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We're talking about … Zach Duke

Sporting News, The, August 19, 2005

Duke, a 22-year-old Pirates rookie, had a lot of folks buzzing last week after he beat Tim Hudson and the Braves in Atlanta. He is 5-0 after seven big-league starts and is the first Bucs rookie starter since Jim Nelson in 1970 to begin a career with four consecutive victories. Duke, a lefthander, also was the National League rookie of the month for July.

On his early success:

Duke: "I'm just trying to absorb it all and take it for what it is. I'm not a guy who gets complacent. I'm always looking to the next start."

On Duke's advanced skills:

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Major league scout: "He's the kind of pitcher who could be at the top of a rotation without being a power guy. His fastball is sneaky. He uses both sides of the plate. He has a really good change. He's extremely poised for his age. He's further along than (fellow lefthanders) Noah Lowry, Brad Halsey, Randy Wolf and those types of pitchers when they broke in. He's close to Jeff Francis even though Francis has a full season under his belt."

On how Duke looks from the opposing dugout:

Braves manager Bobby Cox: "He's as good as they come. He knows what he's doing, man."

On Duke's emerging as a stopper:

Pirates outfielder Jason Bay: "Every team has a guy, a John Smoltz or whoever, that they turn to, and he seems to he that guy for us."

--Staff and wire reports

We're talking about … Zach Duke

Sporting News, The, August 19, 2005

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