BP on Cubs Secondbase Battle.

[TXCubsFan]

Cubs’ second-base: Nominally a three-man competition, but if Neifi Perez is a regular again in 2006, I have to assume the heavens will open up and simply swallow Dusty Baker, toothpick and all.

 

That leaves Todd Walker and Jerry Hairston Jr. battling. The situation that could simply end up a platoon, with Hairston also getting some time in left field, where Matt Murton may be too young for Baker. Walker’s glove really is bad, and at 32, he’s no lock to continue posting good numbers at the plate. Hairston, meanwhile, lost some speed and saw his plate discipline go backwards last season, and he himself is 30 now, so as good as he was in 2004, he may not be much of a bargain.

 

As much as Baker likes defense, he did play Walker regularly last season, so as long as the veteran sustains his batting average, he will do no worse than a platoon role. I think you can expect Perez to be next in line, with his Baker-approved glove and experience, with Hairston reduced to a utility spot, picking up time at four or five positions, perhaps even working into a right-field platoon with Jacque Jones.

 

 

I've been saying all along that I thought Dusty would play Walker at 2b if he were still on the team. Let's hope that happens.

 

Typical superficial Cub-bashing by BP. They really don't understand the situation either in LF or 2B.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Dusty's veteran fetish really sickens me, I really really hope he gets caned by the allstar break or at least is not resigned for next year. Just my 2 cents.

 

coughfreudcough

[goonys evil twin]

Cubs’ second-base: Nominally a three-man competition, but if Neifi Perez is a regular again in 2006, I have to assume the heavens will open up and simply swallow Dusty Baker, toothpick and all.

 

That leaves Todd Walker and Jerry Hairston Jr. battling. The situation that could simply end up a platoon, with Hairston also getting some time in left field, where Matt Murton may be too young for Baker. Walker’s glove really is bad, and at 32, he’s no lock to continue posting good numbers at the plate. Hairston, meanwhile, lost some speed and saw his plate discipline go backwards last season, and he himself is 30 now, so as good as he was in 2004, he may not be much of a bargain.

 

As much as Baker likes defense, he did play Walker regularly last season, so as long as the veteran sustains his batting average, he will do no worse than a platoon role. I think you can expect Perez to be next in line, with his Baker-approved glove and experience, with Hairston reduced to a utility spot, picking up time at four or five positions, perhaps even working into a right-field platoon with Jacque Jones.

 

 

I've been saying all along that I thought Dusty would play Walker at 2b if he were still on the team. Let's hope that happens.

 

Typical superficial Cub-bashing by BP. They really don't understand the situation either in LF or 2B.

 

I'm wondering what about that analysis is causing problems for you.

[TXCubsFan]

Cubs’ second-base: Nominally a three-man competition, but if Neifi Perez is a regular again in 2006, I have to assume the heavens will open up and simply swallow Dusty Baker, toothpick and all.

 

That leaves Todd Walker and Jerry Hairston Jr. battling. The situation that could simply end up a platoon, with Hairston also getting some time in left field, where Matt Murton may be too young for Baker. Walker’s glove really is bad, and at 32, he’s no lock to continue posting good numbers at the plate. Hairston, meanwhile, lost some speed and saw his plate discipline go backwards last season, and he himself is 30 now, so as good as he was in 2004, he may not be much of a bargain.

 

As much as Baker likes defense, he did play Walker regularly last season, so as long as the veteran sustains his batting average, he will do no worse than a platoon role. I think you can expect Perez to be next in line, with his Baker-approved glove and experience, with Hairston reduced to a utility spot, picking up time at four or five positions, perhaps even working into a right-field platoon with Jacque Jones.

 

 

I've been saying all along that I thought Dusty would play Walker at 2b if he were still on the team. Let's hope that happens.

 

Typical superficial Cub-bashing by BP. They really don't understand the situation either in LF or 2B.

 

I'm wondering what about that analysis is causing problems for you.

