Up Close With The PSR:
Zach Duke
By John E. Sacco

Zach Duke is the top prospect in the Pirates’ minor-league system. He is a left-handed pitcher on the fast track to the major leagues. Duke was Pittsburgh’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2004 after posting a 15-6 combined record with Class AA Altoona and Class A Lynchburg. He won seven of his first nine decisions for the organization’s Class AAA Indianapolis Indians’ affiliate. After an impressive spring training performance, Duke, a 6-foot, 2-inch, 212-pound left-hander, was optioned to Indianapolis where he has fit in well with an impressive roster of young players who seemingly hold the hopes of the Pirates’ franchise in their talented bodies.

Recently, PSR’s John Sacco caught up with Duke to discuss his past, present and future with the Pirates’ organization.

PSR: Do you feel any additional pressure this year being the acknowledged top prospect in the Pirates’ organization and the fact the fans are highly anticipating your arrival here?

ZD: I really don’t pay attention much to that stuff. It doesn’t affect the fact I have to go out and do my job every day.

PSR: How would you assess what you were able to do in the first couple months of this season with Indianapolis?

ZD: I’m pretty pleased. Early in the season, I let up some runs late in games due to the lack of concentration and remembering how to pitch certain hitters. That has gotten better as the season has gone on.

PSR: What do you think of your ascent through the system?

ZD: I’m very pleased and I’m very surprised to be where I am. At this point, I didn’t expect to be at this level.

PSR: What were your emotions after learning you were going to be sent back to the minors after how well you performed during spring training?

ZD: I was a little disappointed. I understand why it happened. I did accomplish what I wanted to and that was opening some eyes and making them aware of me.

PSR: What are you working on right now in terms of your pitching repertoire?

ZD: I’m just trying to be consistent with my two-seam fastball and my changeup. That’s my focus this year and it has come along nicely.

PSR: The Pirates moved their Triple-A affiliate from Nashville, Tenn., to Indianapolis this season. What do you think of Indianapolis?

ZD: It’s incredible. The ballpark is really nice and the city is great. It’s easy to get around.

PSR: Have you noticed a difference in the level of play and competition at the Triple-A level compared with the lower levels of the minor league system?

ZD: There is a big difference. Guys here have experience and a better understanding of the game. They know what to expect in certain situations and what to be looking for. It’s more of a mental game at this level. It really comes down to who can react to what the other guy might do.

PSR: It seems Pirates’ fans have great expectations for a number of players now playing at the highest level of the organization. They re viewing these players as ones who can help turn the team back into winners and, ultimately, post-season contenders. Is it safe to assume the Pirates have a number of talented younger players at Indianapolis?

ZD: I agree with the fans. We’re stacked here. We were scoring between six and seven runs a game and our pitching has been dominating. There are some guys standing out here. I think we can expect big things in the future.

PSR: What is it about the group as a whole that makes you think success will come?

ZD: I think we’ve figured out how to win. I see no reason through time and experience why we would not win.

PSR: Sometimes in the minor leagues, you tend to see more selfish players because they feel they need to achieve certain statistical levels to help them move through the system. While I’m sure some of that exists at Indianapolis, it seems you have a pretty close-knit team. Is this true and why has this evolved?

ZD: I think it is true and winning is a driving factor for us. When our team loses, we take it personal. It’s always more fun when you’re winning. Obviously, the focus as a minor leaguer is on yourself first, doing what you need to do. But we all pull for one another and we are not threatened by each other. At the same time, no one here is opposed to helping a teammate out or listening to or giving advice.

PSR: You were a well-thought of high school player. Some scouts felt you should go quite high in the draft. Many have speculated about what happened and how were the Pirates able to select you on the 20th round of the 2001 draft. In your opinion what happened?

ZD: There was a lot of talk about the signability factor. There were a lot of rumors. I am happy with where I am and that it has all worked out.

PSR: How would you describe yourself as a pitcher?

ZD: I’d call myself a control pitcher. I’m neither a finesse pitcher nor a power pitcher. I control the zone and change speeds when I need to.

PSR: What did your performance during spring training do to you?

ZD: It helped my confidence and proved I can compete at the major league level. I stayed within myself and tried to pitch my game. Whatever happens then happens.

PSR: Did you have any expectations in terms of moving through the system once you were drafted?

ZD: At the time I was drafted, I didn’t know what to expect. Right now, I am ahead of where I had hoped to be. I’ve gotten here much sooner than expected. It’s surprising.

PSR: Who has been most influential in your baseball career?

ZD: There have been a lot of them. I’ve had good pitching coaches at all levels. Scott Lovecamp gave me a lot of good ideas last year. Jeff Andrews and Miguel Bonilla taught me things. Bob Milacki at low Class A was helpful. Really, I have had good coaching at each level.

PSR: What did Pirates’ management have to say to you when they decided to send you to Indianapolis during spring training?

ZD: They said I was very impressive with the work I had done there. They told me to not get discouraged and to be confident. They said if they needed somebody, I was on the list. And they told me to keep working.

PSR: The Pirates have had 12 consecutive losing seasons. Is that discouraging for minor league players or motivating in that it seems the team needs better players?

ZD: I think it’s a driving factor for us. The guys here know the next two years doors will be open there. We’re going to work hard to get there.

PSR: Do you think you will get called up to the Pirates sometime during this season?

ZD: I’m going to work as hard as I can to get up there. The timing has to be right. The thing I have to do is be prepared. I will work hard everyday and try to get better everyday to get to Pittsburgh.