They're starting Hairston.

[A New Era]

If you listen to, or watch the games. It's really not that hard to see. It seems like they (Hendry, Baker, Santo, MacPhail, or whoever else you want to count) have already decided, and have been talking about this behind closed doors already.

 

Any time a game is on WGN radio, Santo basically talks about Hairston as the 2B. Which leads me to beleive he has had some conversations already with Hendry or Baker (I guess they talk alot) and that he is just not very good at "keeping a secret". . It just sounds like he knows Hairston is already set as the starting 2B, but just forgots that he's on the air and 1000's of people are listening. . Santo seems to be trying to "sell Hairston to the public". . I mean you hear all the praise coming out of Santo's mouth about hairston? About how impressive he has been this spring, ect. . And you see how it's always mentioned about Walker's health, and they're not quite sure he can play a full season? Maybe this is an agenda they have, and are doing this on purpose, to slowly sell us the idea of Hairston at 2B.

 

Every time I read a quote from Hendry, he mentions how Hairston wasn't 100% last year, and how he is looking better. That he's fast, and plans to steal alot more this year. Talks about his 2002/2003 #'s as the [last time he's felt really good]. FYI, neither year did he play a full season. But did put up impressive #'s. Even better than Walker as far as .OBP.

 

So am I looking too much into this? Or have I caught onto something? Should we just hang our coats up now, and just Hope that Hairston has it in him, to put up good offensive #'s, as well as providing good defense at 2B?

[UMFan83]

Its an idea to take into consideration for sure. But I doubt Hairston would win the 2B job outright. There would be some sort of platoon. But I can envision Hendry wanting Pierre/Hairston 1 and 2 in the order in a lighter version of Pierre/Castillo. I guess he thinks that if you can't beat them, you must join them

[NorthsideAvenger]

Its an idea to take into consideration for sure. But I doubt Hairston would win the 2B job outright. There would be some sort of platoon. But I can envision Hendry wanting Pierre/Hairston 1 and 2 in the order in a lighter version of Pierre/Castillo. I guess he thinks that if you can't beat them, you must join them

 

I actually see JHJ feeling the role that of defensive replacement if the game is close in 7th inning or later/starter against a tough lefty. I don't see Hairston a starter, unless the Marlins would prefer JHR over Uggla.

[Balsa]

I think Hairston will start for a number of reasons:

 

1) Walker's mouth

 

2) Walker wasn't fast enough to score from third yesterday when Cedeno was caught in a rundown between first and second. Hairston would be.

 

3) Hairston is hitting very well.

 

4) Hendry's remark:

 

“I think Jerry Hairston has come in like I heard he was in the winter — he’s lighter; I think he’s faster, quicker,” Hendry said. “He seems to be much improved defensively from when he was first here last year.

[Bgbird68]

I also found it very odd that Santo, the ultimate company man, on the first spring telecast specifically mentioned that Walker may not have the range to play everyday due to his knee problem. When I heard Santo talk about Walker like that, I figured he had to have had info from someone about who they wanted to start at 2nd.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

This Walker contraversy shouldn't suprise anyone. Since day 1 of the off-season, the Cubs FO has stated improving defensively is one of the teams prorities.

 

Anyone who watched yesterday's game got a good taste of Walker defensively. A routine short pop-up he booted.

 

There is a reason why Walker's longest stint with any MLB club is 2 years, maybe 3 if he sticks with the Cubs this year.

 

If he isn't traded, he will platoon with Hairston @ 2nd. One thing I don't understand in this whole thing is why Neifi is even considered in the 2nd base job?

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Hairston has been impressive so far in ST. I don't know if that outweighs all the mental mistakes he made last year - those weren't caused by injuries. :wink:

[CheeseHead Cubs Fan]

Hairston has been impressive so far in ST. I don't know if that outweighs all the mental mistakes he made last year - those weren't caused by injuries. :wink:

 

For sake of argument, did Hairston's mental mistakes cost more games than Walkers defense?

