Daryle Ward

Daryle Ward (born June 27, 1975 in Lynwood, California) is a Major League Baseball outfielder/first baseman and left-hander batter who plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Career

Ward came to the Houston Astros in December 1996 as part of a massive 10-player trade with Detroit. He made a strong debut in 2000 by hitting 20 home runs in just 264 at-bats. In his second season for the Astros, Ward batted .263 with 9 home runs and 39 RBI in 95 games. The next year he went for .276, 12, 72 in 136 games. After the season he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Related Topics:
Houston Astros - 1996 - 2000 - Home run - At-bats - Batted - RBI - Los Angeles Dodgers

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Although the Dodgers praised his versatility and his power-hitting potential, Ward forced himself into a part-time role in 2003 by hitting an abysmal .183 with one extra base hit (a double) in 109 at-bats. After the season, the Dodgers released Ward, and the Pirates signed him as a minor league free agent in hopes he could revive his career. Fulfilling the Pirates' hopes to some extent, Ward rebounded somewhat, and the Pirates re-signed him for 2005 as their part-time first baseman.

Related Topics:
2003 - Extra base hit - Double - Free agent - 2005

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Ward has very good raw power and a pretty swing, but his lack of plate discipline has handicapped his development as a hitter. He does not strike out a great deal, but he also rarely walks, and does a poor job of waiting for an appropriate pitch to drive. He thrives on low fastballs, but will often swing at poor pitches outside the strike zone and get himself out. Ward has struggled with weight issues for much of his career, and his size makes him a slow baserunner. Defensively, he is at best average at first base, and a liability in the outfield.

Related Topics:
Strike out - Walks - Fastball - Strike zone - Outfield

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In 549 career games played, Ward has batted .259 (384-1485), with 65 HRs, 254 RBI, 155 runs, 80 doubles and four triples, with an on base percentage (OBP) of .306 and slugging percentage (SLG) of .447.

Related Topics:
Runs - Triples - On base percentage - Slugging percentage

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