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

[CubinNY]

What is this, bad-mouth-soon-to-be-ex-cubs-so-maybe-people-will-think trading-them-for-peanuts-is-a-good-thing?

[Blueheart05]

What is this, bad-mouth-soon-to-be-ex-cubs-so-maybe-people-will-think trading-them-for-peanuts-is-a-good-thing?

 

Not at all. At least not from my perspective. He's a nice hitter, for a 2B, but his defense has always been a problem. It's more of an explanation for why so few teams seem interested in him... I also dispute that the Cubs have screwed him.

 

I remember hearing the guy from Baseball Solutions.com on the radio rattle off the numbers about 2B . Walker was the worst 2B in the MLs at turning the double play in 2003. He platooned in 2004 and was injured for part of 2005 so I don't think he's improved in that area. I think teams are taking those things into consideration. Certainly, if he were a hot item he would have been traded already.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

What is this, bad-mouth-soon-to-be-ex-cubs-so-maybe-people-will-think trading-them-for-peanuts-is-a-good-thing?

 

Not at all. At least not from my perspective. He's a nice hitter, for a 2B, but his defense has always been a problem. It's more of an explanation for why so few teams seem interested in him... I also dispute that the Cubs have screwed him.

 

I remember hearing the guy from Baseball Solutions.com on the radio rattle off the numbers about 2B . Walker was the worst 2B in the MLs at turning the double play in 2003. He platooned in 2004 and was injured for part of 2005 so I don't think he's improved in that area. I think teams are taking those things into consideration. Certainly, if he were a hot item he would have been traded already.

 

Defense is not a static ability. Like hitting people have good year's and bad years. Walker had a very bad year defensively in '03, and was better in '04 and '05. Still below average, but not the travesty that people are making his defense to be. In fact, very similar to Juan Pierre in CF.

[RockTheIvy]

What is this, bad-mouth-soon-to-be-ex-cubs-so-maybe-people-will-think trading-them-for-peanuts-is-a-good-thing?

 

Not at all. At least not from my perspective. He's a nice hitter, for a 2B, but his defense has always been a problem. It's more of an explanation for why so few teams seem interested in him... I also dispute that the Cubs have screwed him.

 

I remember hearing the guy from Baseball Solutions.com on the radio rattle off the numbers about 2B . Walker was the worst 2B in the MLs at turning the double play in 2003. He platooned in 2004 and was injured for part of 2005 so I don't think he's improved in that area. I think teams are taking those things into consideration. Certainly, if he were a hot item he would have been traded already.

 

Defense is not a static ability. Like hitting people have good year's and bad years. Walker had a very bad year defensively in '03, and was better in '04 and '05. Still below average, but not the travesty that people are making his defense to be. In fact, very similar to Juan Pierre in CF.

 

I agree with you. But GMs in the league must not.

[Blueheart05]

What is this, bad-mouth-soon-to-be-ex-cubs-so-maybe-people-will-think trading-them-for-peanuts-is-a-good-thing?

 

Not at all. At least not from my perspective. He's a nice hitter, for a 2B, but his defense has always been a problem. It's more of an explanation for why so few teams seem interested in him... I also dispute that the Cubs have screwed him.

 

I remember hearing the guy from Baseball Solutions.com on the radio rattle off the numbers about 2B . Walker was the worst 2B in the MLs at turning the double play in 2003. He platooned in 2004 and was injured for part of 2005 so I don't think he's improved in that area. I think teams are taking those things into consideration. Certainly, if he were a hot item he would have been traded already.

 

Defense is not a static ability. Like hitting people have good year's and bad years. Walker had a very bad year defensively in '03, and was better in '04 and '05. Still below average, but not the travesty that people are making his defense to be. In fact, very similar to Juan Pierre in CF.

 

It might not be static but he is still a below average defender. One could argue that Pierre's defense will improve now that he's playing half of his games in a cozy ballpark. However, I don't think there is a senario where Walker's defense can be improved dramatically.

[CubinNY]

What is this, bad-mouth-soon-to-be-ex-cubs-so-maybe-people-will-think trading-them-for-peanuts-is-a-good-thing?

