Catching up with Pitching Coach Kevin Walker

Kevin Walker joined the Spinners this season for his first as pitching coach here in Lowell. Walker previously pitched in the majors for the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and the World Champion Chicago White Sox. Walker was originally drafted by the Padres in the sixth round of the 1995 MLB Draft. Walker sat down with us to talk about the adjustment from playing to coaching and also about the Spinners season.

1) Being your first season as pitching coach, how has this season gone for you thus far, how does coaching this season meet your initial expectations?

First of all, I feel very grateful and blessed to be a part of this Red Sox organization. I have truly enjoyed my first season as a pitching coach and being a part of this Spinners team. As a team, we have had our ups and downs, but I have enjoyed watching these young pitchers develop and I can't wait to see how their careers progress. As for my expectations, this experience has exceeded my expectations as a coach. I have seen and appreciate how hard each person works on and off the field to make an organization successful all the way from the top to bottom. I also have learned so much from DiSar and Luis and all the coordinators who have been a big part of influencing me as a coach.

2) The Spinners pitching staff has had some great success this season, what pitchers in particular stand out to you so far and why?

Well, obviously our All-Star pitchers stick out in my mind in Jose Alvarez and Yeiper Castillo. The two of them have put a solid season together and their numbers show it. But, we've had many who have contributed to our success. We've also had quite a few get moved up and that's always a good thing for both them and the development they have showed. Alex Wilson is limited in his role, but has done nothing but showed that he will be eventually have a huge role throughout his rise. I think the whole staff has done a tremendous job this season. We are in a fun time of the season (pennant race) and I look forward to watching these guys enjoy this time and pitch in meaningful games.

3) Kason Gabbard is a former major league starter who has had some success with Boston, he was here on rehab trying to regain his delivery, how was working with Kason?

Kason is a true professional. He works hard and does things the right way. It was nice to have a veteran presence to teach the young kids what it takes to make it to the Majors.

4) The pitching staff has a lot of players from a number of different backgrounds, how is it dealing with both language and cultural barriers when trying to coach players?

You all learn from one another. Our team has a variety of backgrounds, but that is what makes our team so interesting. I am really impressed with the transition that these guys have made with learning the English language. Pedro Perez and Dennis Neuman speak English very well and they are my translators. Truly, all of my Latin(and Taiwanese) pitchers have worked very hard to learn the language.

5) Alex Wilson, has had great success in limited stints so far this season, talk a bit about Alex and what he has shown you so far.

Alex has been nothing short of outstanding. He works hard between starts and shows a good feel for pitching. He is limited in his workload, but he has shown us a live Fastball, hard slider, and is learning to use his changeup. If he continues to work hard and develop, he has a bright future ahead of him.

6) What is something you stress with your pitching staff?

To be aggressive in the zone. I want these guys to trust their stuff and to believe in themselves. I also like to stress the importance of being a professional on and off the field.

7) Being a former major league pitcher yourself, how has the adjustment been from pitching to coaching?

The adjustment has been fairly easy due to the people I have been working along side of and working with. Of course I enjoyed fulfilling my dream of pitching in the major leagues, but at the same time, it's great getting to see these young guys striving to reach theirs. With me not playing, I am pain free and do not have to worry about career altering injuries. As a pitcher, my main responsibility was to myself; but as a coach, I have 15 guys that I make sure get their bullpens in, get their rest, and help them develop into major league pitchers.

8) What are some things you've seen from your pitching staff that has impressed you, and what are some things that you find yourself working on most with our pitchers?

An impressive factor that I've seen with my staff is their willingness to learn and adjust. At this age, they are so raw and not necessarily too set in their own ways where they are open for change. A huge part of being successful depends on your mental game and a big focus on what I work on is not just the physical aspect of pitching. I want them to "own the zone," so to speak. Take charge and be in control of the game and the batter.