Well Mr. Miles...what's the Cubs next move?

[brfahey]

The Cubs didn't give Jones $16 million to platoon him. The Cubs will probably try to see what the O's want for Tejada, but I don't see Baltimore doing a deal for some of the names bandied about here. They probably want a big name in return. (If they were smart, they'd load up with prospects because I don't see them having much of a chance in 2006.) Beyond that, Hendry will try to move Walker and Patterson.

 

Bruce, why is Hendry still set on moving Walker? If he were the trade chip for a rightfielder, I could understand...but that spot is filled. What beneift could the Cubs get from trading him?

 

Is there something about him that we don't know, or is Hendry that clueless?

 

Boy would I love to hear a candid answer tothat question.

 

I always give candid answers, both here and in the newspaper. The Cubs, as Goony mentioned, are stressing defense, for better or worse. They don't seem to like the way Walker plays the position compared with other second baseman. There are pitchers who've also voiced concern about the defense behind them. The Cubs feel, again right or wrong, that if the defense can turn the double play instead of extending the inning, their pitchers will have a better chance.

I, too, am dismayed by the Cubs' seeming lack of emphasis on OBP and OPS. From an offensive standpoint, Walker certainly would look good in the No. 2 spot. And for the money _ and considering what they spent for a lot of mid-level guys _ Walker is an absolute bargain.

Walker might annoy them with some of his comments to the media from time to time, but that really has no bearing on them not wanting to keep him. It's interesting to note, however, that Walker has worn out his welcome with other teams.If he does go, I'll miss him, not only because he provides provocative and juicy quotes. He's one of the best guys I've dealt with.

 

That is interesting to hear. I suppose it possible there is a reason no one wants him. Can't imagine what that reason is.

 

I thank Mr. Miles for his answer. I am left wondering if he has any idea or theory why Walker appeared to wear out his welcome with a number of other teams. There has to be some reason why several teams have gotten rid of him or just let him walk. Maybe it is just his defense. Maybe not.

[Bruce Miles]

The Cubs didn't give Jones $16 million to platoon him. The Cubs will probably try to see what the O's want for Tejada, but I don't see Baltimore doing a deal for some of the names bandied about here. They probably want a big name in return. (If they were smart, they'd load up with prospects because I don't see them having much of a chance in 2006.) Beyond that, Hendry will try to move Walker and Patterson.

 

Bruce, why is Hendry still set on moving Walker? If he were the trade chip for a rightfielder, I could understand...but that spot is filled. What beneift could the Cubs get from trading him?

 

Is there something about him that we don't know, or is Hendry that clueless?

 

Boy would I love to hear a candid answer tothat question.

 

I always give candid answers, both here and in the newspaper. The Cubs, as Goony mentioned, are stressing defense, for better or worse. They don't seem to like the way Walker plays the position compared with other second baseman. There are pitchers who've also voiced concern about the defense behind them. The Cubs feel, again right or wrong, that if the defense can turn the double play instead of extending the inning, their pitchers will have a better chance.

I, too, am dismayed by the Cubs' seeming lack of emphasis on OBP and OPS. From an offensive standpoint, Walker certainly would look good in the No. 2 spot. And for the money _ and considering what they spent for a lot of mid-level guys _ Walker is an absolute bargain.

Walker might annoy them with some of his comments to the media from time to time, but that really has no bearing on them not wanting to keep him. It's interesting to note, however, that Walker has worn out his welcome with other teams.If he does go, I'll miss him, not only because he provides provocative and juicy quotes. He's one of the best guys I've dealt with.

 

That is interesting to hear. I suppose it possible there is a reason no one wants him. Can't imagine what that reason is.

 

I thank Mr. Miles for his answer. I am left wondering if he has any idea or theory why Walker appeared to wear out his welcome with a number of other teams. There has to be some reason why several teams have gotten rid of him or just let him walk. Maybe it is just his defense. Maybe not.

 

Some of it was defense, and some of it was teams not liking his outspoken ways. The Cubs would rather have their players not pop off, but they can live with it. In other words, it's not a tradeable offense.

[CardsFanInChiTown]

The Cubs didn't give Jones $16 million to platoon him. The Cubs will probably try to see what the O's want for Tejada, but I don't see Baltimore doing a deal for some of the names bandied about here. They probably want a big name in return. (If they were smart, they'd load up with prospects because I don't see them having much of a chance in 2006.) Beyond that, Hendry will try to move Walker and Patterson.

 

Bruce, why is Hendry still set on moving Walker? If he were the trade chip for a rightfielder, I could understand...but that spot is filled. What beneift could the Cubs get from trading him?

 

Is there something about him that we don't know, or is Hendry that clueless?