 

Not at all. At least not from my perspective. He's a nice hitter, for a 2B, but his defense has always been a problem. It's more of an explanation for why so few teams seem interested in him... I also dispute that the Cubs have screwed him.

 

I remember hearing the guy from Baseball Solutions.com on the radio rattle off the numbers about 2B . Walker was the worst 2B in the MLs at turning the double play in 2003. He platooned in 2004 and was injured for part of 2005 so I don't think he's improved in that area. I think teams are taking those things into consideration. Certainly, if he were a hot item he would have been traded already.

 

Defense is not a static ability. Like hitting people have good year's and bad years. Walker had a very bad year defensively in '03, and was better in '04 and '05. Still below average, but not the travesty that people are making his defense to be. In fact, very similar to Juan Pierre in CF.

 

It might not be static but he is still a below average defender. One could argue that Pierre's defense will improve now that he's playing half of his games in a cozy ballpark. However, I don't think there is a senario where Walker's defense can be improved dramatically.

 

Walker's defense is not that bad. Besides with the Cubs staff, defense is even less of a premium (high K and high BB). The Cubs didn't loose last year because they couldn't play defense at 2nd.

 

This idea that no team wants Walker b/c he can't play defense is shaky to me.

 

First, how many teams are in the market for a 2nd baseman? Second, given Walker's value in terms of contract and production, one would have to think Hendry is asking for a fair trade. Maybe teams don't see the upside of trading a valuable piece of the future for a one year rental.

 

If Hendry didn't want Walker then he shouldn't have picked up the option.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Hendry and Co. overvalue defense. I don't hear anyone in the Cubs' Org. whining about his offensive production. I'd be shocked if Walker is the opening day starting 2B for the Chicago Cubs.

[rocket]

The fact that we can't get anything good for Walker is all the more reason we should keep him.

[katway]

What is this, bad-mouth-soon-to-be-ex-cubs-so-maybe-people-will-think trading-them-for-peanuts-is-a-good-thing?

 

Not at all. At least not from my perspective. He's a nice hitter, for a 2B, but his defense has always been a problem. It's more of an explanation for why so few teams seem interested in him... I also dispute that the Cubs have screwed him.

 

I remember hearing the guy from Baseball Solutions.com on the radio rattle off the numbers about 2B . Walker was the worst 2B in the MLs at turning the double play in 2003. He platooned in 2004 and was injured for part of 2005 so I don't think he's improved in that area. I think teams are taking those things into consideration. Certainly, if he were a hot item he would have been traded already.

 

Defense is not a static ability. Like hitting people have good year's and bad years. Walker had a very bad year defensively in '03, and was better in '04 and '05. Still below average, but not the travesty that people are making his defense to be. In fact, very similar to Juan Pierre in CF.

 

It might not be static but he is still a below average defender. One could argue that Pierre's defense will improve now that he's playing half of his games in a cozy ballpark. However, I don't think there is a senario where Walker's defense can be improved dramatically.

 

Walker's defense is not that bad. Besides with the Cubs staff, defense is even less of a premium (high K and high BB). The Cubs didn't loose last year because they couldn't play defense at 2nd.

 

This idea that no team wants Walker b/c he can't play defense is shaky to me.

 

First, how many teams are in the market for a 2nd baseman? Second, given Walker's value in terms of contract and production, one would have to think Hendry is asking for a fair trade. Maybe teams don't see the upside of trading a valuable piece of the future for a one year rental.

 

If Hendry didn't want Walker then he shouldn't have picked up the option.

 

A lot of balls have gotten through the infield that shouldn't and the Cubs constantly fail to turn DPs. Walker (nicknamed "the statute" in Boston for his lack of mobility) is a big part of this and it is one of those things that really ticks off pitchers. For instance, Mark Prior is better than league average in every category except for the percentage of ground balls that become base hits. In other words, a ground ball off Prior has a greater chance of developing into a single than a ground ball off of the average pitcher. Is it because ground balls get hit with more authority off Prior or is it because his defense fails him on the mound?