 

Everyone in the Cubs organizatin recognizes that Murton is going to be the everyday LF for the Cubs, INCLUDING DUSTY. BP assumes that because Murton and Cedeno are young that Dusty can't wait to replace them with Neifi! and Hairston. Dusty can be faulted for being extra cautious, if somewhat outright biased, against rookies, but he's not stupid.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Cubs’ second-base: Nominally a three-man competition, but if Neifi Perez is a regular again in 2006, I have to assume the heavens will open up and simply swallow Dusty Baker, toothpick and all.

 

That leaves Todd Walker and Jerry Hairston Jr. battling. The situation that could simply end up a platoon, with Hairston also getting some time in left field, where Matt Murton may be too young for Baker. Walker’s glove really is bad, and at 32, he’s no lock to continue posting good numbers at the plate. Hairston, meanwhile, lost some speed and saw his plate discipline go backwards last season, and he himself is 30 now, so as good as he was in 2004, he may not be much of a bargain.

 

As much as Baker likes defense, he did play Walker regularly last season, so as long as the veteran sustains his batting average, he will do no worse than a platoon role. I think you can expect Perez to be next in line, with his Baker-approved glove and experience, with Hairston reduced to a utility spot, picking up time at four or five positions, perhaps even working into a right-field platoon with Jacque Jones.

 

 

I've been saying all along that I thought Dusty would play Walker at 2b if he were still on the team. Let's hope that happens.

 

Typical superficial Cub-bashing by BP. They really don't understand the situation either in LF or 2B.

 

I'm wondering what about that analysis is causing problems for you.

 

Everyone in the Cubs organizatin recognizes that Murton is going to be the everyday LF for the Cubs, INCLUDING DUSTY. BP assumes that because Murton and Cedeno are young that Dusty can't wait to replace them with Neifi! and Hairston. Dusty can be faulted for being extra cautious, if somewhat outright biased, against rookies, but he's not stupid.

 

Saying Hairston may get "some time" in LF is hardly replacing him. I would be and am very worried about Neifi taking time away from Cedeno, especially with Neifi's lefthandedness.

[TXCubsFan]

Cubs’ second-base: Nominally a three-man competition, but if Neifi Perez is a regular again in 2006, I have to assume the heavens will open up and simply swallow Dusty Baker, toothpick and all.

 

That leaves Todd Walker and Jerry Hairston Jr. battling. The situation that could simply end up a platoon, with Hairston also getting some time in left field, where Matt Murton may be too young for Baker. Walker’s glove really is bad, and at 32, he’s no lock to continue posting good numbers at the plate. Hairston, meanwhile, lost some speed and saw his plate discipline go backwards last season, and he himself is 30 now, so as good as he was in 2004, he may not be much of a bargain.

 

As much as Baker likes defense, he did play Walker regularly last season, so as long as the veteran sustains his batting average, he will do no worse than a platoon role. I think you can expect Perez to be next in line, with his Baker-approved glove and experience, with Hairston reduced to a utility spot, picking up time at four or five positions, perhaps even working into a right-field platoon with Jacque Jones.

 

 

I've been saying all along that I thought Dusty would play Walker at 2b if he were still on the team. Let's hope that happens.

 

Typical superficial Cub-bashing by BP. They really don't understand the situation either in LF or 2B.

 

I'm wondering what about that analysis is causing problems for you.

 

Everyone in the Cubs organizatin recognizes that Murton is going to be the everyday LF for the Cubs, INCLUDING DUSTY. BP assumes that because Murton and Cedeno are young that Dusty can't wait to replace them with Neifi! and Hairston. Dusty can be faulted for being extra cautious, if somewhat outright biased, against rookies, but he's not stupid.

 

Saying Hairston may get "some time" in LF is hardly replacing him. I would be and am very worried about Neifi taking time away from Cedeno, especially with Neifi's lefthandedness.

 

TT, I understand your concerns, but I'm optimistic. Dusty might play Neifi! at SS 20-25 games, but his numbers against LHP, especially SLG, would be acceptable if he bats 7th or 8th. Cedeno, I believe, will play against most RHP. Dusty has a rudimentary understanding of splits (and I say rudimentary, given his use of Remlinger), and Dusty mentioned that he might start Grissom in RF against tough LHP.

