Walker's comments on 2nd base battle

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Murph on The Score is talking about Walker. He's asking the callers "if he's becoming a pain in the ass?" Surprisingly, Murph (a big Dusty hater) is supporting Baker's comments about Todd calling "somebody a liar." Baker said that he wasn't sure who Todd was talking about but he should bring that up man to man instead of in the media...

 

IMO, Walker's days are numbered.

 

listen here

 

Walker's also lowering his trade value by doing this. Maybe some of it is intentional, although I hope not. Hopefully it's just a miscommunication and Todd and Dusty will iron it out quickly man to man.

[CubinNY]

If Neifi is the everyday 2nd baseman for an extended period of time this summer, the Cubs chances of winning the division are even smaller then before. I don't think Hairston is that great a shakes either. And we know he probably won't be healthy for an entire season.

 

I like Walker. Just infering from his comments, I believe he thinks he is getting a raw deal. I don't know if that is what he thinks, but if he does I agree with him. All the same though, he should bring it up with management and not the media.

[goonys evil twin]

Dusty and his players routinely contradict each other when it comes to revealing info about conversations between them. Are we going to just ignore that history and the implications it has about the honesty with which Dusty speaks about his players, and villify Walker.

 

Does that really matter in the scheme of things? Walker is the player and Baker is the manager. How is this different than what goes on in the regular workplace? Many times workers feel that management has wronged them but they don't talk about it publically.

 

Now Walker is saying, on the radio, that Jim Hendry and Dusty Baker never lied to him. He says his comments were generalizations about his previous experiences on other teams...

 

How could it not matter in the scheme of things. Most employees aren't interviewed by the media and asked about their relationship with management. Most employees don't have their bosses tell the media they are looking to replace them. Bringing that line of thinking into the discussion is completely pointless.

 

This whole story looks like a classic case of people taking bits and pieces of quotes and deciding to roast somebody without looking at the story in context. Walker said nothing wrong. Teams tell players things to get them to sign. Oh wow, what a revelation. As far as anybody can tell, Walker never said Hendry lied to him. Dusty and his players have a history of telling the media two different stories about the supposedly same conversation. Why Walker gets taken to task for this is beyond me. This is a non-story that people are taking way too far.

[Blueheart05]

Dusty and his players routinely contradict each other when it comes to revealing info about conversations between them. Are we going to just ignore that history and the implications it has about the honesty with which Dusty speaks about his players, and villify Walker.

 

Does that really matter in the scheme of things? Walker is the player and Baker is the manager. How is this different than what goes on in the regular workplace? Many times workers feel that management has wronged them but they don't talk about it publically.

 

Now Walker is saying, on the radio, that Jim Hendry and Dusty Baker never lied to him. He says his comments were generalizations about his previous experiences on other teams...

 

How could it not matter in the scheme of things. Most employees aren't interviewed by the media and asked about their relationship with management. Most employees don't have their bosses tell the media they are looking to replace them. Bringing that line of thinking into the discussion is completely pointless.

 

This whole story looks like a classic case of people taking bits and pieces of quotes and deciding to roast somebody without looking at the story in context. Walker said nothing wrong. Teams tell players things to get them to sign. Oh wow, what a revelation. As far as anybody can tell, Walker never said Hendry lied to him. Dusty and his players have a history of telling the media two different stories about the supposedly same conversation. Why Walker gets taken to task for this is beyond me. This is a non-story that people are taking way too far.

 

The Cubs have never said publically that they were going to replace Walker they said it is a competition. Also, the media aspect of speaking publically is obviously unique to this case but people do gossip and speak ill of others (including their boss) in the workplace. It isn't smart in either case and it doesn't bode well for his future because other teams are watching this drama unfold.

 

Walker is being taken to task because his own words are coming back to bite him. Again, he is not in a position of power so he should prove his worth on the field (regardless of how he or others think of the process).

 

If it was a simple matter of him having conviction in his words he wouldn't be back peddling. The Score just played an interview he gave today where he says he wasn't implying that Hendry or Baker lied to him. So which is it? I think he feels wronged but he doesn't know when to keep quiet. That's the problem.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I personally can understand Walker's frustration. First of all, he wasn't happy with being a back-up in 2004. However, even when he admitted he didn't play as well as back-up, he said it was the situation he signed on as and said that he wouldn't do it again.

 

When he signed his current deal prior to the 2005 season, he signed to be a starter. Those were the promises made to him and he started in 2005. He had an option for 2006. Since he signed the deal with the expectation that he would start, he likely believes, and rightfully so, that if the Cubs picked up the option it would be with intentions to let him start. In his mind, if the Cubs aren't willing to do that, they should have declined his option and let him seek employment on his own terms.

