Question About Todd Walker

[YearofDaCubs]

Levine is on ESPN1000 and said Walker is almost as good as gone. The Dodgers have interest in him especially now that Grady Little is their manager. Cubs again are looking at Soriano and Mench.

 

If he went to the Dodgers, I'd assume it would be for Bradley. So does Hendry then turn around and make another trade for Soriano and Mench? Interesting. I assume that Mench or Murton would then be a fourth OF?

If Walker goes to LA it will probably be for Bradley. Then I can see Hendry go after Soriano and Mench which probably means Murton will be on the bench or at the very most platoon with Mench. The scary thing about all that is going down and the fact that Neifi signed a 2 year deal is that in my opinion Baker and Hendry have made up their minds that at the very least Perez will be platooning with Cedeno but most likely starting at 2B over Hairston. If Perez starts this organization has no clue.

 

So you're basically looking at:

 

Pierre CF

Bradley RF

Lee 1B

Ramirez 3B

Soriano 2B

Murton/Mench LF

Barrett C

Perez/Cedeno SS

 

I've heard Hendry isn't interested in Soriano at 2nd. He's interested in him to play OF, which Soriano has stated he won't do, so Hendry's not interested anymore. That would move Ronny to 2B, which would increase Neifi's time at SS (bad), but would give RonnyC more time as well (good).

Yes, but on the latest update Levine said that trade discussions for Soriano have opened again so who knows. Considering we want to get rid of Walker so badly(who knows why) it's not a stretch to imagine Soriano here at 2B. I personally would not like Soriano here. We need to stack up on guys which have a high OBP. Chances are, going into the season we will lose power so we have to improve our OBP.

[YearofDaCubs]

With Pierre in CF, I don't like Bradley for Walker. Would much prefer Wilkerson than Bradley, but since I'm a pragmatic this lineup would be pretty solid ~~~ Pierre, Bradley, Lee, ARam, Soriano, Barrett, Murton & Neifi/Cedeno.

 

Hendry would have plenty of ammo leftover to get Soriano, who could be a very effective 5 hitter.

You know that would be a pretty good lineup as long as Neifi doesn't start. I suppose at the same time we would have lost power but just having Bradley in RF, Walker at 2B and Cedeno at SS I would say that's not a bad lineup either. From all the talks though Walker is a goner. Baker and Hendry are intent on trading him.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Phil Rodgers is on the Score right now, and absolutely ripping the Cubs for not having Walker in their plans for next year.

 

Maybe he's not completely evil...

[jtownie]

I just heard Levine on ESPN 1000 saying that the Cubs are still talking to the Rangers about Soriano and Mench. He says Hendry would like to take care of the outfield situation before leaving the winter meetings if possible.

 

Still talking to the Dodgers about Bradley, probably for Walker. The Cub fan on there (either Carmen or Silvy) was defending Walker asking him why he couldn't fit there and what was wrong with him hitting 2nd. Levine kept saying he was terrible defensively, can't run and doesn't have power because he's never hit 20 HR in a season. Levine thinks he has no place on this team for some reason.

 

This whole Soriano thing doesn't make sense to me. If they view the need to get rid of walker due to his defense how do they think Soriano is going to improve it? I know it's been gone over time and time again but hearing that Soriano has come up again just scares me that it might come true!!

 

Would Bradley be acceptable as a RF?

[goonys evil twin]

I just heard Levine on ESPN 1000 saying that the Cubs are still talking to the Rangers about Soriano and Mench. He says Hendry would like to take care of the outfield situation before leaving the winter meetings if possible.

 

Still talking to the Dodgers about Bradley, probably for Walker. The Cub fan on there (either Carmen or Silvy) was defending Walker asking him why he couldn't fit there and what was wrong with him hitting 2nd. Levine kept saying he was terrible defensively, can't run and doesn't have power because he's never hit 20 HR in a season. Levine thinks he has no place on this team for some reason.