 

http://cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060207&content_id=1307836&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

 

Dusty has his frustrating quirks, but again, he's not stupid, and Hendry has tried to compensate for Dusty's weaknesses. Many on this board were wondering why Dubois or Choi weren't playing more. I find it interesting that other organizations don't seem all that high on those two either. The only prospect that the Cubs gave away was Willis, but given the Choi for Lee trade, I consider trading with the Marlins over the past five years a wash.

[goonys evil twin]

Cubs’ second-base: Nominally a three-man competition, but if Neifi Perez is a regular again in 2006, I have to assume the heavens will open up and simply swallow Dusty Baker, toothpick and all.

 

That leaves Todd Walker and Jerry Hairston Jr. battling. The situation that could simply end up a platoon, with Hairston also getting some time in left field, where Matt Murton may be too young for Baker. Walker’s glove really is bad, and at 32, he’s no lock to continue posting good numbers at the plate. Hairston, meanwhile, lost some speed and saw his plate discipline go backwards last season, and he himself is 30 now, so as good as he was in 2004, he may not be much of a bargain.

 

As much as Baker likes defense, he did play Walker regularly last season, so as long as the veteran sustains his batting average, he will do no worse than a platoon role. I think you can expect Perez to be next in line, with his Baker-approved glove and experience, with Hairston reduced to a utility spot, picking up time at four or five positions, perhaps even working into a right-field platoon with Jacque Jones.

 

 

I've been saying all along that I thought Dusty would play Walker at 2b if he were still on the team. Let's hope that happens.

 

Typical superficial Cub-bashing by BP. They really don't understand the situation either in LF or 2B.

 

I'm wondering what about that analysis is causing problems for you.

 

Everyone in the Cubs organizatin recognizes that Murton is going to be the everyday LF for the Cubs, INCLUDING DUSTY. BP assumes that because Murton and Cedeno are young that Dusty can't wait to replace them with Neifi! and Hairston. Dusty can be faulted for being extra cautious, if somewhat outright biased, against rookies, but he's not stupid.

 

Saying Hairston may get "some time" in LF is hardly replacing him. I would be and am very worried about Neifi taking time away from Cedeno, especially with Neifi's lefthandedness.

 

TT, I understand your concerns, but I'm optimistic. Dusty might play Neifi! at SS 20-25 games, but his numbers against LHP, especially SLG, would be acceptable if he bats 7th or 8th. Cedeno, I believe, will play against most RHP. Dusty has a rudimentary understanding of splits (and I say rudimentary, given his use of Remlinger), and Dusty mentioned that he might start Grissom in RF against tough LHP.

 

http://cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060207&content_id=1307836&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

 

Dusty has his frustrating quirks, but again, he's not stupid, and Hendry has tried to compensate for Dusty's weaknesses. Many on this board were wondering why Dubois or Choi weren't playing more. I find it interesting that other organizations don't seem all that high on those two either. The only prospect that the Cubs gave away was Willis, but given the Choi for Lee trade, I consider trading with the Marlins over the past five years a wash.

 

I would be surprised if Murton got more than 500 PA, and I expect Neifi to get lots of time at SS, no matter how well Cedeno performs. And no, his sub .300 OBP would not be acceptable from any spot in the order.

[cjbucks]

Sigh. I just wish the Cubs would take Neifi out of the equation altogether and allow Walker to start and Hairston to back him up.

 

I can't wait for the season to start. I'm bored of being bored.

 

Amen to that brother!

[JC]

Sigh. I just wish the Cubs would take Neifi out of the equation altogether and allow Walker to start and Hairston to back him up.

 

I can't wait for the season to start. I'm bored of being bored.

 

Amen to that brother!

 

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Sigh. I just wish the Cubs would take Neifi out of the equation altogether and allow Walker to start and Hairston to back him up.

 

I can't wait for the season to start. I'm bored of being bored.

 

Amen to that brother!

 

 

word, G.

[Vinestal]

Cubs’ second-base: Nominally a three-man competition, but if Neifi Perez is a regular again in 2006, I have to assume the heavens will open up and simply swallow Dusty Baker, toothpick and all.