 

My guess is that since his option was picked up and he is not named the starter and that he had to endure trade rumors, he's not as happy with the organization as he would like. While some may call that unprofessional, is it not just as unprofessional to go back on your word---even if that isn't done out in the open?

 

Also, while some have compared Walker's mouthing off to corporate America, it isn't the same thing exactly. If this happened in corporate America, the worker could suffer damages by being terminated. Walker, while he might get released, would still collect his check. He is free to mouth off if he wants without compensation. I'm guessing if many in corporate America had that security as well as an audience as Walker has, they would mouth off about wrongs at work as well.

[goonys evil twin]

The Cubs have never said publically that they were going to replace Walker they said it is a competition.

 

 

They went as far as listing 3 middle infielders they were comfortable with, and not including Walker on the list. They've talked about open competition a lot, when none of the other competitors has done a thing to deserve a shot at the position full time. It's an insult to any major league player to have his manager and GM state Neifi Perez is being given a chance to win his job. Hairston is a credible fall-back option if you're stuck without a real 2B, but he's had a pretty long career to earn a starting job and hasn't come close to proving he can be a good starter for 150 games a year. We're talking about a team that strongly emphasizes tenure and seniority. Saying the second base job is open for competition this spring is the same as saying Walker is already gone. I can't understand why people have a problem with what Todd has done. Heaven forbid somebody talk openly and honestly. I'd much rather hear about vague rehab assignments that don't really have schedules and how kids have to earn a job in spring training while veterans just have to show they can move around a little.

 

And on top of all this, open competition for starting roles in spring training is absolutely pointless, and terrible baseball decision making. Spring training will not tell you which of these guys should start. Their career paths have already told you that. If over the course of the next couple months Walker proves to be less of a contributor than he was last year, you can think about replacing him. Doing so now is unwise and a sign of a team with misplaced priorities and irrational decision making skills.

[TheDude]

With all the talking this team has done about "guys who catch the ball," I just can't see Walker having a fair shot at winning the 2B job. Really, the guy shouldn't even need to be fighting for a starting job - he's far and away the best option we have at 2B - but the inept management of this team has alienated one of our best hitters, who they will likely get rid of so we can play a guy who can "catch the ball."

 

Walker alienated himself. It doesn't matter if Hendry took a "catch the ball" mentality into his offseason. That's a team mentality. You think Aramis Ramirez was ever in danger of losing his spot over defense?

 

Walker alienated himself with his mouth. He is not without say in his own PT. If was worried about losing his job to defensive specialist like Neifi Perez, then he should have spent the offseason working on his defense, continually improving. It's within his power to eliminate management's doubt by proving it on the field.

[goonys evil twin]

If was worried about losing his job to defensive specialist like Neifi Perez, then he should have spent the offseason working on his defense, continually improving. It's within his power to eliminate management's doubt by proving it on the field.

 

It is not within his power to significantly improve defensively. Even if he worked his butt off all offseason on defense it wouldn't have made much of a difference. Besides, defensive ratings are largely based on reputation. How good you are in reality really doesn't come close to mattering as much as how good people think you are with the glove.

[TheDude]

If was worried about losing his job to defensive specialist like Neifi Perez, then he should have spent the offseason working on his defense, continually improving. It's within his power to eliminate management's doubt by proving it on the field.

 

It is not within his power to significantly improve defensively. Even if he worked his butt off all offseason on defense it wouldn't have made much of a difference. Besides, defensive ratings are largely based on reputation. How good you are in reality really doesn't come close to mattering as much as how good people think you are with the glove.

 

Reputations can change, which is why I stated he could get on the field and demonstrate an improvement, if he wanted to.

 

There is always room to improve.

[goonys evil twin]

Reputations can change, which is why I stated he could get on the field and demonstrate an improvement, if he wanted to.

 

There is always room to improve.

 

It sounds good and is a fine way to try and motivate players to get better. But a 32 year old second baseman isn't going to improve significantly defensively no matter how much he works on it.

[KatJ]

Agree with whoever said it above: shut up and earn the job with your bat. You're pissed? I don't blame you. But vent to your wife or your agent. If you really desire to stay here, you are not helping things out by calling the GM (and I think its clear that he is refering to Hendry) a liar.

 

And that is precisely why Dusty is a poor manager. He is more interested in being these guys' friends rather than their coach.

 

I am so sick of hearing Cub players and our manager shoot their mouths off in front of the media and NOT DELIVERING THE GOODS ON THE FIELD. That's why you get booed, you bums! Ryno kept his thoughts to himself, and even though Gracie was far from a saint, he was consistent on the field.

[goonys evil twin]

Agree with whoever said it above: shut up and earn the job with your bat. You're pissed? I don't blame you. But vent to your wife or your agent. If you really desire to stay here, you are not helping things out by calling the GM (and I think its clear that he is refering to Hendry) a liar.

