Tyler Walker Now a National

Former Giant Tyler Walker has just signed a deal with the Nationals for 2010.  No word on whether it’s a major league or a minor league deal, but I’d have to assume the latter, given Tyler’s age (34 in 2010), recent past performance and the current free agent market.

I’ll say this, however: Walker continued to pitch well in 2008.  He started the year at AAA Lehigh Valley, where he posted a 1.40 ERA in 15 relief appearances.

Walker was then called up to the Phillies, where he spent the rest of the season and pitched well considering the jump in talent from AAA.  He finished with a major league ERA of 3.06 in 32 relief appearances.  He had great ratios both in AAA and in the Show.

Walker also pitched better in 2008 for the Giants than his 4.56 ERA indicated, with 47 hits and 21 walks allowed and 49 Ks in 53.1 IP.

If the contract is a minor league deal that doesn’t pay Walker much more than $1,000,000 pro-rated for his major league service time, it’s a good move for the Nats.