 

This whole Soriano thing doesn't make sense to me. If they view the need to get rid of walker due to his defense how do they think Soriano is going to improve it? I know it's been gone over time and time again but hearing that Soriano has come up again just scares me that it might come true!!

 

Would Bradley be acceptable as a RF?

 

The Cubs rarely make sense. I'm sure it has more to do with speed and tools than defense. Pierre isn't a good defender, but they apparantly had him #2 on their wish list. Either Hendry's "catch the ball" comment was a lie or he thinks speed is the most important factor when catching a ball.

[YearofDaCubs]

I hate to say it but Nomar at SS and Cedeno at 2B would like nice right about now.

[Jehrico]

I just heard Levine on ESPN 1000 saying that the Cubs are still talking to the Rangers about Soriano and Mench. He says Hendry would like to take care of the outfield situation before leaving the winter meetings if possible.

 

Still talking to the Dodgers about Bradley, probably for Walker. The Cub fan on there (either Carmen or Silvy) was defending Walker asking him why he couldn't fit there and what was wrong with him hitting 2nd. Levine kept saying he was terrible defensively, can't run and doesn't have power because he's never hit 20 HR in a season. Levine thinks he has no place on this team for some reason.

 

This whole Soriano thing doesn't make sense to me. If they view the need to get rid of walker due to his defense how do they think Soriano is going to improve it? I know it's been gone over time and time again but hearing that Soriano has come up again just scares me that it might come true!!

 

Would Bradley be acceptable as a RF?

 

The Cubs rarely make sense. I'm sure it has more to do with speed and tools than defense. Pierre isn't a good defender, but they apparantly had him #2 on their wish list. Either Hendry's "catch the ball" comment was a lie or he thinks speed is the most important factor when catching a ball.

Soriano makes walker look like a gold glover (wihout the requisite power needed to get the gold glove, that is).

[BigbadB]

Hasn't Bradley's stock risen since the trade for Pierre?

 

The Yankees still want a CFer. Boston might need one. Detroit is talking to Damon. I'm sure other teams do as well, since there were so many teams interested in Pierre.

 

Are we willing to overpay dramatically for Bradley? When is the non tender date? Probably won't matter since Bradley would probably not pick the Cubs if he's non tendered. We have a CF now and that's the position he prefers.

 

We should have locked up Bradley rather than Pierre, or at least before trading for Pierre. But, what's done is done.

[Backtobanks]

Levine is on ESPN1000 and said Walker is almost as good as gone. The Dodgers have interest in him especially now that Grady Little is their manager. Cubs again are looking at Soriano and Mench.

 

If he went to the Dodgers, I'd assume it would be for Bradley. So does Hendry then turn around and make another trade for Soriano and Mench? Interesting. I assume that Mench or Murton would then be a fourth OF?

If Walker goes to LA it will probably be for Bradley. Then I can see Hendry go after Soriano and Mench which probably means Murton will be on the bench or at the very most platoon with Mench. The scary thing about all that is going down and the fact that Neifi signed a 2 year deal is that in my opinion Baker and Hendry have made up their minds that at the very least Perez will be platooning with Cedeno but most likely starting at 2B over Hairston. If Perez starts this organization has no clue.

 

Murton platooning with Mench wouldn't make sense since they both bat righty.

[YearofDaCubs]

Levine is on ESPN1000 and said Walker is almost as good as gone. The Dodgers have interest in him especially now that Grady Little is their manager. Cubs again are looking at Soriano and Mench.

 

If he went to the Dodgers, I'd assume it would be for Bradley. So does Hendry then turn around and make another trade for Soriano and Mench? Interesting. I assume that Mench or Murton would then be a fourth OF?

If Walker goes to LA it will probably be for Bradley. Then I can see Hendry go after Soriano and Mench which probably means Murton will be on the bench or at the very most platoon with Mench. The scary thing about all that is going down and the fact that Neifi signed a 2 year deal is that in my opinion Baker and Hendry have made up their minds that at the very least Perez will be platooning with Cedeno but most likely starting at 2B over Hairston. If Perez starts this organization has no clue.

