Todd Walker to be released

[CoolHandLuke]

Member the criticism the Cubs got for what they received in return for trading walker (i thought they could of gotten more too)? The Padres are going to eat $4M in releasing Walker. I dont understand why the offered him arby and are now releasing him before the season starts, that doesnt seem forward thinking to me.

 

EDIT: They are going to pay him $971,311 in termination pay. Never heard that before in MLB with a contract.

 

There wasn't that much criticism for what we got for Walker if I recall correctly. He had marginal value and we ended up with a very solid guy in Jose Ceda. In fact the only trade that I wasn't happy with was the Maddux deal. In all the other deals we pretty much got decent players for crap like Neifi Perez, Scott Williamson and Phil Nevin.

[CubColtPacer]

Member the criticism the Cubs got for what they received in return for trading walker (i thought they could of gotten more too)? The Padres are going to eat $4M in releasing Walker. I dont understand why the offered him arby and are now releasing him before the season starts, that doesnt seem forward thinking to me.

 

EDIT: They are going to pay him $971,311 in termination pay. Never heard that before in MLB with a contract.

 

There wasn't that much criticism for what we got for Walker if I recall correctly. He had marginal value and we ended up with a very solid guy in Jose Ceda. In fact the only trade that I wasn't happy with was the Maddux deal. In all the other deals we pretty much got decent players for crap like Neifi Perez, Scott Williamson and Phil Nevin.

 

Here, there was a lot of complaining about the Todd Walker trade-it was a split opinion on if people thought he was worth more than what the Cubs got. Part of that though was just the complete lack of information on Jose Ceda (which is completely understandable) and I think more people are all right with the trade now that Ceda came in and impressed in the minors last year.

 

Edit: I'm editing this post because I looked at the thread from last year and there were more positive things that I remember (opinion is pretty well split)-guess I'm remembering the Izturis thread and all the Izturis/Cedeno threads a little too well from that time. :D Here is a link to the thread-before it got to the Hendry debate, there is quite a few great predictions about the 2007 season that are fun to read :D

 

viewtopic.php?t=34283&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[brinoch]

For me, this isn't a question of Walker vs. Cedeno. It's a question of Walker vs. Ward. Who's more valuable?

 

I think picking Walker up and releasing Ward is worth considering.

[CubColtPacer]

For me, this isn't a question of Walker vs. Cedeno. It's a question of Walker vs. Ward. Who's more valuable?

 

I think picking Walker up and releasing Ward is worth considering.

 

What makes Walker more valuable than Ward? Ward had the better year last year by far. Before that, Walker had the better years-but if Ward regresses back to his usual year and Walker keeps declining, then Ward will likely be slightly better. Both can play 3 positions-Walker the 3 in the infield, Ward the two in the OF and 1B. What is there to justify eating a million by dropping Ward and signing Walker?

[CoolHandLuke]

Member the criticism the Cubs got for what they received in return for trading walker (i thought they could of gotten more too)? The Padres are going to eat $4M in releasing Walker. I dont understand why the offered him arby and are now releasing him before the season starts, that doesnt seem forward thinking to me.

 

EDIT: They are going to pay him $971,311 in termination pay. Never heard that before in MLB with a contract.

 

There wasn't that much criticism for what we got for Walker if I recall correctly. He had marginal value and we ended up with a very solid guy in Jose Ceda. In fact the only trade that I wasn't happy with was the Maddux deal. In all the other deals we pretty much got decent players for crap like Neifi Perez, Scott Williamson and Phil Nevin.

 

Here, there was a lot of complaining about the Todd Walker trade-it was a split opinion on if people thought he was worth more than what the Cubs got. Part of that though was just the complete lack of information on Jose Ceda (which is completely understandable) and I think more people are all right with the trade now that Ceda came in and impressed in the minors last year.

 

Edit: I'm editing this post because I looked at the thread from last year and there were more positive things that I remember (opinion is pretty well split)-guess I'm remembering the Izturis thread and all the Izturis/Cedeno threads a little too well from that time. :D Here is a link to the thread-before it got to the Hendry debate, there is quite a few great predictions about the 2007 season that are fun to read :D

 

viewtopic.php?t=34283&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

 

I just looked back to that thread as well and was just about to post it. Dang you!

 

It seemed a lot of the people that were mad, were more made about the fact that they would be seeing more Neifi, than about the lack of value returning in the deal.

[YearofDaCubs]

Say no to Walker..

[Jake]

I dont understand why the offered him arby and are now releasing him before the season starts, that doesnt seem forward thinking to me.

