Trib says Walker "probably as good as gone"

[rawaction]

Who cares about defense? This team is not losing because of defense. This ain't football. Defense doesn't win championships.

 

Hope that's sarcasm.

 

Cubs are 12th in MLB defensive eff., better than their offense and pitching.

 

Uh, no.

[UK1679666180]

Why was he brought back by the Cubs? If there was something there that isn't seen with stats or whatever dumb statement that was, why would the Cubs bring him back? He was a FA, the Cubs could've very well brought Grudzielanek back, but wanted Walker instead.

 

Look at Reggie Sanders, there's nothing wrong with him and he's being on too many teams to remember.

 

Certain players have this trend throughout their career, he's a role player, role players often shift as team structures shift.

 

Radical concept indeed. Stats didn't tell me that either...

 

So basically whatever Hendry decides will be fine?? That's what I'm gathering from your argument.

 

Where the heck do you get that?

 

By stating the Cubs brought Walker back instead of Grudzielanek, I'll blindly support Hendry?

Edited August 28, 2005 by UK

[UK1679666180]

You didn't address the Reggie Sanders thing. What, did you go to high school with him or something?

 

Yes, I also dated his sister.

 

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6235153

 

The concept of a player who goes to multiple teams can be what they call being caught in a numbers game.

 

There's one instance, everything I recall from Sanders is that he has been an ideal teammate throughout his career, despite playing on several teams.

[rawaction]

Who cares about defense? This team is not losing because of defense. This ain't football. Defense doesn't win championships.

 

I'm sure Zambrano and Prior would love this approach.

 

I'm sure they'd love getting more than 4 runs of offensive support a game more.

[reggiemiller rules]

You didn't address the Reggie Sanders thing. What, did you go to high school with him or something?

 

Yes, I also dated his sister.

 

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6235153

 

The concept of a player who goes to multiple teams can be what they call being caught in a numbers game.

 

There's one instance, everything I recall from Sanders is that he has been an ideal teammate throughout his career, despite playing on several teams.

 

Every team Sanders has been on has liked him, the Cardinals all say that he is one of the clubhouse leaders and one of the nicest guys on the league. Im not really sure why he has bounced around to so many teams, but it has nothing to do with his peronality, or for that fact his skills because he has produced fairly well whereever he has gone.

[brfahey]

You didn't address the Reggie Sanders thing. What, did you go to high school with him or something?

 

Yes, I also dated his sister.

 

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6235153

 

The concept of a player who goes to multiple teams can be what they call being caught in a numbers game.

 

There's one instance, everything I recall from Sanders is that he has been an ideal teammate throughout his career, despite playing on several teams.

 

Not saying Sanders isn't a good teammate, but how do you have that info unless you were a teammate of his. You are speculating, and perhaps correctly. Just like I was speculating that Walker may have issues.

[UK1679666180]

You go by what you read in the paper what players about him in interviews. Everything I've read about players or seen from him is that he's an ideal teammate.

 

Players don't go out of their way and says things like Larry Walker mentioned if he wasn't a quality teammate.

 

If Todd Walker had issues with the club, I don't think they would've brought him back. Especially in that same off-season, they got rid of Sosa, Alou, Farnsworth, and Mercker for character issues.

 

If they were "cleansing the clubhouse" why would they bring him back as a FA as they were getting rid of the bad seeds? It doesn't make sense.

[leatherguts]

Who cares about defense? This team is not losing because of defense. This ain't football. Defense doesn't win championships.

 

Hope that's sarcasm.

 

Cubs are 12th in MLB defensive eff., better than their offense and pitching.

 

Uh, no.

 

Wow. So I guess the '04 White Sox were one of the best teams ever, huh?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Why was he brought back by the Cubs? If there was something there that isn't seen with stats or whatever dumb statement that was, why would the Cubs bring him back? He was a FA, the Cubs could've very well brought Grudzielanek back, but wanted Walker instead.

 

Look at Reggie Sanders, there's nothing wrong with him and he's being on too many teams to remember.

 

Certain players have this trend throughout their career, he's a role player, role players often shift as team structures shift.

 

Radical concept indeed. Stats didn't tell me that either...

He was brought back by the Cubs b/c in 04' the Cubs were too RH dominant offense. Needing to get some LH hitters in the mix. A goal for the Cubs is going to be get stronger defensively, IIRC they rank near the bottom of the NL in defense.

 

According to BP, The Cubs are 5th in the NL in Defensive efficiency, 12th in MLB. That's not even close to the bottom, and certainly not worth sacrificing offense to improve.

