Walker's Nonstop Mouth

[BigbadB]

Walker runs circles around Neifi offensively. Circles. Neifi has 150 more at bats than Walker, and Walker has more XBH's, nearly as many runs scored, and would probably easily eclipse him in RBI's given the same amount of at bats. It's not even close.

 

Add in the fact that Walker has had to hit directly behind Neifi most of the year. How is he supposed to get a big game winning hit when the guy in front of him (Neifi) just hit into another one of his umpteen double plays.

 

You can watch the games everyday or you can review the stats. The stats are a permanent record of how they performed.

 

I watched games and reviewed the stats. The stats pretty much support what I watched all year.

 

I'll go on record and state that if Neifi Perez is leading off for this team next year, they will NOT be in the playoffs again next year. Book it!

 

If Walker leads off next year, I think they have a shot.

[CubfaninCA]

 

Well, I'd prefer Giles or Manny, but this the Cubs not the Yankees. Just being realistic.

 

Giles is very realistic. If the Cubs went with Walker (2.5) at 2nd and Nomar at SS (5-6 + incentives) the money will be there to pursue Giles.

 

We went with Walker and Nomar at 2B and SS this year. That didn't work out so well for us. The only difference between this year's approach and next year's approach is that we can conceivably count on Cedeno if Nomar gets hurt. We do have money (from a lack of Sosa) to spend on the OF, but really, counting on Nomar to be healthy for a full season has a low probability of becoming reality.

 

If we resign Nomar, it had better be at a very low base (2-4M) and high incremented PA incentive laden deal. If he does go down, we have Cedeno in the wings and money to throw away via trade mid-season.

 

I love Nomar, but we'd better have several backup plans for SS if he stays on the team.

 

They could have backups in Hairston and Cedeno, but my guess is that some of the pitchers are grumbling about the d. Am guessing that Zambrano's doing the most of it. Since they want to keep the pitchers happy and keep them around for a while, they'll probably tweak the d some, which probably means no more Walker and Nomar up the middle. Can see Barrett being gone too.

 

Well then they had better get the damn bats to replace Walker, Nomar, and Barrett. Because if you think our offense sucks NOW......

 

I don't think the offense sucks now, but the front of the order needs to improve. Can't have Neifi and Burnitz batting 2nd and 4th again.

[erik316wttn]

 

Well, I'd prefer Giles or Manny, but this the Cubs not the Yankees. Just being realistic.

 

Giles is very realistic. If the Cubs went with Walker (2.5) at 2nd and Nomar at SS (5-6 + incentives) the money will be there to pursue Giles.

 

We went with Walker and Nomar at 2B and SS this year. That didn't work out so well for us. The only difference between this year's approach and next year's approach is that we can conceivably count on Cedeno if Nomar gets hurt. We do have money (from a lack of Sosa) to spend on the OF, but really, counting on Nomar to be healthy for a full season has a low probability of becoming reality.

 

If we resign Nomar, it had better be at a very low base (2-4M) and high incremented PA incentive laden deal. If he does go down, we have Cedeno in the wings and money to throw away via trade mid-season.

 

I love Nomar, but we'd better have several backup plans for SS if he stays on the team.

 

They could have backups in Hairston and Cedeno, but my guess is that some of the pitchers are grumbling about the d. Am guessing that Zambrano's doing the most of it. Since they want to keep the pitchers happy and keep them around for a while, they'll probably tweak the d some, which probably means no more Walker and Nomar up the middle. Can see Barrett being gone too.

 

Well then they had better get the damn bats to replace Walker, Nomar, and Barrett. Because if you think our offense sucks NOW......

 

I don't think the offense sucks now, but the front of the order needs to improve. Can't have Neifi and Burnitz batting 2nd and 4th again.

 

If you get rid of Nomar, Walker, and Barrett in favor of better defense but lesser bats, this offense most definately will suck. Hardcore.

[CubfaninCA]

 

Well, I'd prefer Giles or Manny, but this the Cubs not the Yankees. Just being realistic.

 

Giles is very realistic. If the Cubs went with Walker (2.5) at 2nd and Nomar at SS (5-6 + incentives) the money will be there to pursue Giles.

 

We went with Walker and Nomar at 2B and SS this year. That didn't work out so well for us. The only difference between this year's approach and next year's approach is that we can conceivably count on Cedeno if Nomar gets hurt. We do have money (from a lack of Sosa) to spend on the OF, but really, counting on Nomar to be healthy for a full season has a low probability of becoming reality.

 

If we resign Nomar, it had better be at a very low base (2-4M) and high incremented PA incentive laden deal. If he does go down, we have Cedeno in the wings and money to throw away via trade mid-season.

 

I love Nomar, but we'd better have several backup plans for SS if he stays on the team.

 

They could have backups in Hairston and Cedeno, but my guess is that some of the pitchers are grumbling about the d. Am guessing that Zambrano's doing the most of it. Since they want to keep the pitchers happy and keep them around for a while, they'll probably tweak the d some, which probably means no more Walker and Nomar up the middle. Can see Barrett being gone too.