 

As for Hendry. the GM's job is to do what is best for the team and that isn't always going to be what's best for the player. If I'm Hendry, I pick up Walker's option even if I don't plan to start him and even if I think the team might be better by trading him. Clearly, Hendry isn't planning on giving him away and Walker could become a valueable bargaining chip if someone's second baseman goes down during the year. Besides, it's not too late for Walker to prove his value to the club. The more competition, the better the position.

[Blueheart05]

What is this, bad-mouth-soon-to-be-ex-cubs-so-maybe-people-will-think trading-them-for-peanuts-is-a-good-thing?

 

Not at all. At least not from my perspective. He's a nice hitter, for a 2B, but his defense has always been a problem. It's more of an explanation for why so few teams seem interested in him... I also dispute that the Cubs have screwed him.

 

I remember hearing the guy from Baseball Solutions.com on the radio rattle off the numbers about 2B . Walker was the worst 2B in the MLs at turning the double play in 2003. He platooned in 2004 and was injured for part of 2005 so I don't think he's improved in that area. I think teams are taking those things into consideration. Certainly, if he were a hot item he would have been traded already.

 

Defense is not a static ability. Like hitting people have good year's and bad years. Walker had a very bad year defensively in '03, and was better in '04 and '05. Still below average, but not the travesty that people are making his defense to be. In fact, very similar to Juan Pierre in CF.

 

It might not be static but he is still a below average defender. One could argue that Pierre's defense will improve now that he's playing half of his games in a cozy ballpark. However, I don't think there is a senario where Walker's defense can be improved dramatically.

 

Walker's defense is not that bad. Besides with the Cubs staff, defense is even less of a premium (high K and high BB). The Cubs didn't loose last year because they couldn't play defense at 2nd.

 

This idea that no team wants Walker b/c he can't play defense is shaky to me.

 

First, how many teams are in the market for a 2nd baseman? Second, given Walker's value in terms of contract and production, one would have to think Hendry is asking for a fair trade. Maybe teams don't see the upside of trading a valuable piece of the future for a one year rental.

 

If Hendry didn't want Walker then he shouldn't have picked up the option.

 

I believe it was Bruce Miles that mentioned that some of the Cubs pitchers didn't like his defense. Perhaps that is the motivating factor. Walker's problem isn't errors so much as it's the balls/plays he doesn't make because of his range or speed.

 

Perhaps 2.5 M is overpriced, for him, at this stage of his career. The Cubs signed him as a FA in 2004 for 1.75M and from 2001- 03 he was undercontract for 6.55M (that's 2.18 M per year base)

[CubinNY]

What is this, bad-mouth-soon-to-be-ex-cubs-so-maybe-people-will-think trading-them-for-peanuts-is-a-good-thing?

 

Not at all. At least not from my perspective. He's a nice hitter, for a 2B, but his defense has always been a problem. It's more of an explanation for why so few teams seem interested in him... I also dispute that the Cubs have screwed him.

 

I remember hearing the guy from Baseball Solutions.com on the radio rattle off the numbers about 2B . Walker was the worst 2B in the MLs at turning the double play in 2003. He platooned in 2004 and was injured for part of 2005 so I don't think he's improved in that area. I think teams are taking those things into consideration. Certainly, if he were a hot item he would have been traded already.

 

Defense is not a static ability. Like hitting people have good year's and bad years. Walker had a very bad year defensively in '03, and was better in '04 and '05. Still below average, but not the travesty that people are making his defense to be. In fact, very similar to Juan Pierre in CF.

 

It might not be static but he is still a below average defender. One could argue that Pierre's defense will improve now that he's playing half of his games in a cozy ballpark. However, I don't think there is a senario where Walker's defense can be improved dramatically.

 

Walker's defense is not that bad. Besides with the Cubs staff, defense is even less of a premium (high K and high BB). The Cubs didn't loose last year because they couldn't play defense at 2nd.

 

This idea that no team wants Walker b/c he can't play defense is shaky to me.

 

First, how many teams are in the market for a 2nd baseman? Second, given Walker's value in terms of contract and production, one would have to think Hendry is asking for a fair trade. Maybe teams don't see the upside of trading a valuable piece of the future for a one year rental.

 

If Hendry didn't want Walker then he shouldn't have picked up the option.

