The Baltimore Orioles' bullpen might be hiding a secret weapon, and it's stirring up memories of a pitcher who used to be a real thorn in their side: Kyle Farnsworth!
While most eyes in Orioles spring training are understandably glued to the intense competition for Opening Day roster spots, and with recent events like Jackson Holliday's injury and the signing of Chris Bassitt creating a bit of a stir, things are starting to settle. However, a rather peculiar observation from camp is drawing parallels to a pitcher who once tormented Baltimore – Kyle Farnsworth.
For those who might not recall, Kyle Farnsworth was the epitome of a baseball journeyman. His career spanned a remarkable 16 seasons, during which he donned the uniforms of nine different MLB teams. Among these, his stints with the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays were particularly frustrating for the Orioles to face. But what could a pitcher who last played in the majors in 2014 possibly have to do with today's Orioles?
And this is where things get truly interesting. Farnsworth was legendary for maintaining an absolutely incredible level of physical fitness, even after retiring from baseball. He went on to win bodybuilding competitions, showcasing a physique that turned heads. Now, according to Orioles insider Roch Kubatko, Baltimore might have their very own pitcher who could rival Farnsworth's legendary physique: Josh Walker.
Josh Walker is turning heads in spring training, but for a reason you might not expect!
If Josh Walker's name doesn't immediately ring a bell, you're not alone. He's only made a total of 27 appearances in the majors, and none of those were with the Orioles. Walker initially joined Baltimore via a waiver claim from the Phillies.
However, Walker has since been moved off the 40-man roster and was primarily considered bullpen depth. But, as Kubatko reports, Walker might be "the most jacked pitcher in baseball – ever." His impressive 6-foot-6 frame has drawn comparisons that sound like something out of a Chuck Norris movie.
This is a bold statement, considering Farnsworth, while not a superstar, was undeniably in peak physical condition. He often looked like he was about to outgrow his uniform! It's fun to imagine the Orioles having a player who could potentially deliver a tackle on a charging hitter with the same force that Farnsworth famously did against the Reds back in 2003. Paul Wilson certainly seemed to regret his decision to charge Farnsworth that day.
So, while this is a fun tidbit from spring training about a player who might not even make the regular season roster with the Orioles, it's clear that if these reports are accurate, Josh Walker has arrived in camp in the best shape of his life. In fact, it sounds like he's in better shape than anyone else, period.
But is extreme physical conditioning the key to pitching success, or could it be a distraction? What do you think about this surprising focus on a pitcher's physique? Let us know in the comments below!
