Two top minor-league coaches -- field coordinator Jeff Banister and roving pitching instructor Gary Ruby -- are in town for the weekend series against the Rockies. They are catching up with the big-league club and giving reports on the progress of prospects. One name that draws raves is LHP Zach Duke, who dominated at Lynchburg before he was promoted to Altoona at midseason. "Scary," Ruby said. "He's got a chance to be special. He's one of those guys. He just turned 21. He's got a perfect delivery, throws downhill all the time. He's always learning, reads the bat well, makes adjustments. He goes after holes in swings while most young guys are following the glove." Duke, who got some attention in spring training, isn't overpowering. He averages 88 to 89 mph with his fastball but can reach 92 mph on occasion. But he has great command of his pitches and has an excellent curveball and changeup. "His makeup is off the charts. He's not overpowering, but he has some weapons," Banister said. "When you look at his numbers, those numbers are legit." Duke is 2-1 with a 0.90 ERA with the Curve in five starts. At Lynchburg, he was 10-5 with a 1.39 ERA in 17 starts. Duke could get a spring training invitation next year and some in the organization would not be surprised if he earned a spot on the big-league rotation.
Original Post