 

Well then they had better get the damn bats to replace Walker, Nomar, and Barrett. Because if you think our offense sucks NOW......

 

I don't think the offense sucks now, but the front of the order needs to improve. Can't have Neifi and Burnitz batting 2nd and 4th again.

 

If you get rid of Nomar, Walker, and Barrett in favor of better defense but lesser bats, this offense most definately will suck. Hardcore.

 

If all 3 are gone, can see something like I-Rod @ catcher, Cedeno @ 2b, and Furcal @ SS. Can't see them going w/ Blanco, if they lose all 3. Bring in Lofton, along w/ a power hitter like Floyd and the offense is a little better.... Furcal, Lofton, Lee, Floyd, ARam, I-Rod, Murton, Cedeno

[erik316wttn]

I-Rod is washed up and I want no part of him.

 

Of course, he goes up there hacking, dude. Dusty'd bat him 3rd, man.

 

And Floyd doesn't thrill me. I think we can do a lot better. Go big. Go after Giles, or even Damon. Then if you don't get either one, THEN get Floyd. But he shouldn't be target #1.

[rocket]

 

If all 3 are gone, can see something like I-Rod @ catcher, Cedeno @ 2b, and Furcal @ SS. Can't see them going w/ Blanco, if they lose all 3. Bring in Lofton, along w/ a power hitter like Floyd and the offense is a little better.... Furcal, Lofton, Lee, Floyd, ARam, I-Rod, Murton, Cedeno

 

I hope the Cubs don't replace Barrett with IRod. The 34 year old catcher with a .743 OPS vs. the 29 year old catcher with a .821 OPS.

[CubfaninCA]

 

If all 3 are gone, can see something like I-Rod @ catcher, Cedeno @ 2b, and Furcal @ SS. Can't see them going w/ Blanco, if they lose all 3. Bring in Lofton, along w/ a power hitter like Floyd and the offense is a little better.... Furcal, Lofton, Lee, Floyd, ARam, I-Rod, Murton, Cedeno

 

I hope the Cubs don't replace Barrett with IRod. The 34 year old catcher with a .743 OPS vs. the 29 year old catcher with a .821 OPS.

 

It will be Nomar Part II. Better keep around Blanco.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

 

If all 3 are gone, can see something like I-Rod @ catcher, Cedeno @ 2b, and Furcal @ SS. Can't see them going w/ Blanco, if they lose all 3. Bring in Lofton, along w/ a power hitter like Floyd and the offense is a little better.... Furcal, Lofton, Lee, Floyd, ARam, I-Rod, Murton, Cedeno

 

I hope the Cubs don't replace Barrett with IRod. The 34 year old catcher with a .743 OPS vs. the 29 year old catcher with a .821 OPS.

 

I second this post.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

 

If all 3 are gone, can see something like I-Rod @ catcher, Cedeno @ 2b, and Furcal @ SS. Can't see them going w/ Blanco, if they lose all 3. Bring in Lofton, along w/ a power hitter like Floyd and the offense is a little better.... Furcal, Lofton, Lee, Floyd, ARam, I-Rod, Murton, Cedeno

 

I hope the Cubs don't replace Barrett with IRod. The 34 year old catcher with a .743 OPS vs. the 29 year old catcher with a .821 OPS.

 

I second this post.

 

his gamecalling is better. :roll:

[CuseCubFan69]

 

If all 3 are gone, can see something like I-Rod @ catcher, Cedeno @ 2b, and Furcal @ SS. Can't see them going w/ Blanco, if they lose all 3. Bring in Lofton, along w/ a power hitter like Floyd and the offense is a little better.... Furcal, Lofton, Lee, Floyd, ARam, I-Rod, Murton, Cedeno

 

I hope the Cubs don't replace Barrett with IRod. The 34 year old catcher with a .743 OPS vs. the 29 year old catcher with a .821 OPS.

 

I second this post.

 

I third it. If it happens this team got very old way to quickly for me.

[dalgreen]

Back to Walker, I just thought it was bush league to bring up Pokey Reese's name when asked about his thoughts on whether he'd be back with the Cubs. He later added that the worst case scenario would be the Cubs picking up his option then trading him. Walker said something to the effect of, "Then that takes away from my ability to be a free-agent and choose my employment." Then maybe next time you won't agree to a team option. I would like to see him back, but I'm losing patience with him with his quotes about his former team, Wrigley Field, etc.

[CuseCubFan69]

Back to Walker, I just thought it was bush league to bring up Pokey Reese's name when asked about his thoughts on whether he'd be back with the Cubs. He later added that the worst case scenario would be the Cubs picking up his option then trading him. Walker said something to the effect of, "Then that takes away from my ability to be a free-agent and choose my employment." Then maybe next time you won't agree to a team option. I would like to see him back, but I'm losing patience with him with his quotes about his former team, Wrigley Field, etc.

 

Imagine what he'll say about the Cubs if he is traded in 2006? It should be interesting.