 

And that is precisely why Dusty is a poor manager. He is more interested in being these guys' friends rather than their coach.

 

I am so sick of hearing Cub players and our manager shoot their mouths off in front of the media and NOT DELIVERING THE GOODS ON THE FIELD. That's why you get booed, you bums! Ryno kept his thoughts to himself, and even though Gracie was far from a saint, he was consistent on the field.

 

While Grace certainly did a whole lot more on the field than Walker, Todd has been a consistent producer in his time here. And Mark talked to the media just as much. He complained about how management treated him and his contract. You always heard somewhat veiled snipes at others. Ryno was quiet, but few players are that quiet. And it's unfair to expect them to be, especially when there are so many demands on these guys to talk, by media and fans. There wasn't anywhere near the same level of prying in Ryno's time as there is now, and when it did start to heat up in the 90's he walked away from the game. So let's not be so quick to jump on today's players for not being Ryno.

[Blueheart05]

I personally can understand Walker's frustration. First of all, he wasn't happy with being a back-up in 2004. However, even when he admitted he didn't play as well as back-up, he said it was the situation he signed on as and said that he wouldn't do it again.

 

When he signed his current deal prior to the 2005 season, he signed to be a starter. Those were the promises made to him and he started in 2005. He had an option for 2006. Since he signed the deal with the expectation that he would start, he likely believes, and rightfully so, that if the Cubs picked up the option it would be with intentions to let him start. In his mind, if the Cubs aren't willing to do that, they should have declined his option and let him seek employment on his own terms.

 

My guess is that since his option was picked up and he is not named the starter and that he had to endure trade rumors, he's not as happy with the organization as he would like. While some may call that unprofessional, is it not just as unprofessional to go back on your word---even if that isn't done out in the open?

 

Also, while some have compared Walker's mouthing off to corporate America, it isn't the same thing exactly. If this happened in corporate America, the worker could suffer damages by being terminated. Walker, while he might get released, would still collect his check. He is free to mouth off if he wants without compensation. I'm guessing if many in corporate America had that security as well as an audience as Walker has, they would mouth off about wrongs at work as well.

 

In 2004 Walker signed as a backup so he had no right to be frustrated. In 2005 he was promised a starting position and when he wasn't injured he was the starter. I don't believe that Hendry promised him anything with regard to picking up his option; Walker has retracted his own statements about this issue. The Cubs made a business decision not unlike other teams.

 

Walker can't have it both ways; that is, he can't publically say he loves the team and wants to play then insinuate that he's been lied to (then claim to be misquoted). Whether he likes it or not he is at the mercy of the Cubs (just as most players are to their team). He agreed to the team option.

 

This situation is very similar to any other workplace. While it is true that he will be paid, even if released, it is also a truism for other players yet it is the exception and not the rule to have open disagreements with management (unless the goal is to be traded which Walker says he doesn't want). I still contend that his loose cannon ways with the media are hurting his chances on this team and possibly with other teams as well.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

If Walker really has a ten-team "no trade" list, I really don't see him going anywhere.

[Blueheart05]

If Walker really has a ten-team "no trade" list, I really don't see him going anywhere.

 

He was asked if the limited no trade clause covered Spring Training and conceeded that it probably did not. The Cubs may still be able to trade him anywhere before the regular season begins.

[treebird]

id do the same thing if i was todd

 

playing for the cubs would suck

 

getting benched in favor of neifi and having dusty on your case all the time would suck even more

[goonys evil twin]

This situation is very similar to any other workplace.

 

No it's not. It's unlike just about any other workplace situation. And I still don't see what all the fuss is about.

[Blueheart05]

This situation is very similar to any other workplace.

 

No it's not. It's unlike just about any other workplace situation. And I still don't see what all the fuss is about.

 

We have to agree to disagree. I believe that the rules of the workplace apply here (if not directly then in essence). He can't go about trashing the manager and or GM (directly or through insinuation) and think that there will be no repercussions (some would view his behavior as insubordination). I don't see how this helps his case. Even if the Cubs can't trade him they don't have to play him.

 

I think Walker realizes now that he's stepped over the line. It has been reported, on the radio, that Hendry talked with him about the "liar" comment. Since that time he's been very conciliatory and offered public apologies.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

It looks like the Walker/Cubs lying controversy has been cleared up.

 

 

 

link

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

It looks as if Walker had patched things up with Hendry and Baker.

 

Link.

 

Without blaming the media, the well-traveled Walker sought out reporters and insisted he didn’t mean to say the Cubs had lied to him about his role for 2006.

 

“Yesterday I made a generalization about front offices,” said Walker, who since 1996 has played for Minnesota, Colorado, Cincinnati, Boston and the Cubs. “I’ve been lied to in the past, but never by Jim Hendry and never by Dusty Baker.