 

A lot of balls have gotten through the infield that shouldn't and the Cubs constantly fail to turn DPs. Walker (nicknamed "the statute" in Boston for his lack of mobility) is a big part of this and it is one of those things that really ticks off pitchers. For instance, Mark Prior is better than league average in every category except for the percentage of ground balls that become base hits. In other words, a ground ball off Prior has a greater chance of developing into a single than a ground ball off of the average pitcher. Is it because ground balls get hit with more authority off Prior or is it because his defense fails him on the mound?

 

As for Hendry. the GM's job is to do what is best for the team and that isn't always going to be what's best for the player. If I'm Hendry, I pick up Walker's option even if I don't plan to start him and even if I think the team might be better by trading him. Clearly, Hendry isn't planning on giving him away and Walker could become a valueable bargaining chip if someone's second baseman goes down during the year. Besides, it's not too late for Walker to prove his value to the club. The more competition, the better the position.

 

Is it best for the team to keep a guy on the 40 man roster with no intention of keeping him? Which in turn means you have to relsease or trade a prospect like Jermain Van Buren for popcorn and cracker jacks.

 

Maybe 2 extra hits per week get through Walker as compared to the average 2nd baseman, big flipping deal.

 

The Cubs don't turn double plays becuase other teams put the ball in play less with the Cubs pitchers on the mound.

 

I have no idea why the Cubs are trying to get rid of the guy who most likely gives them the best chance to win at his position. I am open to suggestions but I have yet to hear a good one

 

So far this is what I'm hearing:

 

1. He talks to much

2. He can't play defense

 

Ok, who do they have that is better than Walker? Who can the acquire that is better than Walker. If they get Lugo, ok trade away. If they don't why oh why actively shop a guy who gives you the best chance at winning at his position?

 

Isn't that the job of the GM? To give his team a chance to win. How does trading Walker increase those odds?

[Balsa]

I will say this about Hairston. I will really excited when he came over through trade to us and I thought he would be a perfect fit. His base-running is terrible and I don't know why his defense was so bad but to me at least he was a dissapoinment. I would rather have Walker at 2B over Hairston

 

He had a nagging anke injury that wasn't done healing. This winter he's been working with Olympic sprinters and says he feels four years younger. Basically, he wasn't 100% last year, but should start this year at 100%.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

What is this, bad-mouth-soon-to-be-ex-cubs-so-maybe-people-will-think trading-them-for-peanuts-is-a-good-thing?

 

Not at all. At least not from my perspective. He's a nice hitter, for a 2B, but his defense has always been a problem. It's more of an explanation for why so few teams seem interested in him... I also dispute that the Cubs have screwed him.

 

I remember hearing the guy from Baseball Solutions.com on the radio rattle off the numbers about 2B . Walker was the worst 2B in the MLs at turning the double play in 2003. He platooned in 2004 and was injured for part of 2005 so I don't think he's improved in that area. I think teams are taking those things into consideration. Certainly, if he were a hot item he would have been traded already.

 

Defense is not a static ability. Like hitting people have good year's and bad years. Walker had a very bad year defensively in '03, and was better in '04 and '05. Still below average, but not the travesty that people are making his defense to be. In fact, very similar to Juan Pierre in CF.

 

It might not be static but he is still a below average defender. One could argue that Pierre's defense will improve now that he's playing half of his games in a cozy ballpark. However, I don't think there is a senario where Walker's defense can be improved dramatically.

 

Juan Pierre will not become a better defender because he plays at Wrigley. Wrigley will not help him take better routes to balls, or put some extra zip on his throws. It may help disguise his shortcomings because of tinier alleys, but he's still the same guy.

[treebird]

maybe we should trade the pitchers who are complaining about walkers defense since that makes for bad chemistry

[Blueheart05]

What is this, bad-mouth-soon-to-be-ex-cubs-so-maybe-people-will-think trading-them-for-peanuts-is-a-good-thing?

 

Not at all. At least not from my perspective. He's a nice hitter, for a 2B, but his defense has always been a problem. It's more of an explanation for why so few teams seem interested in him... I also dispute that the Cubs have screwed him.