 

While I'm at it...I would welcome JHJ as startd 2nd baseman. I just don't have much love for TWalk anymore...not sure what it is.

[goonys evil twin]

Hairston has been impressive so far in ST. I don't know if that outweighs all the mental mistakes he made last year - those weren't caused by injuries. :wink:

 

For sake of argument, did Hairston's mental mistakes cost more games than Walkers defense?

 

While I'm at it...I would welcome JHJ as startd 2nd baseman. I just don't have much love for TWalk anymore...not sure what it is.

 

I would welcome Hairston as the starter if we had some sort of guarantee he'd be at his best. Unfortunately, he's never been a full-time starter of any solid quality, and starting him and getting rid of Walker increases the likelihood of Neifi getting 400+ PA.

[CheeseHead Cubs Fan]

Hairston has been impressive so far in ST. I don't know if that outweighs all the mental mistakes he made last year - those weren't caused by injuries. :wink:

 

For sake of argument, did Hairston's mental mistakes cost more games than Walkers defense?

 

While I'm at it...I would welcome JHJ as startd 2nd baseman. I just don't have much love for TWalk anymore...not sure what it is.

 

I would welcome Hairston as the starter if we had some sort of guarantee he'd be at his best. Unfortunately, he's never been a full-time starter of any solid quality, and starting him and getting rid of Walker increases the likelihood of Neifi getting 400+ PA.

 

Well, that I wont allow :) ... I did find it funny that the Brewer TV crew mentioned JHJ as a "solid 4th outfielder" as his role... nothing mentioned whatsoever at 2nd.

 

I can deal with a platoon of JHJ and TWalk at 2nd, I just don't think TWalk can deal with that.

[rocket]

How did Hairston get the reputation as a solid gloveman now? Last year when we traded for him, everyone said he was below average with the glove. Now he makes a couple nice diving catches in centerfield, and the perception about his defense changes?

 

Walker is a superior hitter to Hairston. Hairston might have a slight edge in defense. But apparently Hairston makes more mental mistakes, so that takes away his defensive edge.

 

Starting anyone but Walker is foolish. I'm fine with a platoon, since Walker would still get most of the starts. But if Hairston/Neifi gets most of the starts, then the Cubs are asking to finish in 4th again.

[goonys evil twin]

But if Hairston/Neifi gets most of the starts, then the Cubs are asking to finish in 4th again.

 

I think it would be more like demanding to finish in 4th.

[badgercub]

I am still of the belief that Todd Walker will not be with the Cubs on opening day. Walker has his +'s and -'s as does Hairston and I don't think either one, in and of themselves is going to be that much of an impact player in determining where the Cubs finish in the standings. The Cubs will rely on their pitching staff, Pierre's ability to get on base, and Lee and Ramirez ability to drive them in.

[BigbadB]

I am still of the belief that Todd Walker will not be with the Cubs on opening day. Walker has his +'s and -'s as does Hairston and I don't think either one, in and of themselves is going to be that much of an impact player in determining where the Cubs finish in the standings. The Cubs will rely on their pitching staff, Pierre's ability to get on base, and Lee and Ramirez ability to drive them in.

 

You may be right, but trading Walker for basically nothing in return (considering how no teams have shown much interest) is probably the worst idea of all of them. I'd rather have Walker coming off the bench to pinch hit or spot start than have Neifi pinch hitting or spot starting ahead of someone like Luis Matos (rumor only).

 

I just don't think you trade a relatively cheap bat if you aren't going to get equal return.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Matos? wtf :x

[Shilzzz]

you know what, i noticed this too. it's funny how when the cubs orginization tries to get things done, they are alot like the bush administration. just tell us what is going on.

[badgercub]

I am still of the belief that Todd Walker will not be with the Cubs on opening day. Walker has his +'s and -'s as does Hairston and I don't think either one, in and of themselves is going to be that much of an impact player in determining where the Cubs finish in the standings. The Cubs will rely on their pitching staff, Pierre's ability to get on base, and Lee and Ramirez ability to drive them in.