 

“Jim told me this off-season, and I think I told you guys this already, it’s an open competition, and I’m totally cool with that. If I don’t play, I’m going to be pulling for whoever’s out there. But I never intended in any way to insinuate that I was lied to.”

 

After the Cubs lost 10-6 to the Colorado Rockies on Monday, Baker confirmed that he and Walker talked during the day.

 

“We got it straight,” Baker said. “OK. He told me the same thing (about not meaning to rip the Cubs). You’ve got to accept what a man says.”

 

[CubinNY]

It looks as if Walker had patched things up with Hendry and Baker.

 

Link.

 

Without blaming the media, the well-traveled Walker sought out reporters and insisted he didn’t mean to say the Cubs had lied to him about his role for 2006.

 

“Yesterday I made a generalization about front offices,” said Walker, who since 1996 has played for Minnesota, Colorado, Cincinnati, Boston and the Cubs. “I’ve been lied to in the past, but never by Jim Hendry and never by Dusty Baker.

 

“Jim told me this off-season, and I think I told you guys this already, it’s an open competition, and I’m totally cool with that. If I don’t play, I’m going to be pulling for whoever’s out there. But I never intended in any way to insinuate that I was lied to.”

 

After the Cubs lost 10-6 to the Colorado Rockies on Monday, Baker confirmed that he and Walker talked during the day.

 

“We got it straight,” Baker said. “OK. He told me the same thing (about not meaning to rip the Cubs). You’ve got to accept what a man says.”

 

10 bucks says Walker is gone after the WBC is over.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

It looks as if Walker had patched things up with Hendry and Baker.

 

Link.

 

Without blaming the media, the well-traveled Walker sought out reporters and insisted he didn’t mean to say the Cubs had lied to him about his role for 2006.

 

“Yesterday I made a generalization about front offices,” said Walker, who since 1996 has played for Minnesota, Colorado, Cincinnati, Boston and the Cubs. “I’ve been lied to in the past, but never by Jim Hendry and never by Dusty Baker.

 

“Jim told me this off-season, and I think I told you guys this already, it’s an open competition, and I’m totally cool with that. If I don’t play, I’m going to be pulling for whoever’s out there. But I never intended in any way to insinuate that I was lied to.”

 

After the Cubs lost 10-6 to the Colorado Rockies on Monday, Baker confirmed that he and Walker talked during the day.

 

“We got it straight,” Baker said. “OK. He told me the same thing (about not meaning to rip the Cubs). You’ve got to accept what a man says.”

 

10 bucks says Walker is gone after the WBC is over.

 

 

I guess that depends on if that 10-team "no trade" list is in effect.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Rick Morrisey writes a good article on Walker and the situation.

 

Link

 

Walker was sleeping in the Cubs' doghouse for a few days last week after making some comments about the integrity of front-office people in general. The front-office people in particular around here took exception. They jumped on him as if he had made a box-cutter joke in the airport security line.

 

"I've lost sleep over these last few days," Walker said. "It's nobody's fault but my own. When you feel like you've been backed into a corner, you come out clawing and scratching. Your competitive nature takes over. But in this game, you're better off just leading by what you do on the field."

 

Morrisey spends some more lines pimping Walker for the secondbase job.

 

Walker should be frustrated. He knows he can hit. He hit .305 in 110 games last season. He's a .290 career hitter. He's hitting .320 this spring and is second on the team with nine runs batted in, one behind Aramis Ramirez.

 

If he has two fully operational eyes, he can see that the Cubs are going to need offense. And he's a left-handed hitter in a world that covets them.

 

But manager Dusty Baker disputes the theory that the Cubs had better have their bats in order at the start of the regular season. And everything he said Sunday morning seemed to indicate that Jerry Hairston would be the Cubs' starting second baseman come April 3.

 

And I like this quote from Walker.

 

 

 

"I know I love this team," Walker said. "That's what makes this difficult. In the past, I've never really been attached to a team. And in this game, you really shouldn't be. You can get moved any day. That's what's made this tough for me: I don't want to go anywhere. I think we have a great chance to win."

[CDBears1259]

I really wish this whole Walker/Hairston/Perez for 2B fiasco would just disappear. If either of the 2 besides Walker is starting for any significant amount of time, I for one am going to livid. There should be no question as to which of the 3 should be starting IMO. I'm sorry, but I have no confidence in Hairston as full time starter when it comes to an offensive roll within the team and I don't think his defensive ability justifies him starting over Walker. In fact, I really don't think Hairston is all that great in general.

[Andy]

For all the pissing and moaning Dusty and Hendry do about turning the double play, they seem awfully willing to overlook the fact that Neifi grounds into at the very least 3-5 times the double plays that Walker's defense prevents him from getting turned.