 

That leaves Todd Walker and Jerry Hairston Jr. battling. The situation that could simply end up a platoon, with Hairston also getting some time in left field, where Matt Murton may be too young for Baker. Walker’s glove really is bad, and at 32, he’s no lock to continue posting good numbers at the plate. Hairston, meanwhile, lost some speed and saw his plate discipline go backwards last season, and he himself is 30 now, so as good as he was in 2004, he may not be much of a bargain.

 

As much as Baker likes defense, he did play Walker regularly last season, so as long as the veteran sustains his batting average, he will do no worse than a platoon role. I think you can expect Perez to be next in line, with his Baker-approved glove and experience, with Hairston reduced to a utility spot, picking up time at four or five positions, perhaps even working into a right-field platoon with Jacque Jones.

 

 

I've been saying all along that I thought Dusty would play Walker at 2b if he were still on the team. Let's hope that happens.

 

Typical superficial Cub-bashing by BP. They really don't understand the situation either in LF or 2B.

 

I'm wondering what about that analysis is causing problems for you.

 

Everyone in the Cubs organizatin recognizes that Murton is going to be the everyday LF for the Cubs, INCLUDING DUSTY. BP assumes that because Murton and Cedeno are young that Dusty can't wait to replace them with Neifi! and Hairston. Dusty can be faulted for being extra cautious, if somewhat outright biased, against rookies, but he's not stupid.

 

 

Not stupid? I think thats debateable. I would not be suprised at all to see Dusty play Nefi and Hariston over Murton and Cedeno.

[barodacubs]

walker has the lead for the job so far. He is a very consistent hitter, he is a lefty, and his defense is not half as bad as people say it is.

but hairston is a good fit in the two hole if he can get on base and stay healthy. he has good speed and his defense is better than walker's. dont look at last year for hairston, he was not fully healthy.

so if hairston is indeed healthy and can get on base, i say give him the job.

and dont kid yourself, neifi wont win it. I have, however, seen dusty do dumber things (patterson leading off or hawkins closing) so i shouldnt speak too soon.

[CubinNY]

The Street & Smith preview had Neifi starting at 2nd with Walker on the bench! :x

[Soul]

walker has the lead for the job so far. He is a very consistent hitter, he is a lefty, and his defense is not half as bad as people say it is.

but hairston is a good fit in the two hole if he can get on base and stay healthy. he has good speed and his defense is better than walker's. dont look at last year for hairston, he was not fully healthy.

so if hairston is indeed healthy and can get on base, i say give him the job.

and dont kid yourself, neifi wont win it. I have, however, seen dusty do dumber things (patterson leading off or hawkins closing) so i shouldnt speak too soon.

 

My understanding is, Walker's defensive metrics are among the worst in the league.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

walker has the lead for the job so far. He is a very consistent hitter, he is a lefty, and his defense is not half as bad as people say it is.

but hairston is a good fit in the two hole if he can get on base and stay healthy. he has good speed and his defense is better than walker's. dont look at last year for hairston, he was not fully healthy.

so if hairston is indeed healthy and can get on base, i say give him the job.

and dont kid yourself, neifi wont win it. I have, however, seen dusty do dumber things (patterson leading off or hawkins closing) so i shouldnt speak too soon.

 

My understanding is, Walker's defensive metrics are among the worst in the league.

 

Incorrect. Below average, yes. Bottom of the barrel, no.

[cjbucks]

Sigh. I just wish the Cubs would take Neifi out of the equation altogether and allow Walker to start and Hairston to back him up.

 

I can't wait for the season to start. I'm bored of being bored.

 

Amen to that brother!

 

 

Oops :oops:

[sandberg23]

Sigh. I just wish the Cubs would take Neifi out of the equation altogether and allow Walker to start and Hairston to back him up.

 

I can't wait for the season to start. I'm bored of being bored.

 

Amen to that brother!

 

 

Oops :oops:

 

Haha...I never even saw the post. :) Yes, it's true...I'm a girl. A girl who is completely bored and ready for the season to start and who wants to see Walker starting at second base.