Todd Walker to Baltimore?--comment from Sun-times

[Blueheart05]

The Baltimore Sun is now reporting that the Orioles have offer Luis Matos (their version of Corey Patterson) to the Cubs for Todd Walker, and a Matos to Boston for Graffanino.

 

All I can say is....YUCK....

 

Here's the info from the Sun:

 

NOTES // With Boston reportedly close to a deal with Cleveland to acquire outfielder Coco Crisp, the likelihood that the Orioles and Red Sox will make a deal involving center fielder Luis Matos has diminished considerably. The sides talked about a possibility of swapping Matos for Red Sox infielder Tony Graffanino, but the Orioles felt they already had a similar player in Chris Gomez. The Orioles also have talked to the Chicago Cubs about second baseman Todd Walker for Matos. But, assuming incumbent second baseman Brian Roberts (elbow surgery) is ready for Opening Day, the club's not sure it could get Walker sufficient at-bats as a bench player and part-time designated hitter. If he's not traded this offseason, Matos, 27, will compete with newly acquired Corey Patterson - and possibly top prospect Nick Markakis - for the Orioles' starting center field job this spring

[soapy]

A tidbit from Bruce Miles this morning:

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/sportsstory.asp?id=146300

 

Hendry also said he had a “good chat” recently with second baseman Todd Walker, whose name has surfaced in trade talks. If the Cubs don’t move Walker by the time position players report for spring training, he will compete for the starting job with Neifi Perez and Jerry Hairston Jr.

 

Not sure what he means by a "good chat", but maybe Walker will be kept around. I still don't think so. He'll be traded sometime during spring training, IMO. At this point I'm just hoping for a big performance from Hairston.

[Blueheart05]

From Mike Kiley

 

Hendry spoke last week with second baseman Todd Walker about his role on the team. Hendry has investigated what he could get in trade for Walker, and some in the organization believe the club needs better defense at second than Walker provided.

 

Hendry told Walker he had made no promises to his agent that Walker would be his starting second baseman when he picked up his $2.5 million option for this year. While manager Dusty Baker has said he can foresee Walker as his starter, Hendry told Walker it's a competition that will be decided in spring when he goes against Neifi Perez and Jerry Hairston.

[CubinNY]

From Mike Kiley

 

Hendry spoke last week with second baseman Todd Walker about his role on the team. Hendry has investigated what he could get in trade for Walker, and some in the organization believe the club needs better defense at second than Walker provided.

 

Hendry told Walker he had made no promises to his agent that Walker would be his starting second baseman when he picked up his $2.5 million option for this year. While manager Dusty Baker has said he can foresee Walker as his starter, Hendry told Walker it's a competition that will be decided in spring when he goes against Neifi Perez and Jerry Hairston.

 

That should be the most one sided competition in ST, but something tells me in won't be.

[Balsa]

So basically shape up on defense or ship out.

[Tim]

You've got three guys who have been in the league for years. They were all on the team in 2005 and you saw what they could do for a full season.

 

Why would you possibly let a few weeks of performance when players are just getting warmed up decide who is going to play at a position? This is something that I've never understood.

[Blueheart05]

From Mike Kiley

 

Hendry spoke last week with second baseman Todd Walker about his role on the team. Hendry has investigated what he could get in trade for Walker, and some in the organization believe the club needs better defense at second than Walker provided.

 

Hendry told Walker he had made no promises to his agent that Walker would be his starting second baseman when he picked up his $2.5 million option for this year. While manager Dusty Baker has said he can foresee Walker as his starter, Hendry told Walker it's a competition that will be decided in spring when he goes against Neifi Perez and Jerry Hairston.

 

That should be the most one sided competition in ST, but something tells me in won't be.

 

 

One-side in favor of whom?

 

Frankly, I 'd like the best overall player to get the job. If it turns out to be Walker that's fine but I wouldn't mine Hairston earning the job either. If he is 100% healthy, like he claims, he might be the best complete 2B on the roster.

[Balsa]

 

 

One-side in favor of whom?

