Question About Todd Walker

[Jehrico]

I posted the same situation awhile ago in the Pierre thread, so I will give my opinion again.

 

I think Soriano is a good fit for 2nd since he will not be hitting lead off. I like his "pop" and for a 5th or 6th hitter can live with the K's. I also like Mench as a 4th OF. The reason I say this is because if we get Bradley, who is to say he doesn't do something stupid and get booted out for an extended period of time. Mench gives us insurance to find someone.

 

Bradley is not your typical RF, but with the added pop Soriano gives you at 2nd, I think it would be a good deal.

 

I forgot how I (stress I and not Dusty would bat these guys)

 

Pierre-CF

Bradley- RF

Lee- 1B

Ramirez-3B

Soriano-2B

Murton- LF

Barrett-C

Cedano-SS

 

No thanks on Soriano. He's playing in a hitters park, yet his numbers have been in decline for the last three years (yrs 1 to 2 went from Yankee Stadium, a pitchers park, to TX, a hitters park, 2 to 3 was in TX). His OBP last year was a very neifi-esque .309 (.324 in '04, and .338 in '03). His defense is atrocious, he had an OBP of .265 away from Arlington last year. Although last year his Day splits were close to his night splits, historically, his numbers have been considerably better at night, and poor during the day. I've seen predictions that he'll make up to $10 mil in arbitration this year, provided he does go to arbitration. He won't willingly make a move to the OF. IMHO, he is the absolute worst possible candidate that we should be pursuing this offseason.

 

He'll be way overpaid, he's in decline, he isn't good at getting on base even in a hitters park, he historically stinks during the day, his road splits are terrible, his defense is terrible, he won't change positions for the good of the team, and I believe he'll be FA eligible next year, so he'd probably be a rental. Not only no, but hell no, to Alphonso Soriano.

[BigbadB]

I posted the same situation awhile ago in the Pierre thread, so I will give my opinion again.

 

I think Soriano is a good fit for 2nd since he will not be hitting lead off. I like his "pop" and for a 6th hitter can live with the K's. I also like Mench as a 4th OF. The reason I say this is because if we get Bradley, who is to say he doesn't do something stupid and get booted out for an extended period of time. Mench gives us insurance to find someone.

 

Bradley is not your typical RF, but with the added pop Soriano gives you at 2nd, I think it would be a good deal.

I agree on Soriano. I just fear that Baker would bat him 2nd where he would hurt more than help.

 

I'd rather have Walker than Soriano.

 

But, if the Cubs did trade for Soriano, would you rather have Soriano or Neifi batting 2nd? I think I'd prefer Soriano.

 

Remembering that Dusty is the manager, it would probably be one of those two rather than Murton.

 

I'd want Bradley batting 2nd. The only reason I'd want Soriano on the team is if Bradley was in right.

 

Oh, sorry. I didn't have Bradley on the roster. I'm assuming his price tag will be too steep now, since Pierre is off the market. I'd have Bradley there too if he was on the roster.

[SteveSarley]

Jehrico:

 

Soriano is not an upgrade over Todd Walker!

Please explain.

[nick23]

Jehrico:

 

Soriano is not an upgrade over Todd Walker!

Please explain.

I'm assuming he's going to bring up the OBP of Soriano. Which is fine, I just like his pop from the 5th spot. That SLG% would look real good behind Lee and Ramirez.

[BigbadB]

Jehrico:

 

Soriano is not an upgrade over Todd Walker!

Please explain.

 

I thought he did just explain.

[Jehrico]

Jehrico:

 

Soriano is not an upgrade over Todd Walker!

Please explain.

 

Where'd I say that? Or am I missing the sarcasm, since I just trashed Soriano in my last post.

[DesMoinesCub]

All good points Jehrico-the reason I bring him up is because of the apparent interest again from the Cubs.

 

He is due to make a butt-load of money, but the Cubs have a lot to spend since they haven't gotten a "big time" free agent. Since he is gone next year, the money is then used to go after someone again next year. Think of it as Furcal's money only used for one year.

