Larry Walker vs. JD Drew

[dalgreen]

To my Cardinal friends, an honest question not intended to start trouble.

 

When should I expect to hear Cardinal fans griping about Walker's "injuries" and not being able to play through pain? J.D. Drew was criticized plenty in the years he spent here for his "nagging" injuries. Is Walker getting a free pass? I heard he's supposed to undergo an MRI on his neck. I give one of my co-workers credit, he's been adamant since last year that they shouldn't have signed Walker and he even called him a baby. I thought that was funny.

[moorecg]

I heard that on KFNS this morning as well...what's the prognosis as far as time out...obviously won't know for sure until the MRI but if he's out an extended period and they have to keep resting Edmonds and Sanders as they usually do there will be a lot of games where its So Taguchi, John Mabry and Abraham Nunez making up the outfield...We've got a ton of work to do...but I'd sure like to see Hendry make a move to improve our team because I think the division could still be in play.

[Catman61]

To my Cardinal friends, an honest question not intended to start trouble.

 

When should I expect to hear Cardinal fans griping about Walker's "injuries" and not being able to play through pain? J.D. Drew was criticized plenty in the years he spent here for his "nagging" injuries. Is Walker getting a free pass? I heard he's supposed to undergo an MRI on his neck. I give one of my co-workers credit, he's been adamant since last year that they shouldn't have signed Walker and he even called him a baby. I thought that was funny.

He wasn't criticized by me. But in keeping with the question, I am sure you will and have heard some bytching already (see StlToday CardsTalk & Cards MLB forum) In comparing the two, Walker is 38, JD was in his mid 20's, you would expect more nagging injuries in a 38 y/o compared to a 27-28 y/o.

 

Walker has played in 57 games and still has enough AB to qualify in the batting race. I expected around 120 games from Walker. As far as not trading for him, $5M for a player with the all around skills of Larry Walker I would do that trade again in a minute.

 

if he's out an extended period and they have to keep resting Edmonds and Sanders as they usually do there will be a lot of games where its So Taguchi, John Mabry and Abraham Nunez making up the outfield.

Walker wasn't acquired until early August, previous to that the Cardinals used Mabry, Luna, Taguchi, Cedeno, Lankford and Marlon Anderson for the 1st 109 games of the year. And the Cardinals did go 22-12 with Nunez & Mabry getting most of the PT in Rolen's DL time. It also doesn't seem likely that Sanders and Edmonds will sit the same day (or at least very few)

 

I think the division could still be in play

It is possible but won't be an easy task by any means. And the schedule doesn't help, with AZ loss last night all of the Cardinals next 17 games are vs sub .500 teams. The Cubs get to face the MLB's best record and 10 games vs teams fighting for the NL East crown.

[wolf stansson]

I think it is a combination of our team's success regardless of LW's performance and the fact that he is old as dirt.

 

There's a difference between a 37 year old who's salary we aren't paying the majority of and a 25 year monstrous talent to shocks you with his pure ability one day then complete wussiness the next. Add to that disappointment a huge bonus baby contract. We know Larry isn't a part of the Cards future, but we were expecting JD to be our cornerstone for the next 10 years or so. Luckily we stumbled upon the best hitter of a generation and were able to kick 'ole Jonathan David to the curb while we could still get some value from him.

[1wizard]

I think it is a combination of our team's success regardless of LW's performance and the fact that he is old as dirt.

 

There's a difference between a 37 year old who's salary we aren't paying the majority of and a 25 year monstrous talent to shocks you with his pure ability one day then complete wussiness the next. Add to that disappointment a huge bonus baby contract. We know Larry isn't a part of the Cards future, but we were expecting JD to be our cornerstone for the next 10 years or so. Luckily we stumbled upon the best hitter of a generation and were able to kick 'ole Jonathan David to the curb while we could still get some value from him.

 

Well said! Yet, I sure hope Jocketty can work his magic to get a solid replacement in case the old man cannot play done the stretch run and hopefully in the playoffs.

[blazedays]

JD Drew is injured again:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2100198&CMP=OTC-DT9705204233

[ZZ Thorn]

After a slow start he was getting it together. His OBP and runs scored was great.

 

Too bad for the guy that he keeps getting injured.

[wolf stansson]

I'd care and feel sorry for him if I thought he actually cared. I've never seen a more aloof baseball player.

[GaryWoods]

Luckily we stumbled upon the best hitter of a generation and were able to kick 'ole Jonathan David to the curb while we could still get some value from him.

 

Don't ask me why, but it's actually David Jonathan.