Taylor Buchholz doesn’t possess overpowering stuff, but just goes out there and gets the job done. The 24 year old righthander who came to the Houston Astros as part of the Billy Wagner deal with the Phillies. Also coming over to the Stros in that trade were Brandon Duckworth & Ezequiel Astacio. Houston was trying to save some money by moving Octavio Dotel into the closer’s role, while stockpiling some starting pitchers. Buchhholz’ signature pitch is a knee buckling curveball that someday may be the best in the bigs. His fastball reaches the mid 90s and he has a change. Ironically Houston wanted top Phillie pitching prospects Cole Hamel & Gavin Floyd, but settled for Buchholz & Astacio. It looks like Taylor Buchholz has emerged into a solid #3 starter in the Astros starting rotation, while neither Hamel nor Floyd has enjoyed much MLB success thus far for the Phillies. The 6’4″ 220 pounder was born in Springfield, PA just a stone’s throw away from Philadelphia. He has two wins in three starts so far this season. His start before his last was a masterpiece against the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 22nd. Buchholz went 8 2/3 innings allowing just two hits, while walking one, to go along with five strikeouts in his 3-0 win over the Buccos. He made it two wins in a row on April 30th with a 3-2 win over the Division rival Reds in Cincinnati. This kid is one to watch.
ROOKIE WATCH: TAYLOR BUCHHOLZ
Taylor Buchholz doesn’t possess overpowering stuff, but just goes out there and gets the job done. The 24 year old righthander who came to the Houston Astros as part of the Billy Wagner deal with the Phillies. Also coming over to the Stros in that trade were Brandon Duckworth & Ezequiel Astacio. Houston was trying … Continue reading “ROOKIE WATCH: TAYLOR BUCHHOLZ”