 

Just a thought.

 

I also tossed his name out there because he makes up for the loss of power Wilkerson and Bradley don't have. Not saying they don't have power, but they aren't going to hit 35 HR's.

 

That being said, I would be thrilled to have Walker batting 2nd, but if Walker is gone, and all signs point to him leaving, then I don't want Hairston and Neifi playing. I would also be happy with Wilkerson hitting 2nd or 5th or 6th too.

[goonys evil twin]

All good points Jehrico-the reason I bring him up is because of the apparent interest again from the Cubs.

 

He is due to make a butt-load of money, but the Cubs have a lot to spend since they haven't gotten a "big time" free agent. Since he is gone next year, the money is then used to go after someone again next year. Think of it as Furcal's money only used for one year.

 

With Pierre, Soriano, Lee and Ramirez all potentially free agents next year, where do you think the Cubs will put their emphasis? I'd be afraid they would be enamored with the speed and tools of Pierre and Soriano, extend them and let Ramirez opt out and leave.

[CubfaninCA]

Jehrico:

 

Soriano is not an upgrade over Todd Walker!

Please explain.

 

Depends how they're used. Walker's the better 1-2 hitter. Sori the better 4-5-6 hitter.

[Fred Hornkohl]

Dude is a catcher...he bats 8th.

 

 

In all seriousness, Barrett would be fine. I put Bradley there, but Murton would work as well. I think Murton could turn into a Ryne Sandbert type hitter. 20-25 HR's, good avg., plate discipline, can make contact. The only problem is you are getting the production from a LF and not a 2nd basemen. That is why I think if they are indeed interested in Soriano, you can take less power in RF and/or LF.

 

Barrett never saw the #2 hole in '05, and going off of memory alone, he didn't do very well in limited time there in '04. But you could make the argument that the #8 spot doesn't agree with him at all.

 

Barrett              AB    R    H   2B   3B   HR   TB  RBI   BB   SO     BA    OBP    SLG    OPS
batting 4th          12    4    4    2    0    0    6    0    1    1  0.333  0.429  0.500  0.929
batting 5th          56   10   19    5    1    3   35   10    9    4  0.339  0.431  0.625  1.056
batting 6th          89    9   34    9    0    5   58   18    8   14  0.382  0.439  0.652  1.090
batting 7th          70    3   10    3    1    1   18    2    7   13  0.143  0.221  0.257  0.478
batting 8th         191   23   48   10    1    6   78   31   13   27  0.251  0.305  0.408  0.713
batting 9th           6    0    2    0    0    0    2    0    1    2  0.333  0.500  0.333  0.833

Totals              424   49  117   29    3   15  197   61   39   61  0.276  0.343  0.465  0.808

[BigbadB]

Dude is a catcher...he bats 8th.

 

 

In all seriousness, Barrett would be fine. I put Bradley there, but Murton would work as well. I think Murton could turn into a Ryne Sandbert type hitter. 20-25 HR's, good avg., plate discipline, can make contact. The only problem is you are getting the production from a LF and not a 2nd basemen. That is why I think if they are indeed interested in Soriano, you can take less power in RF and/or LF.

 

Barrett never saw the #2 hole in '05, and going off of memory alone, he didn't do very well in limited time there in '04. But you could make the argument that the #8 spot doesn't agree with him at all.

 

Barrett              AB    R    H   2B   3B   HR   TB  RBI   BB   SO     BA    OBP    SLG    OPS
batting 4th          12    4    4    2    0    0    6    0    1    1  0.333  0.429  0.500  0.929
batting 5th          56   10   19    5    1    3   35   10    9    4  0.339  0.431  0.625  1.056
batting 6th          89    9   34    9    0    5   58   18    8   14  0.382  0.439  0.652  1.090
batting 7th          70    3   10    3    1    1   18    2    7   13  0.143  0.221  0.257  0.478
batting 8th         191   23   48   10    1    6   78   31   13   27  0.251  0.305  0.408  0.713
batting 9th           6    0    2    0    0    0    2    0    1    2  0.333  0.500  0.333  0.833

Totals              424   49  117   29    3   15  197   61   39   61  0.276  0.343  0.465  0.808

 

Do you think it would be better to have Barrett hit 7th and Murton hit 8th?