 

Giles was released byt he Braves after they signed him. So...

[Jake]

Deja Vu all over again.

 

I swear I read the exact same thread when Bobby Hill was released!

[98navigator]

For me, this isn't a question of Walker vs. Cedeno. It's a question of Walker vs. Ward. Who's more valuable?

 

I think picking Walker up and releasing Ward is worth considering.

 

What makes Walker more valuable than Ward? Ward had the better year last year by far. Before that, Walker had the better years-but if Ward regresses back to his usual year and Walker keeps declining, then Ward will likely be slightly better. Both can play 3 positions-Walker the 3 in the infield, Ward the two in the OF and 1B. What is there to justify eating a million by dropping Ward and signing Walker?

 

Plus, Daryle Ward is a PH specialist who understands his role. Although, Ward is technically DLee's backup, barring injury, he will not get many starts. Walker still considers himself a starter, is not an accomplished pinch hitter (the role he would need to fill as Ward's replacement), and is not worth being the third utility infielder off the bench.

 

I am happy that the Cubs are finally using their own players to fill utility roles. Theriot and Cedeno are talented enough to be valuable contributors while also keeping the starters from being complacent (for fear of losing playing time).

[brinoch]

For me, this isn't a question of Walker vs. Cedeno. It's a question of Walker vs. Ward. Who's more valuable?

 

I think picking Walker up and releasing Ward is worth considering.

 

What makes Walker more valuable than Ward? Ward had the better year last year by far. Before that, Walker had the better years-but if Ward regresses back to his usual year and Walker keeps declining, then Ward will likely be slightly better. Both can play 3 positions-Walker the 3 in the infield, Ward the two in the OF and 1B. What is there to justify eating a million by dropping Ward and signing Walker?

 

Please read what I wrote. I said, pretty clearly, that it was worth considering. I did not say that Walker was better than Ward.

 

You should always look to improve your team, and if Walker is an upgrade, then it might be worth it.

[YearofDaCubs]

For me, this isn't a question of Walker vs. Cedeno. It's a question of Walker vs. Ward. Who's more valuable?

 

I think picking Walker up and releasing Ward is worth considering.

 

What makes Walker more valuable than Ward? Ward had the better year last year by far. Before that, Walker had the better years-but if Ward regresses back to his usual year and Walker keeps declining, then Ward will likely be slightly better. Both can play 3 positions-Walker the 3 in the infield, Ward the two in the OF and 1B. What is there to justify eating a million by dropping Ward and signing Walker?

 

Please read what I wrote. I said, pretty clearly, that it was worth considering. I did not say that Walker was better than Ward.

 

You should always look to improve your team, and if Walker is an upgrade, then it might be worth it.

I remember Walker being really bad as a pinch hitter for us though. I don't see the value in him right now for us.

[CubColtPacer]

For me, this isn't a question of Walker vs. Cedeno. It's a question of Walker vs. Ward. Who's more valuable?

 

I think picking Walker up and releasing Ward is worth considering.

 

What makes Walker more valuable than Ward? Ward had the better year last year by far. Before that, Walker had the better years-but if Ward regresses back to his usual year and Walker keeps declining, then Ward will likely be slightly better. Both can play 3 positions-Walker the 3 in the infield, Ward the two in the OF and 1B. What is there to justify eating a million by dropping Ward and signing Walker?

 

Please read what I wrote. I said, pretty clearly, that it was worth considering. I did not say that Walker was better than Ward.

 

You should always look to improve your team, and if Walker is an upgrade, then it might be worth it.

 

I would agree with that-I just don't see any argument out there that would make Walker a better option than Ward at this point. Because of that, I was just looking for a reason why it should be considered-sorry for the confusion, I didn't mean to imply that you thought that Walker was better than Ward. To me, you should only release a player and sign another when there is either 1) a clear upgrade or 2) no downside (the player you're releasing is so terrible that the second player cannot be worse). Walker IMO is not a clear upgrade-in fact, he's most likely a small downgrade.

[cheapseats]

Just like Jacque Jones needs a platoon partner, Mark Derosa needs a platoon partner.

 

I'm not saying Todd Walker should be that platoon partner, but it is something that should be done.

 

If Theriot fills that role, great.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

For me, this isn't a question of Walker vs. Cedeno. It's a question of Walker vs. Ward. Who's more valuable?

 

I think picking Walker up and releasing Ward is worth considering.

