Billy Buckner

by Deech on Jun 25, 2007 10:46 PM EDT

Whats the deal with this kid? 2nd round pick in 2004 has pitched in 18 games but only 7 as a starter (his last seven games).

23 years old in AAA

As a starter in 2007....

39 IP 4 HR 10 BB 39 K

He's always had good stuff with a K/9 over 9 and K/PA over 20% every stop. Groundball pitcher (50-60% GB%). The knock on him has been the walks but he showed great control in 2004 and before his promotion in 2005. When he was promoted in 2005 his walk rate went up about double he amount and stayed that way until 2007 where he reverse the numbers back to his old rates.

Anyone have any info on him? I only took a peek at him now. He's got the peripherals now and in his early career that make me think he could be a legitimate top prospect.

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b. buckner

-Low 90's fastball with sinking action.
-Plus-Plus knuckle curve. It's very nasty, I've seen it.
-Changeup, becoming an average pitch. Won't be anything more than that. Doesn't need it to be more either, just needs to show that he has it.

They initially brought him up to AAA to pitch in relief before putting him back in the rotation.

I think of him as a workhorse #3 type starter. Was the Royals #9 prospect according to BA and scout.com coming into the season, I'd move him up a little from that now.

by doublestix on Jun 25, 2007 11:19 PM EDT reply actions

Buckner

As doublstix pointed out, Buckner uses a nice fastball/curve/change combo to get results.

His 2 seamer sits in the low 90's, has a ton of life on it, and he can move it around the zone with ease. His true out pitch is a filthy knuckle curve, it's a plus-plus pitch and is arguably the best breaking ball in the Royals system. Changeup is a useful pitch but isn't on par with his other two.

I'd like to see the Royals bring him up at some point after the break and maybe start him off in the bullpen. If all goes well, he should join the rotation at the start of next season.

Founder of the Rowdy Hardy Fan Club

by eazyb81 on Jun 26, 2007 9:29 AM EDT reply actions