 

You may be right, but trading Walker for basically nothing in return (considering how no teams have shown much interest) is probably the worst idea of all of them. I'd rather have Walker coming off the bench to pinch hit or spot start than have Neifi pinch hitting or spot starting ahead of someone like Luis Matos (rumor only).

 

I just don't think you trade a relatively cheap bat if you aren't going to get equal return.

 

I think that is why Hendry is waiting. Hendry is waiting for some team to suffer an injury to their second baseman and then he will be able to get fair value or get the other team to overpay.

[Blueheart05]

I've been listening to Santo laud Hairston as well and IMO, the Cubs haven't told him anything (especially knowing he isn't the most savy individual. He's the same guy who makes it a point to tell listeners when he returns from the bathroom so I don't see him being trusted with any roster secrets...) I think that Ron is just giving his opinion about what he'd like to see at 2B.

[TheDude]

Matos? wtf :x

 

If Walker gets traded, it's probably to the Marlins. They don't have a real starting 2B (or anywhere else but 3B for that matter) and Walker is cheap enough to get their attention.

[Crash]

Listening to them interview Jim Hendry in the booth during yesterday's game cemented in my mind that the Cubs brass believe JHJ will be the starting 2nd baseman on opening day. Hendry was pratically glowing about JHJ. About how he had come to ST in great shape and how we were really seeing the player Jerry could be.

[abuck1220]

How did Hairston get the reputation as a solid gloveman now? Last year when we traded for him, everyone said he was below average with the glove. Now he makes a couple nice diving catches in centerfield, and the perception about his defense changes?

 

Walker is a superior hitter to Hairston. Hairston might have a slight edge in defense. But apparently Hairston makes more mental mistakes, so that takes away his defensive edge.

 

Starting anyone but Walker is foolish. I'm fine with a platoon, since Walker would still get most of the starts. But if Hairston/Neifi gets most of the starts, then the Cubs are asking to finish in 4th again.

 

i don't know where the idea that hairston is solid defensively at 2nd came from. i think he's average at best. it seems like defensive ability is based mostly on reputation and a couple of quotes. larussa says pujols is a GG defender, so now everyone says it. someone in minnesota said walker sucks defensively, so now everyone says it.

[Crash]

How did Hairston get the reputation as a solid gloveman now? Last year when we traded for him, everyone said he was below average with the glove. Now he makes a couple nice diving catches in centerfield, and the perception about his defense changes?

 

Walker is a superior hitter to Hairston. Hairston might have a slight edge in defense. But apparently Hairston makes more mental mistakes, so that takes away his defensive edge.

 

Starting anyone but Walker is foolish. I'm fine with a platoon, since Walker would still get most of the starts. But if Hairston/Neifi gets most of the starts, then the Cubs are asking to finish in 4th again.

 

i don't know where the idea that hairston is solid defensively at 2nd came from. i think he's average at best.

 

I think the perception that Hairston is good defensively at 2nd is a result of him having some speed. People assume because Hairston is fast means he fields the position better than "slow" guys.

[TrueBlueCubFan]

How did Hairston get the reputation as a solid gloveman now? Last year when we traded for him, everyone said he was below average with the glove. Now he makes a couple nice diving catches in centerfield, and the perception about his defense changes?

 

Walker is a superior hitter to Hairston. Hairston might have a slight edge in defense. But apparently Hairston makes more mental mistakes, so that takes away his defensive edge.

 

Starting anyone but Walker is foolish. I'm fine with a platoon, since Walker would still get most of the starts. But if Hairston/Neifi gets most of the starts, then the Cubs are asking to finish in 4th again.

 

i don't know where the idea that hairston is solid defensively at 2nd came from. i think he's average at best.

 

I think the perception that Hairston is good defensively at 2nd is a result of him having some speed. People assume because Hairston is fast means he fields the position better than "slow" guys.

His speed will make his range better & his ability to get to GB's that Walker wouldn't have. However, speed doesn't make a better glove.