[Chris]

Back to Walker, I just thought it was bush league to bring up Pokey Reese's name when asked about his thoughts on whether he'd be back with the Cubs. He later added that the worst case scenario would be the Cubs picking up his option then trading him. Walker said something to the effect of, "Then that takes away from my ability to be a free-agent and choose my employment." Then maybe next time you won't agree to a team option. I would like to see him back, but I'm losing patience with him with his quotes about his former team, Wrigley Field, etc.

 

Imagine what he'll say about the Cubs if he is traded in 2006? It should be interesting.

 

I smell a book deal...

[JC]

Just watch. The Cubs will let him go and stick Cedeno at 2B. After Cedeno struggles a little bit adjusting to a new position and the Cubs realize they have poor lefty-righty balance in the lineup, they will try to re-acquire Walker during the season after he signed a heftier deal.

[CuseCubFan69]

Just watch. The Cubs will let him go and stick Cedeno at 2B. After Cedeno struggles a little bit adjusting to a new position and the Cubs realize they have poor lefty-righty balance in the lineup, they will try to re-acquire Walker during the season after he signed a heftier deal.

 

:lol: I doubt it because Walker will have trashed the Cubs within a couple of weeks of his signing/trade.

[Mark Priors Calves]

Just watch. The Cubs will let him go and stick Cedeno at 2B. After Cedeno struggles a little bit adjusting to a new position and the Cubs realize they have poor lefty-righty balance in the lineup, they will try to re-acquire Walker during the season after he signed a heftier deal.

 

Is Kenny Williams the GM?

[dalgreen]

I wouldn't mind Walker coming back, but I am also interested in what it would take to get Placido Polanco from the Tigers - he's due to make $2 million more than Walker, I think.

[CuseCubFan69]

I wouldn't mind Walker coming back, but I am also interested in what it would take to get Placido Polanco from the Tigers - he's due to make $2 million more than Walker, I think.

 

I don't a reason for the Tigers to trade him unless they:

 

-Don't think they'll compete in 2006

-Get knocked over by an overpayment

 

Walkers fine and if the Cubs can do better I'm all for it.

[CubbieRich]

You want slick fielding 22/SS who turn more DP's?

Cut the grass short.

Sign groundball pitchers, not strikeout pitchers.

Have your pitchers learn to hold men on 1st.

 

It seems like they are doing exactly the opposite and wondering their DP count is down.

[thedaymen]

I don't think Walker's a major problem per say, but the Cubs' infield defense and range was terrible this year. Especially watching the Mets and Yankees all year (living just outside NY) then the Cubs, its brutal how many balls that Wright-Reyes-Cairo OR AROD-Jeter-Cano would get to trickle through the infield on Aramis-Nomar-Walker.

 

Getting rid of Walker wouldn't fix that; getting rid of any one of them wouldn't fix that, but I do think something needs to be done in this area. Unless you can get Nomar cheaply, I think he's the one that should go.

[mg420]

You want slick fielding 22/SS who turn more DP's?

Cut the grass short.

Sign groundball pitchers, not strikeout pitchers.

Have your pitchers learn to hold men on 1st.

 

It seems like they are doing exactly the opposite and wondering their DP count is down.

 

ryno never seemed to have a problem under the same conditions you outlined.

[Brian]

ryno never seemed to have a problem under the same conditions you outlined.

 

ok so all the cubs have to do is find a future hall of fame 2nd baseman while adressing all their other needs.

[BigbadB]

ryno never seemed to have a problem under the same conditions you outlined.

 

ok so all the cubs have to do is find a future hall of fame 2nd baseman while adressing all their other needs.

 

Where's Roberto Alomar when you need him...... :cyclopsani:

[MPrior]

Let's assume for a second that the Cubs have limited opportunities to improve the team this coming offseason; that they will not be able to address every possible shortcoming on this team; that they will not be able to sign/trade for All-Star players at every position (far-fetched, I know, but bear with me).

 

Working off of these assumptions, what do you think our priorities should be?

 

Addressing the team's horrible OBP;

Finding a leadoff hitter (and hitting him in the leadoff spot);

Filling all THREE holes in our outfield;

Getting some much-needed bullpen help;

Finding a reliable 5th (and possibly 4th) starter;

or replacing the third best hitter on our team (who also happens to be extremely cheap) because he has somewhat below-average defense and talks too much for some people's tastes?

 

You tell me.

[goonys evil twin]

Let's assume for a second that the Cubs have limited opportunities to improve the team this coming offseason; that they will not be able to address every possible shortcoming on this team; that they will not be able to sign/trade for All-Star players at every position (far-fetched, I know, but bear with me).

 

Working off of these assumptions, what do you think our priorities should be?

 

Addressing the team's horrible OBP;

Finding a leadoff hitter (and hitting him in the leadoff spot);

Filling all THREE holes in our outfield;

Getting some much-needed bullpen help;

Finding a reliable 5th (and possibly 4th) starter;

or replacing the third best hitter on our team (who also happens to be extremely cheap) because he has somewhat below-average defense and talks too much for some people's tastes?

 

You tell me.

 

Just remember, when the team has several glaring holes and fades down the stretch despite a very talented team and high payroll, the best way to improve the team is by ridding the roster of malcontents who don't fit the manager's ideal.

 

I mean, it worked well last offseason.