 

What makes Walker more valuable than Ward? Ward had the better year last year by far. Before that, Walker had the better years-but if Ward regresses back to his usual year and Walker keeps declining, then Ward will likely be slightly better. Both can play 3 positions-Walker the 3 in the infield, Ward the two in the OF and 1B. What is there to justify eating a million by dropping Ward and signing Walker?

 

Please read what I wrote. I said, pretty clearly, that it was worth considering. I did not say that Walker was better than Ward.

 

You should always look to improve your team, and if Walker is an upgrade, then it might be worth it.

I remember Walker being really bad as a pinch hitter for us though. I don't see the value in him right now for us.

 

There are no guarantees of Ward repeating last year. Pinch hitting numbers aren't very reliable in predicting future performance.

[goonys evil twin]

For me, this isn't a question of Walker vs. Cedeno. It's a question of Walker vs. Ward. Who's more valuable?

 

I think picking Walker up and releasing Ward is worth considering.

 

What makes Walker more valuable than Ward? Ward had the better year last year by far. Before that, Walker had the better years-but if Ward regresses back to his usual year and Walker keeps declining, then Ward will likely be slightly better. Both can play 3 positions-Walker the 3 in the infield, Ward the two in the OF and 1B. What is there to justify eating a million by dropping Ward and signing Walker?

 

Please read what I wrote. I said, pretty clearly, that it was worth considering. I did not say that Walker was better than Ward.

 

You should always look to improve your team, and if Walker is an upgrade, then it might be worth it.

I remember Walker being really bad as a pinch hitter for us though. I don't see the value in him right now for us.

 

There are no guarantees of Ward repeating last year. Pinch hitting numbers aren't very reliable in predicting future performance.

 

But Lenny Harris has the most PH ever.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

But Lenny Harris has the most PH ever.

 

Didn't it take him about 45 years to get there?

[tkenm356]

*cough*Therayswanttoplaybjuptonandjorgecantumayeventuallybeexpendable*cough*

 

Maybe....

[BigbadB]

I'm not sure where Todd Walker will end up, but it will most likely be in the AL where he can DH and fill in at several infield positions.

 

I hope he wins his grievance. What the Padres did to him is inexcusable.

 

How a team can offer arby to a player, lose the arby case and then cut the player and only be responsible for 1/4 of the arby decision is pretty bogus.

 

Especially since they offered him arby, therefore rendering Walker as "off the market" considering teams were NOT going to give up players to get him.

 

The Padres offered him arbitration as insurance. They need to fork it over.

[CubColtPacer]

I'm not sure where Todd Walker will end up, but it will most likely be in the AL where he can DH and fill in at several infield positions.

 

I hope he wins his grievance. What the Padres did to him is inexcusable.

 

How a team can offer arby to a player, lose the arby case and then cut the player and only be responsible for 1/4 of the arby decision is pretty bogus.

 

Especially since they offered him arby, therefore rendering Walker as "off the market" considering teams were NOT going to give up players to get him.

 

The Padres offered him arbitration as insurance. They need to fork it over.

 

I'm not sure he will win now. The fact that the Padres waited until the end of ST (they paid Walker about 300K more by waiting until after March 15th) plus their insistence that they would take the 25 best people regardless of contract with them, plus Walker's ST performance gives the Padres now a good argument that they gave him a chance to make the team and that he didn't do well enough to do that.

[oldcubsfan]

I'm not sure where Todd Walker will end up, but it will most likely be in the AL where he can DH and fill in at several infield positions.

 

I hope he wins his grievance. What the Padres did to him is inexcusable.

 

How a team can offer arby to a player, lose the arby case and then cut the player and only be responsible for 1/4 of the arby decision is pretty bogus.

 

Especially since they offered him arby, therefore rendering Walker as "off the market" considering teams were NOT going to give up players to get him.

 

The Padres offered him arbitration as insurance. They need to fork it over.

 

What team wants a no power DH? BTW, he could have declined arbitration, but didn't.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'm not sure where Todd Walker will end up, but it will most likely be in the AL where he can DH and fill in at several infield positions.

 

I hope he wins his grievance. What the Padres did to him is inexcusable.

 

How a team can offer arby to a player, lose the arby case and then cut the player and only be responsible for 1/4 of the arby decision is pretty bogus.

 

Especially since they offered him arby, therefore rendering Walker as "off the market" considering teams were NOT going to give up players to get him.

 

The Padres offered him arbitration as insurance. They need to fork it over.

 

What team wants a no power DH? BTW, he could have declined arbitration, but didn't.