 

EDIT: Wow, I'm beyond late. Reading comprehension is fun.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Who cares about defense? This team is not losing because of defense. This ain't football. Defense doesn't win championships.

 

Hope that's sarcasm.

 

Cubs are 12th in MLB defensive eff., better than their offense and pitching.

 

Uh, no.

 

Wow. So I guess the '04 White Sox were one of the best teams ever, huh?

 

No, and the fact that they were 25th in MLB in ERA probably had a hand in that.

[UK1679666180]

Who cares about defense? This team is not losing because of defense. This ain't football. Defense doesn't win championships.

 

Hope that's sarcasm.

 

Cubs are 12th in MLB defensive eff., better than their offense and pitching.

 

Uh, no.

 

Wow. So I guess the '04 White Sox were one of the best teams ever, huh?

 

No, and the fact that they were 25th in MLB in ERA probably had a hand in that.

 

Now, they happen to be the best in the AL. 2nd to the Cards overall, not surprising the teams with the two best records.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Rather than go on speculation, let's go on what we do know.

 

Defense has not been a problem for this team. Offense has. Walker is one of the top hitters on the team. With Ramirez on the DL, he's likely the best hitter not named Lee.

 

Walker has an affordable option for 2005.

 

While it may be fun to speculate why Walker has bounced among teams, no one has any "proof" that he is a cancer or anything otherwise.

 

Rather than get rid of a great 2B option for next season and thereby create another hole to fill in the offseason, the Cubs should concentrate on other areas.

[CubinNY]

Can one of the Walker boosters tell me why this valuable commodity was let go by Boston, Minnesota, Colorado and the Reds? Why he, if I recall correctly, had offers from only Cleveland and the Cubs (to be a part time player) after having a career year for the Bosox in 2003? There appears to be more than meets the eye with Mr. Walker. Boston is not shy about spending money and I don't think the master plan in Boston was to get Bellhorn a regular job in 2004.

 

I'm sure this will elicit a response based upon stats about how great Walker is, but I think the major league teams have thesame access to stats as posters here do. Maybe they knew something that isn't reflected in stats. I know that's a radical concept for some here, but not all can be divined from stats.

 

I like to go on gut instinct, tea leaves, and wind direction. All of which say say Walker is cheap and productive. Cheap and productive are good things unless someone has changed the rules of MLB.

 

auggiedoggie is that you?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Can one of the Walker boosters tell me why this valuable commodity was let go by Boston, Minnesota, Colorado and the Reds? Why he, if I recall correctly, had offers from only Cleveland and the Cubs (to be a part time player) after having a career year for the Bosox in 2003? There appears to be more than meets the eye with Mr. Walker. Boston is not shy about spending money and I don't think the master plan in Boston was to get Bellhorn a regular job in 2004.

 

I'm sure this will elicit a response based upon stats about how great Walker is, but I think the major league teams have thesame access to stats as posters here do. Maybe they knew something that isn't reflected in stats. I know that's a radical concept for some here, but not all can be divined from stats.

 

I like to go on gut instinct, tea leaves, and wind direction. All of which say say Walker is cheap and productive. Cheap and productive are good things unless someone has changed the rules of MLB.

 

auggiedoggie is that you?

 

Nah...auggie would make up stats.

 

I think the answer to why teams let Walker go can be found here.

[treebird]

Can one of the Walker boosters tell me why this valuable commodity was let go by Boston, Minnesota, Colorado and the Reds? Why he, if I recall correctly, had offers from only Cleveland and the Cubs (to be a part time player) after having a career year for the Bosox in 2003? There appears to be more than meets the eye with Mr. Walker. Boston is not shy about spending money and I don't think the master plan in Boston was to get Bellhorn a regular job in 2004.

 

I'm sure this will elicit a response based upon stats about how great Walker is, but I think the major league teams have thesame access to stats as posters here do. Maybe they knew something that isn't reflected in stats. I know that's a radical concept for some here, but not all can be divined from stats.

 

I like to go on gut instinct, tea leaves, and wind direction. All of which say say Walker is cheap and productive. Cheap and productive are good things unless someone has changed the rules of MLB.

 

auggiedoggie is that you?

 

Nah...auggie would make up stats.

 

I think the answer to why teams let Walker go can be found here.

 

haha, remember when i made cool posts

 

hope everyones happy will all-lowercase non-sensical ramblings instead

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Can one of the Walker boosters tell me why this valuable commodity was let go by Boston, Minnesota, Colorado and the Reds? Why he, if I recall correctly, had offers from only Cleveland and the Cubs (to be a part time player) after having a career year for the Bosox in 2003? There appears to be more than meets the eye with Mr. Walker. Boston is not shy about spending money and I don't think the master plan in Boston was to get Bellhorn a regular job in 2004.