 

Boy would I love to hear a candid answer tothat question.

 

I always give candid answers, both here and in the newspaper. The Cubs, as Goony mentioned, are stressing defense, for better or worse. They don't seem to like the way Walker plays the position compared with other second baseman. There are pitchers who've also voiced concern about the defense behind them. The Cubs feel, again right or wrong, that if the defense can turn the double play instead of extending the inning, their pitchers will have a better chance.

I, too, am dismayed by the Cubs' seeming lack of emphasis on OBP and OPS. From an offensive standpoint, Walker certainly would look good in the No. 2 spot. And for the money _ and considering what they spent for a lot of mid-level guys _ Walker is an absolute bargain.

Walker might annoy them with some of his comments to the media from time to time, but that really has no bearing on them not wanting to keep him. It's interesting to note, however, that Walker has worn out his welcome with other teams.If he does go, I'll miss him, not only because he provides provocative and juicy quotes. He's one of the best guys I've dealt with.

 

That is interesting to hear. I suppose it possible there is a reason no one wants him. Can't imagine what that reason is.

 

I thank Mr. Miles for his answer. I am left wondering if he has any idea or theory why Walker appeared to wear out his welcome with a number of other teams. There has to be some reason why several teams have gotten rid of him or just let him walk. Maybe it is just his defense. Maybe not.

 

Some of it was defense, and some of it was teams not liking his outspoken ways. The Cubs would rather have their players not pop off, but they can live with it. In other words, it's not a tradeable offense.

 

Looks like they have settled on nefei at 2nd?

[goonys evil twin]

I thank Mr. Miles for his answer. I am left wondering if he has any idea or theory why Walker appeared to wear out his welcome with a number of other teams. There has to be some reason why several teams have gotten rid of him or just let him walk. Maybe it is just his defense. Maybe not.

 

Well, in Boston they didn't want to give him a 3/$15m contract that was talked about before he left. He made 3.5 the year before and wasn't expecting the paycut he ended up taking with the Cubs. And they had a very cheap Bellhorn ready to take his place. I think Minny got rid of him because of some rift with Kelly. I think the other teams just thought they had good enough cheap young talent to replace him.

 

I don't agree with the notion that a player wears out his welcome everytime he is traded. It's like when people say they "got rid of" some player when they trade him. These are business decisions. When a guy is getting late into his arbitration years or approaching free agency, and he is on a very bad team, especially one with payroll issues, they are going to try and trade him more often than not.

[BigbadB]

Interestingly enough, I never thought I saw Kerry Wood more frustrated with the Cubs than in 2003 when he got absolutely zero run support game after game after game. He easily should have eclipsed 20 wins that year. Instead, he settled for 14.

 

April 23, 2003- 7 innings, 2 earned runs. Cubs shut out by Eaton

May 4th-Left in tie game. Cubs win against Jason Jennings.

May 10- 1 earned run in 7 innings. Cubs win 3-2 against St. Louis

May 15- 7 innings, no runs. Cubs win 4-2 against Milwaukee

May 26- 7 innings, 1 earned run. Cubs lose 10-0.

Aug 11- 7 innings, 2 earned runs. Cubs lose 3-1.

Aug 27-7 innings, no runs. Cubs lose 4-2

Sept. 2- 7 innings, 1 earned run. Cubs lose 2-0.

Sept. 12- 6 innings, 1 earned run. Cubs win 7-6.

 

These were games he either got a no decision or a loss.

 

Wish loud enough, and your wish might come true. I hope the pitching staff appreciates the defense this year.

[WrigleyinEngland]

Bruce, do you think hendry will move heaven and earth for another bat or is he settled on the team as it is? thanx in advance

[Bruce Miles]

The Cubs didn't give Jones $16 million to platoon him. The Cubs will probably try to see what the O's want for Tejada, but I don't see Baltimore doing a deal for some of the names bandied about here. They probably want a big name in return. (If they were smart, they'd load up with prospects because I don't see them having much of a chance in 2006.) Beyond that, Hendry will try to move Walker and Patterson.

 

Bruce, why is Hendry still set on moving Walker? If he were the trade chip for a rightfielder, I could understand...but that spot is filled. What beneift could the Cubs get from trading him?

 

Is there something about him that we don't know, or is Hendry that clueless?

 

Boy would I love to hear a candid answer tothat question.

 

I always give candid answers, both here and in the newspaper. The Cubs, as Goony mentioned, are stressing defense, for better or worse. They don't seem to like the way Walker plays the position compared with other second baseman. There are pitchers who've also voiced concern about the defense behind them. The Cubs feel, again right or wrong, that if the defense can turn the double play instead of extending the inning, their pitchers will have a better chance.

