Bob Walk: Having Jeff Locke As Your Fifth Starter Isn't Bad
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) – Pirates broadcaster Bob Walk joined "The Fan Morning Show" in his regular weekly spot Wednesday to talk about Jeff Locke's performance this season and how Ray Searage can use a different tactic to get the most out of his pitching staff.
Walk said Jeff Locke hasn't quite found consistency this season, but notes that the Pirates may not have a better option right now.
"It seems like we have been talking about Locke a lot this year and he just hasn't ever gotten into really any kind of a groove," said Walk. "There's been a couple of games here, couple of games there, but until there is somebody that is legitimately pushing for that job, then he's probably going to continue to be that five spot in the rotation."
Despite some struggles, Walk claimed that having Locke as the fifth starter in the pitching rotation isn't a bad thing at all.
"If your fifth guy goes out there and most of the time you're in the ballgame and have a chance to win, there's a lot of teams in this league that would love to have a fifth guy like that," said Walk. "They're having this discussion about their number three guy, so I don't really see it as a big problem."
Searage came out to the mound for what seemed to be a very stern talk with both Francisco Cervelli and Locke Tuesday night. Walk believes its Searage's usual demeanor that makes these talks work.
"I think one of the things that really helps him is when he does have to like kick somebody in the rear end you stand up and you pay attention because it's so out of character. It's like 'Oh wow.'" Walk said. "So, I think when he does do that, it has much more effect than somebody who is always ranting and raving and trying to do the same thing."
Walk says Searage knows exactly when to use this method.
"Ray is very good about knowing when to use that," said Walk. "It's kind of like ammunition. You've got a certain amount and you have got to pick your spots where you use it. Ray used some last night and that was good to see that he'll go out there and it's not always all smiles and a pat on the back, he'll have some stern words when it's needed."
Bob Walk joins "The Fan Morning Show" every Wednesday at 9:03 a.m.
The interview can be heard here:
