Shorebird of the Week – July 4, 2013

Because of a quirk in the calendar the last time through the cycle, today is the first time I’ve ever had a July 4 Shorebird of the Week. The fortunate honoree is pitcher Matt Taylor, who has been a consistent presence in the Shorebird rotation this season. Unlike some of the others in the group, though, Matt seems to be the work horse rather than the show horse and he’s repeating at this level perhaps because of this.

So far in 14 starts Matt only has a 4-7 record but for the most part he has kept the Shorebirds in the game during his starts. It’s tough to complain about a 3.61 ERA or 1.4 WHIP, as he has allowed 66 hits and 35 walks in 72 1/3 innings, and he’s shown improvement in practically all of his key indicators over last season in Delmarva (although he went 5-7, his ERA was 4.31 and WHIP was 1.52.) The only cause for alarm could be a somewhat elevated walk rate, but it’s still under 4.5 per game.

A fifth round draft pick from 2011 out of Middle Georgia College, Matt is probably at a point where he may see time at Frederick before the season is out – although since he’s still only 22, there’s no need to rush him to the Carolina League just yet. It’s quite possible Matt could be a mid-rotation starter for them in 2014.

It seems like Taylor is one of those borderline type of guys – not catchy enough to call a blue-chip prospect, but certainly one who has handled this level adequately enough to advance. That may be a little disappointing for a fifth-round selection but Matt still has time to develop and he’s not hurting the Shorebirds when he pitches.