I, too, am dismayed by the Cubs' seeming lack of emphasis on OBP and OPS. From an offensive standpoint, Walker certainly would look good in the No. 2 spot. And for the money _ and considering what they spent for a lot of mid-level guys _ Walker is an absolute bargain.

Walker might annoy them with some of his comments to the media from time to time, but that really has no bearing on them not wanting to keep him. It's interesting to note, however, that Walker has worn out his welcome with other teams.If he does go, I'll miss him, not only because he provides provocative and juicy quotes. He's one of the best guys I've dealt with.

 

That is interesting to hear. I suppose it possible there is a reason no one wants him. Can't imagine what that reason is.

 

I thank Mr. Miles for his answer. I am left wondering if he has any idea or theory why Walker appeared to wear out his welcome with a number of other teams. There has to be some reason why several teams have gotten rid of him or just let him walk. Maybe it is just his defense. Maybe not.

 

Some of it was defense, and some of it was teams not liking his outspoken ways. The Cubs would rather have their players not pop off, but they can live with it. In other words, it's not a tradeable offense.

 

Looks like they have settled on nefei at 2nd?

 

Not necessarily. If they wind up with Tejada or another shortstop, they'd be fine with Cedeno at second with Neifi as the backup. I believe Hendry knows you can't play Neifi every day and thus expose him. And you must never, ever bat him 1 or 2. I have a feeling Hendry is working on things nobody has even talked about. The Derrek Lee trade came literally out of nowhere. The did a good job keeping the Blanco signing quiet _ everybody assumed they'd re-sign Bako. The Cubs also would be comfortable with Hairston getting a good number of starts at second, too. He seems to be the forgotten guy here.

[WrigleyinEngland]

ESPn update, levine reporting that hendry is still knocking on baltimores door, anyone home???.

[BigbadB]

I thank Mr. Miles for his answer. I am left wondering if he has any idea or theory why Walker appeared to wear out his welcome with a number of other teams. There has to be some reason why several teams have gotten rid of him or just let him walk. Maybe it is just his defense. Maybe not.

 

Does Walker really switch teams anymore regularly than any other player? Grudz has been on just as many teams (if you include KC now).

 

Lofton has always seemed like a pretty good guy, he's now on his 10th team.

 

Mark Loretta is a really great guy, and he's now on his 4th team.

[brfahey]

I thank Mr. Miles for his answer. I am left wondering if he has any idea or theory why Walker appeared to wear out his welcome with a number of other teams. There has to be some reason why several teams have gotten rid of him or just let him walk. Maybe it is just his defense. Maybe not.

 

Well, in Boston they didn't want to give him a 3/$15m contract that was talked about before he left. He made 3.5 the year before and wasn't expecting the paycut he ended up taking with the Cubs. And they had a very cheap Bellhorn ready to take his place. I think Minny got rid of him because of some rift with Kelly. I think the other teams just thought they had good enough cheap young talent to replace him.

 

I don't agree with the notion that a player wears out his welcome everytime he is traded. It's like when people say they "got rid of" some player when they trade him. These are business decisions. When a guy is getting late into his arbitration years or approaching free agency, and he is on a very bad team, especially one with payroll issues, they are going to try and trade him more often than not.

 

Your answer explains well why some teams cut him. The question I keep coming back to is why he had no offers other than Cleveland and the Cubs (for the paycut you mentioned) coming off a career year in 2003. And the Cleveland offer couldn't have been that much better. A guy who threw up the numbers he did that year and who had a good playoffs should have had more options. You can't tell me every other team in the 2003-2004 offseason had a better option on paper that Walker at second base.

Edited December 21, 2005 by brfahey

[Bruce Miles]

Bruce, do you think hendry will move heaven and earth for another bat or is he settled on the team as it is? thanx in advance

 

If that bat has Tejada's name on it, yes, he'll move whatever he has to move to get him. Beyond that, he'll look for some backup help.

[XZero771679666304]

 

Not necessarily. If they wind up with Tejada or another shortstop, they'd be fine with Cedeno at second with Neifi as the backup. I believe Hendry knows you can't play Neifi every day and thus expose him. And you must never, ever bat him 1 or 2. I have a feeling Hendry is working on things nobody has even talked about. The Derrek Lee trade came literally out of nowhere. The did a good job keeping the Blanco signing quiet _ everybody assumed they'd re-sign Bako. The Cubs also would be comfortable with Hairston getting a good number of starts at second, too. He seems to be the forgotten guy here.

 

I haven't forgotten Hairston, I just assume Dusty would run a strict platoon and Neifi would get the lion's share of the starts, even though Hairston is much better offensively.