 

I'm sure this will elicit a response based upon stats about how great Walker is, but I think the major league teams have thesame access to stats as posters here do. Maybe they knew something that isn't reflected in stats. I know that's a radical concept for some here, but not all can be divined from stats.

 

I like to go on gut instinct, tea leaves, and wind direction. All of which say say Walker is cheap and productive. Cheap and productive are good things unless someone has changed the rules of MLB.

 

auggiedoggie is that you?

 

Nah...auggie would make up stats.

 

I think the answer to why teams let Walker go can be found here.

 

haha, remember when i made cool posts

 

hope everyones happy will all-lowercase non-sensical ramblings instead

 

Just as long as you don't move to Iowa.

[treebird]

Can one of the Walker boosters tell me why this valuable commodity was let go by Boston, Minnesota, Colorado and the Reds? Why he, if I recall correctly, had offers from only Cleveland and the Cubs (to be a part time player) after having a career year for the Bosox in 2003? There appears to be more than meets the eye with Mr. Walker. Boston is not shy about spending money and I don't think the master plan in Boston was to get Bellhorn a regular job in 2004.

 

I'm sure this will elicit a response based upon stats about how great Walker is, but I think the major league teams have thesame access to stats as posters here do. Maybe they knew something that isn't reflected in stats. I know that's a radical concept for some here, but not all can be divined from stats.

 

I like to go on gut instinct, tea leaves, and wind direction. All of which say say Walker is cheap and productive. Cheap and productive are good things unless someone has changed the rules of MLB.

 

auggiedoggie is that you?

 

Nah...auggie would make up stats.

 

I think the answer to why teams let Walker go can be found here.

 

haha, remember when i made cool posts

 

hope everyones happy will all-lowercase non-sensical ramblings instead

 

Just as long as you don't move to Iowa.

 

i dont know what that's supposed to mean, but i sure do think rich hill is going to be the best player in major league history

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Can one of the Walker boosters tell me why this valuable commodity was let go by Boston, Minnesota, Colorado and the Reds? Why he, if I recall correctly, had offers from only Cleveland and the Cubs (to be a part time player) after having a career year for the Bosox in 2003? There appears to be more than meets the eye with Mr. Walker. Boston is not shy about spending money and I don't think the master plan in Boston was to get Bellhorn a regular job in 2004.

 

I'm sure this will elicit a response based upon stats about how great Walker is, but I think the major league teams have thesame access to stats as posters here do. Maybe they knew something that isn't reflected in stats. I know that's a radical concept for some here, but not all can be divined from stats.

 

I like to go on gut instinct, tea leaves, and wind direction. All of which say say Walker is cheap and productive. Cheap and productive are good things unless someone has changed the rules of MLB.

 

auggiedoggie is that you?

 

Nah...auggie would make up stats.

 

I think the answer to why teams let Walker go can be found here.

 

haha, remember when i made cool posts

 

hope everyones happy will all-lowercase non-sensical ramblings instead

 

You should do it again! Your Nomar thread was one of the best ever!

[Beer Kaese]

I like Walker a lot. I've always had the feeling the organization doesn't value him as highly as I do. With a pair of high quality RH bats in the mix (Lee and Ram) and no LH bat a lock, it makes sense to bring him back. You could add Barrett and Patterson to the mix but you'd only be more settled on a RH bias.

 

I figure I'm one of the few that still likes Brunitz. I think Dusty over used him. Holla should have 15 starts in right by now.

 

How about ..

 

SS Furcal

2B Walker

1B Lee

3B Ramirez

RF Burnitz

LF Murton

CF Patterson

C Barrett

 

LF/RF/1B Hollandsworth

SS/2B/3B Cedeno

3B/2B/OF/© Macias

C Blanco

 

Add a RH PHer to complement Holla and let kids like Fontenot and Greenberg battle for the last spot.

 

--

 

This is just a suggestion. My goal here is to make the fewest changes possible and get a different look. If you find a top of the order OFer I'd gladly bring Garciaparra back or start Cedeno and bring Perez back as defensive utility guy.

 

--

 

In no possible option I can think of does Dusty work.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

I'm not a Todd Walker fan, but his contract is desirable. I'd like to see the Cubs exercise their option so he is under their control at such an affordable price, then use him as a veteran trading chip to use in a package with a couple of youngsters in a winter trade. The free agent market is so weak this coming year, the Cubs will need to do some trades to get this team to an improved level. Youngsters are great, but you need to have some veterans to trade, too.