 

Frankly, I 'd like the best overall player to get the job. If it turns out to be Walker that's fine but I wouldn't mine Hairston earning the job either. If he is 100% healthy, like he claims, he might be the best complete 2B on the roster.

 

I agree. When Hairston mentioned working out with Olympic sprinters this winter....I like Todd Walker don't get me wrong, but I think Hairston might be the best #2 hitter and 2B.

[frostwyrm]

You've got three guys who have been in the league for years. They were all on the team in 2005 and you saw what they could do for a full season.

 

Why would you possibly let a few weeks of performance when players are just getting warmed up decide who is going to play at a position? This is something that I've never understood.

 

Yeah, it's a really stupid but unfortunately entrenched idea. I'm sure Dusty wants it this way since his boy Neifi can't sustain above-Little-League level hitting for more than a few weeks at a stretch, which means a brief competition is the only type that gives Neifi a chance to win.

[RynoRules]

You've got three guys who have been in the league for years. They were all on the team in 2005 and you saw what they could do for a full season.

 

Why would you possibly let a few weeks of performance when players are just getting warmed up decide who is going to play at a position? This is something that I've never understood.

 

I think that JH may have been blowing smoke here. I just cannot imagine going to camp in a month or so with all three of those guys.

[Wheelimus]

Well, i hope Todd is working on his defense, hopefully he wins the job.

[sweetpeteman]

If we trade Walker for Matos, then what was the point of trading Patterson, a cheaper, younge, and BETTER player?

[Blueheart05]

If we trade Walker for Matos, then what was the point of trading Patterson, a cheaper, younge, and BETTER player?

 

If the Cubs make that trade it has more to do with finding a home for Walker so that someone else can start at 2B (Plus, Walker may have an opportunity to start there pending Roberts staus). The argument for getting rid of Corey is to allow him to have a change of scenery. I'm not so sure the Cubs want Matos but they might not be able to get a better quality ML for Walker. From the Orioles perspective, ridding themselves of Matos allows Patterson to start.

Edited January 24, 2006 by Blueheart05

[fromthestretch]

I really don't get all the Walker love. He's not even in the top half of 2B in baseball. He's better than Neifi, but that's not much to hang your hat on. I rate these 2B as definitely better than Walker (in no particular order):

 

1. Chase Utley

2. Jeff Kent

3. Marcus Giles

4. Jose Vidro (if healthy)

5. Mark Loretta

6. Robinson Cano

7. Brian Roberts

8. Luis Castillo

9. Ryan Freel

 

I'll give you everyone in the top 9 except Cano and Freel. Cano could become better than Walker, but at this stage he's not. Freel actually isn't all that great defensively at 2B. Has more speed than Walker but much less power. At best, he's probably on par with Walker. You certainly could argue that he's more valuable though since he's adequate at a few different positions.

 

And these 2B as at least as good as, and likely better than, Walker too:

 

10. Craig Biggio

11. Adam Kennedy

12. David Eckstein

13. Rickie Weeks

14. Ray Durham

15. Alfonso Soriano

16. Orlando Hudson

17. Tad Iguchi

18. Ronnie Belliard

19. Keith Ginter

20. Placido Polanco

 

I'd agree that Biggio is better...more speed, a little more power, better defense.

 

Eckstein's a shortstop.

 

Weeks will most likely be better offensively. Defensively, he'll most likely be an outfielder within five years.

 

Soriano definitely brings more power. Defensively, there's a very good reason why teams are trying to move him to LF.

 

Hudson is light years ahead of Walker defenisvely. Slightly below him offensively. If Hudson could get his OBP back up to where it was in 2004, if not a little higher, then he'd be more in line with Walker offensively.

 

Ginter? No thanks. He's no better with the glove at 2B, and outside of having a little more power, I don't think he's better than Walker with the bat.

 

I'll give the edge to Polanco, especially with the way he's progressed the last three seasons.

 

Belliard, Durham, and Iguchi are probably the best comparisons. Kennedy, as well, if he can get some of his home run power back.