Edited December 21, 2005 by XZero77

[CubinNY]

The Cubs also would be comfortable with Hairston getting a good number of starts at second, too. He seems to be the forgotten guy here.

 

Mr. Miles,

 

It is my impression that Hairston is not well liked by Dusty. He made a number of comments about him missing signs and base running gaffes. Is this the case?

[BigbadB]

Not necessarily. If they wind up with Tejada or another shortstop, they'd be fine with Cedeno at second with Neifi as the backup. I believe Hendry knows you can't play Neifi every day and thus expose him. And you must never, ever bat him 1 or 2. I have a feeling Hendry is working on things nobody has even talked about. The Derrek Lee trade came literally out of nowhere. The did a good job keeping the Blanco signing quiet _ everybody assumed they'd re-sign Bako. The Cubs also would be comfortable with Hairston getting a good number of starts at second, too. He seems to be the forgotten guy here.

 

Anything you can share regarding Brian Giles? Was there no interest in him? Did Giles not want to play in Chicago? Did Hendry assume or have some sort of first hand knowledge Giles had no desire to leave San Diego?

 

Any help on this would be appreciated.

[goonys evil twin]

Your answer explains well why some teams cut him.

 

Nobody cut him.

[WrigleyinEngland]

Cheers Bruce, read you all the time in the herald, your a great read from over here in England. Realiable and informative keep up the good work.!!

[XZero771679666304]

Bruce, do you think hendry will move heaven and earth for another bat or is he settled on the team as it is? thanx in advance

 

If that bat has Tejada's name on it, yes, he'll move whatever he has to move to get him. Beyond that, he'll look for some backup help.

 

What is the word on Baltimore's willingness to move Tejada, and Miguel's desire to be moved?

[brfahey]

Your answer explains well why some teams cut him.

 

Nobody cut him.

 

Sorry. Why some teams chose to end their contractual relationship with him. Is that better or do I get homework tonight?

[YearofDaCubs]

Getting Tejada would be huge but I would HATE to see Cedeno be part of the trade. I would add another minor leaguer instead.

[abuck1220]

well, now i know to not feel sorry for cubs' starters when they lose games 2-1.

[XZero771679666304]

Getting Tejada would be huge but I would HATE to see Cedeno be part of the trade. I would add another minor leaguer instead.

 

I assume Baltimore would want a SS, and while I like Cedeno, I wouldn't have a second thought about shiping him off as part of a packge for Tejada.

[Bruce Miles]

The Cubs also would be comfortable with Hairston getting a good number of starts at second, too. He seems to be the forgotten guy here.

 

Mr. Miles,

 

It is my impression that Hairston is not well liked by Dusty. He made a number of comments about him missing signs and base running gaffes. Is this the case?

 

Dusty seemed to have a distaste for Hairston right from spring training, for whatever reason. Hairston missed a number of signs during the season, and that certainly didn't endear him to the boss. But as the year went on, Hairston seemed to grow on the Cubs a little more _ Hendry also said as much at the winter meetings. He can be a valuable guy to have on a team, and he certainly wasn't the only Cub to make mental errors.

[YearofDaCubs]

The Cubs also would be comfortable with Hairston getting a good number of starts at second, too. He seems to be the forgotten guy here.

 

Mr. Miles,

 

It is my impression that Hairston is not well liked by Dusty. He made a number of comments about him missing signs and base running gaffes. Is this the case?

 

Dusty seemed to have a distaste for Hairston right from spring training, for whatever reason. Hairston missed a number of signs during the season, and that certainly didn't endear him to the boss. But as the year went on, Hairston seemed to grow on the Cubs a little more _ Hendry also said as much at the winter meetings. He can be a valuable guy to have on a team, and he certainly wasn't the only Cub to make mental errors.

How can the manager blame the players for mental errors when he himself has his share of them.

[LoneStarCubFan]

Bruce:

 

What was Dusty's fascination with Jose Macias? I never understood why that guy hung on around here for two years and played as much as he did.

[goonys evil twin]

Your answer explains well why some teams cut him.

 

Nobody cut him.

 

Sorry. Why some teams chose to end their contractual relationship with him. Is that better or do I get homework tonight?

 

I just think it's dishonest, unfair and leading to phrase it like "cutting him" "cut their ties", "got rid of".

 

Guys get traded or are allowed to walk all the time. Minnesota "cut their ties" with David Ortiz because they were cheap bastards. All sorts of supposedly good guys have been on loads of teams. The story on Walker is he's good, but not special. He's a good hitting 2B, but not good on defense. I'd say he's about average, some will say below average. His value is in his cost/production. His production comes cheap. At 3/15 he'd be overpaid, just like Grudz wasn't worth such a contract, and Jones isn't worth it.