 

Murton platooning with Mench wouldn't make sense since they both bat righty.

Oops for some reason I was thinking he was a lefty. So then if we did acquire him Mench would start and Murton would be on the bench.

[DesMoinesCub]

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

[hawkeyecub]

double post. Edited December 7, 2005 by hawkeyecub

[hawkeyecub]

I just heard Levine on ESPN 1000 saying that the Cubs are still talking to the Rangers about Soriano and Mench. He says Hendry would like to take care of the outfield situation before leaving the winter meetings if possible.

 

Still talking to the Dodgers about Bradley, probably for Walker. The Cub fan on there (either Carmen or Silvy) was defending Walker asking him why he couldn't fit there and what was wrong with him hitting 2nd. Levine kept saying he was terrible defensively, can't run and doesn't have power because he's never hit 20 HR in a season. Levine thinks he has no place on this team for some reason.

 

This whole Soriano thing doesn't make sense to me. If they view the need to get rid of walker due to his defense how do they think Soriano is going to improve it? I know it's been gone over time and time again but hearing that Soriano has come up again just scares me that it might come true!!

 

Would Bradley be acceptable as a RF?

 

The Cubs rarely make sense. I'm sure it has more to do with speed and tools than defense. Pierre isn't a good defender, but they apparantly had him #2 on their wish list. Either Hendry's "catch the ball" comment was a lie or he thinks speed is the most important factor when catching a ball.

 

I agree it is baffling, but it would upgrade the offense. Having Soriano at 2nd would offset someone like Bradley in RF. He could be a decent fit in the lineup if he was hitting 5th-6th and we acquired Milton.

Edited December 7, 2005 by hawkeyecub

[JeffH]

Get Mench from the Rangers and turn around and send him with a couple of prospects (Hill and ?) for Zito.

[nick23]

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.

[YearofDaCubs]

Get Mench from the Rangers and turn around and send him with a couple of prospects (Hill and ?) for Zito.

I see no reason for the As to have interest in Mench.

[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.

[BigbadB]

Get Mench from the Rangers and turn around and send him with a couple of prospects (Hill and ?) for Zito.

I see no reason for the As to have interest in Mench.

 

A's are shopping for a RH power bat.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

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.

 

What about Barrett hitting second?

[YearofDaCubs]

Get Mench from the Rangers and turn around and send him with a couple of prospects (Hill and ?) for Zito.

I see no reason for the As to have interest in Mench.

 

A's are shopping for a RH power bat.

Very odd considering how stacked they are in the OF.

[BigbadB]

Get Mench from the Rangers and turn around and send him with a couple of prospects (Hill and ?) for Zito.

I see no reason for the As to have interest in Mench.

 

A's are shopping for a RH power bat.

Very odd considering how stacked they are in the OF.

 

Rumor is they want to DH Dan Johnson and move Swisher to 1b.

 

Johnson, Swisher, Chavez and Kotsay are all lefty hitters. Well, Swisher is a switch hitter. I'm just passing along the rumor. Don't shoot the messenger.

[nick23]

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.

[YearofDaCubs]

Get Mench from the Rangers and turn around and send him with a couple of prospects (Hill and ?) for Zito.

I see no reason for the As to have interest in Mench.

 

A's are shopping for a RH power bat.

Very odd considering how stacked they are in the OF.

 

Rumor is they want to DH Dan Johnson and move Swisher to 1b.

 

Johnson, Swisher, Chavez and Kotsay are all lefty hitters. Well, Swisher is a switch hitter. I'm just passing along the rumor. Don't shoot the messenger.

No worries. They also have Payton as well. I suppose an upgrade with more power would be nice for them in the OF.

[CubfaninCA]

The Cubs need a 5 hitter too and Soriano's a better 5 hitter than Walker. The problem is that w/ Bradley there's a good possibility he misses an extended amount of time and either Soriano or Neifi end up batting 2nd. Hence get Wilkerson!

[DesMoinesCub]

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.