 

I remember hearing the guy from Baseball Solutions.com on the radio rattle off the numbers about 2B . Walker was the worst 2B in the MLs at turning the double play in 2003. He platooned in 2004 and was injured for part of 2005 so I don't think he's improved in that area. I think teams are taking those things into consideration. Certainly, if he were a hot item he would have been traded already.

 

Defense is not a static ability. Like hitting people have good year's and bad years. Walker had a very bad year defensively in '03, and was better in '04 and '05. Still below average, but not the travesty that people are making his defense to be. In fact, very similar to Juan Pierre in CF.

 

It might not be static but he is still a below average defender. One could argue that Pierre's defense will improve now that he's playing half of his games in a cozy ballpark. However, I don't think there is a senario where Walker's defense can be improved dramatically.

 

Juan Pierre will not become a better defender because he plays at Wrigley. Wrigley will not help him take better routes to balls, or put some extra zip on his throws. It may help disguise his shortcomings because of tinier alleys, but he's still the same guy.

 

It certainly wont make his weak throwing arm stronger but not playing in a football stadium will help minimize (if even a little) it's impact. Also, taking bad routes doesn't mean that the ball won't be caught. His speed should make up for any errors in judgement because he'll be covering significantly less ground.

 

Murton also has a weak throwing arm. The key to the outfield will be utilizing their collective speed to track down balls and hitting the cut-off man. Only Jones will have the ability to throw out runners (and he isn't always accurate).

[treebird]

oh boy none of our outfielders can hit and 2 of them are not really very good defensively and none of them can really throw but HEY AT LEAST THEY ALL HAVE ABOVE AVERAGE SPEED

[nick23]

Not to hijack this thread. But I've seen a couple of posts now about Pierre's defense. Everyone keeps saying he takes bad routes on balls.

I have a question for you stat guys. How important do consider zone rating? I know what it is, just not sure how significant a stat it is. Just by looking at his defensive stats on espn.com I see that he was top 10 in the majors in put outs. And he was 11th in all of baseball in zone rating. Looking at those 2 stats it doesn't sound like he's below average at all defensively.

[CubinNY]

Not to hijack this thread. But I've seen a couple of posts now about Pierre's defense. Everyone keeps saying he takes bad routes on balls.

I have a question for you stat guys. How important do consider zone rating? I know what it is, just not sure how significant a stat it is. Just by looking at his defensive stats on espn.com I see that he was top 10 in the majors in put outs. And he was 11th in all of baseball in zone rating. Looking at those 2 stats it doesn't sound like he's below average at all defensively.

 

ZR and put outs have a lot to do with innings played.

 

As far as I can surmize he is a mediocre outfileder and like the rest of his worth, everyting is tied up in his speed. If anything happens that slows him down he goes from an average player to a below average player in a heart beat.

[Andy]

Trade Walker. Trade him now. Then we can be the first team in major league history to make fewer than 20 errors in a season.

 

Of course, we'll still lose 90 games because we can't score a damn run.

[RynoRules]

Trade Walker. Trade him now. Then we can be the first team in major league history to make fewer than 20 errors in a season.

Of course, we'll still lose 90 games because we can't score a damn run.

 

I don't think Walker's presence in this lineup will make that much a difference. I'd rather have him at 2B than say, Neifi, but he won't make this ugly thing pretty all by himself. He's not that sort of player. Few are.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

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.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

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.

 

There's no way in the world Cano is 'definitely' better than Walker. I don't have time to break down the numbers right now, but I think Walker is better than a good portion of the 2B's listed in that second tier(Eckstein is a SS).

[Andy]

The Walker love might be because he's a guy who can hit .300, hit 15 homers, not strike out, and we have very few useful hitters like that.

 

Edit: Might also be that our backup plan at that position is Neifi Perez.

[NorthsideAvenger]

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....

[don_kessinger_was_good]

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....

 

If you're Jim Hendry and determined to dump Walker no matter what, at least Luis Matos is something worthwhile. He could be a natural platoon partner for Jacques Jones and otherwise, the righty reserve OF to go with lefty John Mabry. Matos has no slugging to speak of, but he has decent OBP, decent BA, and decent speed. I can think of worse things we've gotten from Baltimore.....