[Jehrico]

 

 

One-side in favor of whom?

 

Frankly, I 'd like the best overall player to get the job. If it turns out to be Walker that's fine but I wouldn't mine Hairston earning the job either. If he is 100% healthy, like he claims, he might be the best complete 2B on the roster.

 

I agree. When Hairston mentioned working out with Olympic sprinters this winter....I like Todd Walker don't get me wrong, but I think Hairston might be the best #2 hitter and 2B.

 

A .370 OBP from Hairston wouldn't be unprecedented either...

[RynoRules]

 

 

One-side in favor of whom?

 

Frankly, I 'd like the best overall player to get the job. If it turns out to be Walker that's fine but I wouldn't mine Hairston earning the job either. If he is 100% healthy, like he claims, he might be the best complete 2B on the roster.

 

I agree. When Hairston mentioned working out with Olympic sprinters this winter....I like Todd Walker don't get me wrong, but I think Hairston might be the best #2 hitter and 2B.

 

A .370 OBP from Hairston wouldn't be unprecedented either...

 

I said it some where; I would love to see Jerry get a full-time shot, especially at Neifi's expense. If we can get something of value for Walker and Jerry puts up .290/.350 and plays a solid 2B, its a win-win.

[RockTheIvy]

 

 

One-side in favor of whom?

 

Frankly, I 'd like the best overall player to get the job. If it turns out to be Walker that's fine but I wouldn't mine Hairston earning the job either. If he is 100% healthy, like he claims, he might be the best complete 2B on the roster.

 

I agree. When Hairston mentioned working out with Olympic sprinters this winter....I like Todd Walker don't get me wrong, but I think Hairston might be the best #2 hitter and 2B.

 

A .370 OBP from Hairston wouldn't be unprecedented either...

 

I said it some where; I would love to see Jerry get a full-time shot, especially at Neifi's expense. If we can get something of value for Walker and Jerry puts up .290/.350 and plays a solid 2B, its a win-win.

 

I think that might be the best option as well.

[Balsa]

Alright, if Twalk does get traded, someone's got to create a bandWGN for Hairston. :P

[CDBears1259]

Alright, if Twalk does get traded, someone's got to create a bandWGN for Hairston. :P

 

I'll hope he does well, but I won't be on that wagon. Of course if he does well, I reserve the right to change my mind about getting on, but I really didn't like what I saw from him last year and don't expect much more from him this year regardless of what extra training he's been doing this offseason. I'm no stats guru and don't claim to be, but I don't like what I see happening at 2B so far, especially if it comes down to JHJ and Perez. If I had my druthers I'd just pencil in Walker, unless something better was out there to be had.

 

And FWIW, I'm not sure I buy into all the talk of TW being a bad clubhouse guy. Along those same lines, I also don't let the pitching staff dictate how or who plays what position. Of course I'd listen to them and take what they say into consideration, but I'd also explain to them that with what's out there, Walker gives them the best chance to win.

[cheapseats]

I really don't get all the Walker love. He's not even in the top half of 2B in baseball. He's better than Neifi, but that's not much to hang your hat on. I rate these 2B as definitely better than Walker (in no particular order):

 

1. Chase Utley

2. Jeff Kent

3. Marcus Giles

4. Jose Vidro (if healthy)

5. Mark Loretta

6. Robinson Cano

7. Brian Roberts

8. Luis Castillo

9. Ryan Freel

 

And these 2B as at least as good as, and likely better than, Walker too:

 

10. Craig Biggio

11. Adam Kennedy

12. David Eckstein

13. Rickie Weeks

14. Ray Durham

15. Alfonso Soriano

16. Orlando Hudson

17. Tad Iguchi

18. Ronnie Belliard

19. Keith Ginter

20. Placido Polanco

 

So, where's the interest in Walker again? I see maybe Texas (if Kinsler isn't ready), maybe Toronto, maybe Pittsburgh as destinations. He's going to need to be dumped for a mid-level prospect.

