Zach Duke

[Russell James]

This is a guy that was gold for me a few years ago, which means I have a soft spot for him. I am not drafting him this year, but I have him on my watch list.

Last year he finished the season well and seemed to be getting back to his great 05 campaign.

Anyone know anything else on him? He is just sitting on the waivers and could be a great steal as a 4th or 5th starter.

Or is Duke pretty much done?

[sansav]

His K rates have been in decline since that great 2nd half a few years back... although he is still young, I just wouldn't take the risk on him while he is a Pirate (for some reason he kinda reminds me of Oliver Perez, it took a change of scenery to right his train). The risk is higher than the possible reward.

[hot4tx]

He's probably someone to watch instead of draft in most leagues. If you do draft him I'd put him on "bench probation" for at least all of April to see what he's doing. Very high risk of complete failure and ERA/WHIP explosion.

[Russell James]

There is no reason to draft him unless it is an incredibly deep league. There are other young pitchers like McGowan, Morales and Bailey to take fliers on. I just wanted to know if the guy could ever return to his '05 self.

[Havok1517]

He'd be worth a shot if he were on a better team.

[mak1277]

He'd be worth a shot if he were on a better team.

I disagree. Duke's problem is not the Pirates, it's that he literally cannot get batters to miss when they swing.

He's going to be better this year than last year, but if you're looking for a Pirate lefty to put on your watch list, Paul Maholm is the guy, not Duke. Maholm has looked MUCH better this spring. His main problem was lack of command and he's pumping strikes this spring.