[goonys evil twin]

Jehrico:

 

Soriano is not an upgrade over Todd Walker!

Please explain.

 

Depends how they're used. Walker's the better 1-2 hitter. Sori the better 4-5-6 hitter.

 

Soriano in the 4 hole? No thanks. Walker is the better hitter. Soriano would be okay in the 6 hole. But he costs 4X as much, while being nowhere near 4X the player.

[badgercub]

Dude is a catcher...he bats 8th.

 

 

In all seriousness, Barrett would be fine. I put Bradley there, but Murton would work as well. I think Murton could turn into a Ryne Sandbert type hitter. 20-25 HR's, good avg., plate discipline, can make contact. The only problem is you are getting the production from a LF and not a 2nd basemen. That is why I think if they are indeed interested in Soriano, you can take less power in RF and/or LF.

 

Barrett never saw the #2 hole in '05, and going off of memory alone, he didn't do very well in limited time there in '04. But you could make the argument that the #8 spot doesn't agree with him at all.

 

Barrett              AB    R    H   2B   3B   HR   TB  RBI   BB   SO     BA    OBP    SLG    OPS
batting 4th          12    4    4    2    0    0    6    0    1    1  0.333  0.429  0.500  0.929
batting 5th          56   10   19    5    1    3   35   10    9    4  0.339  0.431  0.625  1.056
batting 6th          89    9   34    9    0    5   58   18    8   14  0.382  0.439  0.652  1.090
batting 7th          70    3   10    3    1    1   18    2    7   13  0.143  0.221  0.257  0.478
batting 8th         191   23   48   10    1    6   78   31   13   27  0.251  0.305  0.408  0.713
batting 9th           6    0    2    0    0    0    2    0    1    2  0.333  0.500  0.333  0.833

Totals              424   49  117   29    3   15  197   61   39   61  0.276  0.343  0.465  0.808

 

I would make the argument that he is one of the better contact guys on the club and with Pierre batting in front of him and running he will open up holes on the right side of the infield.

[goonys evil twin]

I would make the argument that he is one of the better contact guys on the club and with Pierre batting in front of him and running he will open up holes on the right side of the infield.

 

Barrett? Unfortunately his contact comes with a tendency to swing at everything he sees.

[Fred Hornkohl]

Do you think it would be better to have Barrett hit 7th and Murton hit 8th?

 

I've got the feeling, nothing to back it up mind you, that Murton would make a pretty good #2 hitter.

[Jehrico]

Jehrico:

 

Soriano is not an upgrade over Todd Walker!

Please explain.

 

Depends how they're used. Walker's the better 1-2 hitter. Sori the better 4-5-6 hitter.

 

I don't know...considering his road splits and his historic day time splits, I would put him around 7 or 8 in the lineup.

[CubfaninCA]

Jehrico:

 

Soriano is not an upgrade over Todd Walker!

Please explain.

 

Depends how they're used. Walker's the better 1-2 hitter. Sori the better 4-5-6 hitter.

 

Soriano in the 4 hole? No thanks. Walker is the better hitter. Soriano would be okay in the 6 hole. But he costs 4X as much, while being nowhere near 4X the player.

 

Yep, he's overpriced, but it's only a 1 year commitment & 5 hitters, w/ 40 homer potential, tend to cost more than 2 hitters.

[Jehrico]

Do you think it would be better to have Barrett hit 7th and Murton hit 8th?

 

I've got the feeling, nothing to back it up mind you, that Murton would make a pretty good #2 hitter.

 

I think Murton could grow into a player and have a career that resembles Kirby Puckett's.

[BigbadB]

Do you think it would be better to have Barrett hit 7th and Murton hit 8th?

 

I've got the feeling, nothing to back it up mind you, that Murton would make a pretty good #2 hitter.

