcus “Stro Show” Stroman, this Yankee, known for his impressive tool kit of pitches and competitive spirit, is expected to continue his consistent performance on the mound. Stroman’s ability to induce ground balls and keep hitters off balance will help him maintain an ERA in the low 3s with a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio. 

 

 

Josiah “Sway” Gray is set to showcase his talent and potential this season, after putting up ace-like numbers in 2023. With his dynamic arsenal of pitches and deceptive delivery, Gray could emerge as a consistent starter for the Nationals with an ERA in the mid-3s and over 150 strikeouts. 

 

 

Hunter Greene Machine, heralded for his blazing fastball and electric stuff, is looking to make a splash in his debut season with the Reds. While he may experience some growing pains as he adjusts to the rigors of the big leagues, Greene’s raw talent suggests the potential for an ERA in the high 3s to low 4s with flashes of brilliance on the mound. Expect close to 170 strikeouts if he stays healthy. 

 

 

Devin “Airbender” Williams, the 2020 NL Rookie of the Year, is expected to build upon his stellar performance from last season. Arguably the best closer in the game, Williams has a devastating changeup and impeccable command. This Brewer’s closer could maintain an ERA below 2.00 for the third straight year. He will continue to rack up strikeouts and likely record over 30 saves. 

 

 

Taijuan “Fly Tai” Walker, known for his calm demeanor and resilience on the mound, is ready to make an impact in his second season with the Phillies. Walker’s ability to mix pitches and keep hitters guessing is in his DNA. Expect him to post an ERA in the mid-3s while providing valuable innings and stability to the starting rotation. 

 

 

Black Jack Flaherty, seen as one of the premier young bros in the game, is expected to bounce back from a challenging season in 2023. Flaherty’s specialties are his electric fastball and devastating slider. He could return to his All-Star caliber form in Detroit this year, with an ERA in the mid 3s and a high strikeout rate.

While these predictions offer insight into what fans can expect from these talented Bro pitchers, it is important to remember that baseball is unpredictable – just like Marty’s adventures back to 1985, and any number of unknowns can influence a player’s performance throughout the season. From injuries to adjustments made by opposing hitters, the journey of a baseball season is full of twists and turns. 

As the new season unfolds, baseball fans will eagerly watch as these melanated mound marauders, each hoping to leave their mark on the game and contribute to their team’s success. With talent, determination, and a bit of luck, these pitchers have the potential to make this season one to remember for MLB fans everywhere.

Melanated Mound Marauder | Taijuan Walker Is The First Phillies Pitcher To Reach 15-Win Plateau Since 2018

Melanated Mound Marauder | Taijuan Walker Is The First Phillies Pitcher To Reach 15-Win Plateau Since 2018

Taijuan Walker continues to impress the baseball world as he picked up his team-leading 15th win of the season on Monday as the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres 9-7.

 

Philadelphia’s offense made sure they supported Walker as they jumped out to an early 8-1 lead after three innings. The 15 wins is a new career-high for Walker and don’t be surprised if he continues to add to that win total as the regular season is nearing an end.

 

Taijuan Walker Racking Up The Wins

 

He went five innings giving up four earned runs and struck out four against the Padres. Not his best outing, but he was able to hold the Padres just enough during those five innings of work.

 

“Not the best,” Walker said in an article from NBC Sports Philadelphia. “We had a big early lead and I feel like today should’ve been one of those days where I went at least six, seven innings.”

 

Phillies manager Rob Thomson has enjoyed watching Walker go out there and battle each time he takes the mound.

 

“Other than the walks, walking into some jams and worked himself out of it,” he said. “He just competes. There’s a reason why he’s got 15 wins. He just wills himself.”

 

 It was Walker’s second consecutive win as his record improved to 15-5 with a 4.15 ERA, moving within one win of the NL lead held by Chicago Cubs pitcher Justin Steele and Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider. 

 

The 31-year-old became the eighth Phillies pitcher to record 15 wins in the last 23 years. He’s also the first Philly to win 15 games since Aaron Nola won 17 back in 2018.

 

In his first year in Philadelphia, Walker wasted no time becoming one of the top pitchers not only on his team, but in the National League.

 

Melanated Mound Marauder Taijuan Walker Keeps Shining With MLB-Leading 12th Win

 

The Phillies are benefitting from signing him last December. Our MLBbro has always had the skill set to be an effective pitcher and we are seeing that this season.

 

A big reason for Walker’s success this season has been his health. This has allowed him to continue to make scheduled starts throughout the season and Walker is taking full advantage of that.

 

One area for improvement with Walker is the number of runs given up in the first inning. He’s allowed 21 runs in the first inning throughout his 27 starts and he has 6.75 ERA in the first inning and a 3.58 ERA in the innings after.

 

“It is important,” Thomson said. “I don’t know whether we switch up his pregame routine or what. The last couple of weeks we’ve given up first-inning runs a lot. I don’t know what that is, whether it’s just a blip on the radar or something in our process we need to change. We’ll look at it, for sure.”

 

Philadelphia has a good chance of making the Wild Card this year and potentially making another trip back to the World Series.

 

And you better believe Walker will look to play a key role in the postseason. Walker has only appeared in the postseason once, which was in 2017 with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

 

The Continued Success Of MLBbro Taijuan Walker Is Vital To A Second Half Comeback For Philadelphia

 

But if he can perform come playoff time like he has been during the regular season, he will be able to put the Phillies in position to win games. And everyone knows that each game is vital in the postseason. 

 

It will be interesting to see where the Phillies decide to place Walker in the starting rotation once the postseason comes, but you better believe Walker will be ready when his number is called upon.

Taijuan Walker Records MLB-Leading 13th Win

Taijuan Walker Records MLB-Leading 13th Win

Taijuan Walker’s golden right arm continues to rack up the W’s as the Phillies keep their wild-card hopes alive by taking two of three in a series against the Kansas City Royals. The Phillies currently have 61 wins and are battling with Lamonte Wade Jr.’s San Francisco Giants for the top Wild Card spot in the NL. 

Walker didn’t have his best stuff, but he gutted out another quality start and boosted his MLB-leading win total to 13 against just four losses. 

Fly Tai gutted out 95 pitches over seven innings, giving up seven hits, four runs and a walk. He struck out just two, but recorded 12 fly-ball outs in a 8-4 Phillies win over the down-trodden Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

 

 

Walker struggled through his first couple of innings, going down 4-3 after a Royals homer by MJ Melendez, but the poised workhorse settled down to throw five scoreless innings in a row before relinquishing the rock to the bullpen.

 

Walker, who was unfathomably left of the NL All-Star team is now elevating himself into the Cy Young race and he could potentially reach Black Ace status if he keeps pitching deep into games and getting some breaks here and there. The Phillies playoff life depends on it.

 

The veteran hurler has been gaining momentum since the season progressed and the Phillies began to gain confidence that they could make a return to the World Series.