 

Keith Ginter? He was hands down the worst 2B in MLB last season. He was even worse than Tony Womack.

 

If each player had played in all 162 games:

Player................WARP1

brian roberts 10.1

mark ellis 8.9

Chase Utley 8.6

Marcus Giles 8.3

placido polanco 8.3

Jeff Kent 8.0

luis castillo 8.0

ronnie belliard 7.5

craig counsell 6.6

ryan freel 6.4

orlando hudson 6.4

chone figgins 6.0

jose vidro (2003 season) 5.9

adam kennedy 5.7

mark loretta 5.2

craig biggio 5.2

todd walker 5.2

ray durham 4.9

jose vidro 4.8

robinson cano 4.8

mark grudzielanek 4.7

neifi perez 4.6

jerry hairston (2004 season) 4.3

rickie weeks 4.2

jorge cantu 4.2

jose lopez 4.2

jose vidro (2004 season) 4.1

junior spivey 4.1

tadahito iguchi 4.0

jose castillo 3.8

alfonso soriano 3.8

luis gonzalez 3.5

damion easley 3.5

mark bellhorn 3.1

miguel cairo 2.9

damian jackson 2.9

jerry hairston 2.7

aaron miles 2.6

neifi perez (2004 season) 2.6

nick green 2.5

nick punto 2.5

kaz matsui 2.4

deivi cruz 2.4

jamey carroll 2.2

omar infante 2.0

yuniesky betancourt 1.9

marlon anderson 1.8

bret boone 1.8

ruben gotay 1.5

chris burke 1.2

tony womack 1.1

keith ginter -1.0

 

WARP takes both offense and defense into account. Everyone on the list above Todd Walker would have helped us win more games last season, and everyone below him would have hurt us.

 

As lots on the board have already said, if we were going to get rid of Walker, we should have gone after Luis Castillo.

 

Neifi Perez should not be an option. He is more likely to play like the Neifi Perez of 2001-2004 than the Neifi Perez of 2005. And even though Neifi had (by his standards) a great season last year, he still would have been a downgrade at 2B.

 

Jerry Hairston's best year - 2004 - was not as good as Walker's 2005.

 

We've got more depth at 2B than most teams, but unless we can get a better player than Walker to play 2B - which is unlikely - we shouldn't trade him.

[Andy]

And FWIW, I'm not sure I buy into all the talk of TW being a bad clubhouse guy. Along those same lines, I also don't let the pitching staff dictate how or who plays what position. Of course I'd listen to them and take what they say into consideration, but I'd also explain to them that with what's out there, Walker gives them the best chance to win.

I not only don't buy it, I think it's bunk. I haven't read anything to suggest Walker is unpopular in the clubhouse.

[NorthsideAvenger]

Am I the only one who remembers the fact that Hairston fell out of flavor with the Cubs (especially Baker) with his behavior? My guess...Nefti Perez will be the favorite to win the 2b job in ST. :evil:

[Blueheart05]

Am I the only one who remembers the fact that Hairston fell out of flavor with the Cubs (especially Baker) with his behavior? My guess...Nefti Perez will be the favorite to win the 2b job in ST. :evil:

 

I also read in the paper (or maybe Bruce Miles posted here) that Hairston improved his relationship with Baker as the year progressed.

Edited January 24, 2006 by Blueheart05

[Balsa]

They had him at the Cubs convention unless I was mistaken...

[NorthsideAvenger]

Am I the only one who remembers the fact that Hairston fell out of flavor with the Cubs (especially Baker) with his behavior? My guess...Nefti Perez will be the favorite to win the 2b job in ST. :evil:

 

I also read in the paper (or maybe Bruce Miles posted here) that Hairston improved his relationship with Baker as the year progressed.

 

If that is true, then having Hairston start (if Walker is traded) would be ideal. Hairston would be the perfect compliment between Pierre and Lee. And a Cedeno/Hairston would be a outstanding defensive middle of the infield.

 

 

But I am not holding my breathe on Baker and Hairston having a good relationship, tho.