- Full name David Walling
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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In 1999 the Yankees made Walling just the 16th pitcher they have drafted in the first round. The track record of the first 15 is dubious, as only Bill Burbach (1965) reached New York. Two others, Scott McGregor (1972) and Eric Milton (1996), enjoyed major league success after being traded. Walling is on track to escape that dreadful history, having reached Double-A in his first full season. The Yankees compared him to Orlando Hernandez without a curveball after signing him, and they still think that's what he'll become. He throws an 88-93 mph fastball and a quality changeup, both with command. He got knocked around at Norwich after dominating the lower minors because he lacks a good breaking pitch. He needs to tighten his curveball, and New York may try to get him to experiment with a slider or a cut fastball. Though Walling will return to Norwich to start 2001, he remains on the fast track.
Minor League Top Prospects
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The Yankees first-round pick was more heralded than his teammate Graman coming out of college and just as successful in his pro debut, but league managers didn't see him having as a high a ceiling as the lefthander. "He's real close to Graman," Utica manager Ken Joyce said. "He pitches under control with an average fastball and an excellent changeup." One thing that Walling must work on at the higher levels is developing a sharper breaking ball.