 

I hope the Cubs sign Furcal, and then they have plenty of options for 2B besides Walker, anyways. You can bring back Nomar and see if he'll play there. You can let Cedeno have a shot; after all, the Mets weren't shy about putting Reyes at 2B for awhile, and he was a much better prospect than Cedeno. And you can bring back Hairston for 2B insurance in case nothing else works out, otherwise he is in the house to bolster the bench.

 

Walker should be a sign and trade, IMO.

[HoopsCubs]

Walker should be a sign and trade, IMO.

 

I agree with you. He's very valuable as a trade chip, but I'm beginning to think that Hendry wants to go in another direction for 2B.

 

He may be satisfied to go with Hairston, Cedeno or even Nomar. If he wants to make a deal, the guys I think Hendry is interested in trading for are: Soriano and Castillo. And, I do think that if LA makes Jeff Kent available that the Cubs have the cash to take his contract on for one season - kind of a Baker and Kent one year and done reunion.

 

Aug. 31 is Wed - let's say if Hendrydeals him in the next 72 hours.

[HoopsCubs]

I'm not a Todd Walker fan, but his contract is desirable. I'd like to see the Cubs exercise their option so he is under their control at such an affordable price, then use him as a veteran trading chip to use in a package with a couple of youngsters in a winter trade. The free agent market is so weak this coming year, the Cubs will need to do some trades to get this team to an improved level. Youngsters are great, but you need to have some veterans to trade, too.

 

I hope the Cubs sign Furcal, and then they have plenty of options for 2B besides Walker, anyways. You can bring back Nomar and see if he'll play there. You can let Cedeno have a shot; after all, the Mets weren't shy about putting Reyes at 2B for awhile, and he was a much better prospect than Cedeno. And you can bring back Hairston for 2B insurance in case nothing else works out, otherwise he is in the house to bolster the bench.

 

Walker should be a sign and trade, IMO.

[AAApittsburgh]

Walker should be a sign and trade, IMO.

 

I agree with you. He's very valuable as a trade chip, but I'm beginning to think that Hendry wants to go in another direction for 2B.

 

He may be satisfied to go with Hairston, Cedeno or even Nomar. If he wants to make a deal, the guys I think Hendry is interested in trading for are: Soriano and Castillo. And, I do think that if LA makes Jeff Kent available that the Cubs have the cash to take his contract on for one season - kind of a Baker and Kent one year and done reunion.

 

Aug. 31 is Wed - let's say if Hendrydeals him in the next 72 hours.

Walker>Soriano

 

Kent's decline is inevitable, and I could definitely see it happening while he's wearing a Cubs' uniform. Castillo wouldn't be a bad option though, but he makes about $7 mil/year.

[erik316wttn]

Walker should be a sign and trade, IMO.

 

I agree with you. He's very valuable as a trade chip, but I'm beginning to think that Hendry wants to go in another direction for 2B.

 

He may be satisfied to go with Hairston, Cedeno or even Nomar. If he wants to make a deal, the guys I think Hendry is interested in trading for are: Soriano and Castillo. And, I do think that if LA makes Jeff Kent available that the Cubs have the cash to take his contract on for one season - kind of a Baker and Kent one year and done reunion.

 

Aug. 31 is Wed - let's say if Hendrydeals him in the next 72 hours.

 

Castillo I could live with, as we'd have our leadoff hitter. But would Florida want to trade him right in the middle of the WC race?

 

I'd still rather have Walker, though. I think our INF is set for next year. Our infield hasn't been the problem.

 

I'll pass on Soriano.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

Walker should be a sign and trade, IMO.

 

I agree with you. He's very valuable as a trade chip, but I'm beginning to think that Hendry wants to go in another direction for 2B.

 

He may be satisfied to go with Hairston, Cedeno or even Nomar. If he wants to make a deal, the guys I think Hendry is interested in trading for are: Soriano and Castillo. And, I do think that if LA makes Jeff Kent available that the Cubs have the cash to take his contract on for one season - kind of a Baker and Kent one year and done reunion.

 

Aug. 31 is Wed - let's say if Hendrydeals him in the next 72 hours.

 

You will get more for Walker in an offseason sign and trade than you will now, because this would be a waiver wire deal; all you'd get is some team's low-level prospect(s) not on their 40-man roster.

 

I'd rather wait until November/December and get at least one decent player for Walker that can help the 2006 Cubs. A nice reliever would be good. A solid bench outfielder would also be acceptable.