 

I have that feeling myself. But, Dusty is the manager, so I don't believe Murton would be an option.

[Fred Hornkohl]

Do you think it would be better to have Barrett hit 7th and Murton hit 8th?

 

I've got the feeling, nothing to back it up mind you, that Murton would make a pretty good #2 hitter.

 

I have that feeling myself. But, Dusty is the manager, so I don't believe Murton would be an option.

 

Much as I hate to admit it, you're probably right.

[DesMoinesCub]

I think Murton could grow into a player and have a career that resembles Kirby Puckett's.

 

 

I think Ryne Sandberg, but could live with Puckett.

[brfahey]

Jehrico:

 

Soriano is not an upgrade over Todd Walker!

Please explain.

 

Depends how they're used. Walker's the better 1-2 hitter. Sori the better 4-5-6 hitter.

 

Soriano in the 4 hole? No thanks. Walker is the better hitter. Soriano would be okay in the 6 hole. But he costs 4X as much, while being nowhere near 4X the player.

 

Please say that your argument regarding Walker and Soriano is based solely on money. Because if it isn't and you're saying that flat out Walker is a better player, you are way off. Even in the precious OPS catergory Soriano is 30 point higher over the course of their careers. All Walker does better than Soriano is walk, that's it.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Jehrico:

 

Soriano is not an upgrade over Todd Walker!

Please explain.

 

Depends how they're used. Walker's the better 1-2 hitter. Sori the better 4-5-6 hitter.

 

Soriano in the 4 hole? No thanks. Walker is the better hitter. Soriano would be okay in the 6 hole. But he costs 4X as much, while being nowhere near 4X the player.

 

Please say that your argument regarding Walker and Soriano is based solely on money. Because if it isn't and you're saying that flat out Walker is a better player, you are way off. Even in the precious OPS catergory Soriano is 30 point higher over the course of their careers. All Walker does better than Soriano is walk, that's it.

 

He gets on base at a rate 50 points higher. Considering that a point of OBP is worth roughly 1.5 of SLG, I'd say that makes up for the SLG difference. Plus Soriano was garbage outside of his home hitters park.

[fromthestretch]

Jehrico:

 

Soriano is not an upgrade over Todd Walker!

Please explain.

 

Depends how they're used. Walker's the better 1-2 hitter. Sori the better 4-5-6 hitter.

 

Soriano in the 4 hole? No thanks. Walker is the better hitter. Soriano would be okay in the 6 hole. But he costs 4X as much, while being nowhere near 4X the player.

 

Please say that your argument regarding Walker and Soriano is based solely on money. Because if it isn't and you're saying that flat out Walker is a better player, you are way off. Even in the precious OPS catergory Soriano is 30 point higher over the course of their careers. All Walker does better than Soriano is walk, that's it.

 

He gets on base at a rate 50 points higher. Considering that a point of OBP is worth roughly 1.5 of SLG, I'd say that makes up for the SLG difference. Plus Soriano was garbage outside of his home hitters park.

 

Not only that, but Soriano makes Walker look like a defensive wizzard.

[goonys evil twin]

Jehrico:

 

Soriano is not an upgrade over Todd Walker!

Please explain.

 

Depends how they're used. Walker's the better 1-2 hitter. Sori the better 4-5-6 hitter.

 

Soriano in the 4 hole? No thanks. Walker is the better hitter. Soriano would be okay in the 6 hole. But he costs 4X as much, while being nowhere near 4X the player.

 

Please say that your argument regarding Walker and Soriano is based solely on money. Because if it isn't and you're saying that flat out Walker is a better player, you are way off. Even in the precious OPS catergory Soriano is 30 point higher over the course of their careers. All Walker does better than Soriano is walk, that's it.

 

I won't tell you what you want to hear. Walker and Soriano are different, but overall bring a similar overall production. I prefer a guy like Walker, who has a clue at the plate and gets on base. If more power comes with less patience, I'll take less power. And the money factor is enormous. Walker + a $7.5m player is much better than just Soriano.