 

Declining would have been the worst move since the Padres had attached the first round pick compensation to him. He would have been unsignable in that case.

 

Once offered, Walker really had little choice to accept.

[davearm]

I'm not sure where Todd Walker will end up, but it will most likely be in the AL where he can DH and fill in at several infield positions.

 

I hope he wins his grievance. What the Padres did to him is inexcusable.

 

How a team can offer arby to a player, lose the arby case and then cut the player and only be responsible for 1/4 of the arby decision is pretty bogus.

 

Especially since they offered him arby, therefore rendering Walker as "off the market" considering teams were NOT going to give up players to get him.

 

The Padres offered him arbitration as insurance. They need to fork it over.

What the Padres did is operate within the agreement that Walker's union collectively bargained with the owners.

 

Any grievance Walker has is with Don Fehr.

[CubsWin]

For me, this isn't a question of Walker vs. Cedeno. It's a question of Walker vs. Ward. Who's more valuable?

 

I think picking Walker up and releasing Ward is worth considering.

 

What makes Walker more valuable than Ward? Ward had the better year last year by far. Before that, Walker had the better years-but if Ward regresses back to his usual year and Walker keeps declining, then Ward will likely be slightly better. Both can play 3 positions-Walker the 3 in the infield, Ward the two in the OF and 1B. What is there to justify eating a million by dropping Ward and signing Walker?

 

Please read what I wrote. I said, pretty clearly, that it was worth considering. I did not say that Walker was better than Ward.

 

You should always look to improve your team, and if Walker is an upgrade, then it might be worth it.

I remember Walker being really bad as a pinch hitter for us though. I don't see the value in him right now for us.

 

There are no guarantees of Ward repeating last year. Pinch hitting numbers aren't very reliable in predicting future performance.

Just got back from ST, and the only player who looked bad, and I mean like not ready to contribute bad, was Ward. He looked injured and/or out of shape. Either he is simply not ready to start the season physically due to lack of training or there is something wrong with him. His numbers this spring reflect what was undeniable to the naked eye.

 

Here's hoping that he's okay. If he's not, and the Cubs pass on Walker, Floyd should be able to fill in as the back-up 1B, but it would be nice to have more than one lefty bat off the bench. If I'm Hendry, I'm having a talk with the trainer about Daryl, opening up a bottle of wine and thinking long and hard about whether or not to swallow my pride and contact Walker's agent.

[mg420]

For me, this isn't a question of Walker vs. Cedeno. It's a question of Walker vs. Ward. Who's more valuable?

 

I think picking Walker up and releasing Ward is worth considering.

 

What makes Walker more valuable than Ward? Ward had the better year last year by far. Before that, Walker had the better years-but if Ward regresses back to his usual year and Walker keeps declining, then Ward will likely be slightly better. Both can play 3 positions-Walker the 3 in the infield, Ward the two in the OF and 1B. What is there to justify eating a million by dropping Ward and signing Walker?

 

Please read what I wrote. I said, pretty clearly, that it was worth considering. I did not say that Walker was better than Ward.

 

You should always look to improve your team, and if Walker is an upgrade, then it might be worth it.

I remember Walker being really bad as a pinch hitter for us though. I don't see the value in him right now for us.

 

There are no guarantees of Ward repeating last year. Pinch hitting numbers aren't very reliable in predicting future performance.

Just got back from ST, and the only player who looked bad, and I mean like not ready to contribute bad, was Ward. He looked injured and/or out of shape. Either he is simply not ready to start the season physically due to lack of training or there is something wrong with him. His numbers this spring reflect what was undeniable to the naked eye.

 

Here's hoping that he's okay. If he's not, and the Cubs pass on Walker, Floyd should be able to fill in as the back-up 1B, but it would be nice to have more than one lefty bat off the bench. If I'm Hendry, I'm having a talk with the trainer about Daryl, opening up a bottle of wine and thinking long and hard about whether or not to swallow my pride and contact Walker's agent.

 

too bad coats is injured. he would have been next in line if there is an issue with ward's health.

[BigbadB]

What team wants a no power DH? BTW, he could have declined arbitration, but didn't.

 

Seattle? They signed Jose Vidro to DH. He's hit 14 HR's combined over the last 2 years. Walker has 21 over the last 2 years.

 

And I didn't necessarily mean that Walker would be signed by an AL team to be the primary DH. What's left on most teams at this point other than roster filler and/or replacing an injured player?

 

Lots of teams have guys DH occasionally that aren't power guys. Shannon Stewart was signed by Oakland to fill in at DH.