Peter Gammons on ESPN Radio 11/4/05

David · November 4, 2005

What's wrong with keeping RC and TW? Platoon them at 2B, and on days when RC starts, Walker is your best option off the bench.

walker would be pissed because he wants to start every day (not a bad thing of course!) but thats a very good idea. he can also give lee a break at 1b once in a while.

That and he hits left handers just as well as he hits righters, making a platoon counter-productive. (to lazy to look up career splits, but this year was much better against lefites - vs. Left: .352 vs. Right: .291)

Ah.. well, I'm too lazy to look up the career splits too, but, if ya had looked them up, you would've seen that this year was an aberration. :wink:

Walk generally has struggled a lot with lefties over the course of his career.

David · November 4, 2005

This might have been stated before but what is the thought on playing Walker in Leftfield......I remember talk about Him playing there his first year for the Cubs when we had Grudz,,,He would be a cheap outfielder and insurance in case Ronny fails to impress....

Why do this when you could just play Murton in LF and Walker at 2B? I'd rather have Murton in the lineup than Cedeno.

Besides, Walker would probably be an adventure, at best, in the outfield.

badgercub · November 4, 2005

This might have been stated before but what is the thought on playing Walker in Leftfield......I remember talk about Him playing there his first year for the Cubs when we had Grudz,,,He would be a cheap outfielder and insurance in case Ronny fails to impress....

Murton is already penciled in as the starter in left field. Not sure about Walker's arm either. I truly believe he was signed to be traded. I think Hairston will be the supersub, and if the Cubs don't sign a centerfielder this offseason and Patterson doesn't show them something in spring training Hairston could very well be the starting CF in 2006.

mg420 · November 4, 2005

Is Bradley good enough on defense to play CF?

Bradley is a top defender. He'd be a great fit for the team. Now, if only he were a "quality, quality" guy.

you mean if he can only avoid getting into verbal and physical confrontations with his wife, fans, teammates and management.

bannor10 · November 4, 2005

Is there a market to trade Walker? If there was I think we would have traded him last year at the deadline....I think you are right about Hairston though...

This might have been stated before but what is the thought on playing Walker in Leftfield......I remember talk about Him playing there his first year for the Cubs when we had Grudz,,,He would be a cheap outfielder and insurance in case Ronny fails to impress....

Murton is already penciled in as the starter in left field. Not sure about Walker's arm either. I truly believe he was signed to be traded. I think Hairston will be the supersub, and if the Cubs don't sign a centerfielder this offseason and Patterson doesn't show them something in spring training Hairston could very well be the starting CF in 2006.

mg420 · November 4, 2005

Is there a market to trade Walker? If there was I think we would have traded him last year at the deadline....I think you are right about Hairston though...

This might have been stated before but what is the thought on playing Walker in Leftfield......I remember talk about Him playing there his first year for the Cubs when we had Grudz,,,He would be a cheap outfielder and insurance in case Ronny fails to impress....

Murton is already penciled in as the starter in left field. Not sure about Walker's arm either. I truly believe he was signed to be traded. I think Hairston will be the supersub, and if the Cubs don't sign a centerfielder this offseason and Patterson doesn't show them something in spring training Hairston could very well be the starting CF in 2006.

and people are complaining about pierre being in center for the cubs???

YearofDaCubs · November 4, 2005

Is there a market to trade Walker? If there was I think we would have traded him last year at the deadline....I think you are right about Hairston though...

This might have been stated before but what is the thought on playing Walker in Leftfield......I remember talk about Him playing there his first year for the Cubs when we had Grudz,,,He would be a cheap outfielder and insurance in case Ronny fails to impress....

Murton is already penciled in as the starter in left field. Not sure about Walker's arm either. I truly believe he was signed to be traded. I think Hairston will be the supersub, and if the Cubs don't sign a centerfielder this offseason and Patterson doesn't show them something in spring training Hairston could very well be the starting CF in 2006.

and people are complaining about pierre being in center for the cubs???

One reason I like Corey in CF over Hairston and Pierre is his arm. Both Hairston and Pierre have very weak arms.

badgercub · November 4, 2005

Is there a market to trade Walker? If there was I think we would have traded him last year at the deadline....I think you are right about Hairston though...

This might have been stated before but what is the thought on playing Walker in Leftfield......I remember talk about Him playing there his first year for the Cubs when we had Grudz,,,He would be a cheap outfielder and insurance in case Ronny fails to impress....

Murton is already penciled in as the starter in left field. Not sure about Walker's arm either. I truly believe he was signed to be traded. I think Hairston will be the supersub, and if the Cubs don't sign a centerfielder this offseason and Patterson doesn't show them something in spring training Hairston could very well be the starting CF in 2006.

and people are complaining about pierre being in center for the cubs???

Just my analysis of what might happen. Of course, alot of this would depend on the Cubs signing Furcal. If they don't sign Furcal then I would bet they will surely sign a centerfielder to fill the leadoff spot. I don't think Hairston is that bad of an option to fill in, considering he makes far less than Pierre. If that is the case and Hairston doesn't produce you would have Pie in the wings, although I would hope they give him another full year in the minors.

badgercub · November 4, 2005

Is there a market to trade Walker? If there was I think we would have traded him last year at the deadline....I think you are right about Hairston though...

This might have been stated before but what is the thought on playing Walker in Leftfield......I remember talk about Him playing there his first year for the Cubs when we had Grudz,,,He would be a cheap outfielder and insurance in case Ronny fails to impress....

Murton is already penciled in as the starter in left field. Not sure about Walker's arm either. I truly believe he was signed to be traded. I think Hairston will be the supersub, and if the Cubs don't sign a centerfielder this offseason and Patterson doesn't show them something in spring training Hairston could very well be the starting CF in 2006.

and people are complaining about pierre being in center for the cubs???
One reason I like Corey in CF over Hairston and Pierre is his arm. Both Hairston and Pierre have very weak arms.

Right now I think Corey is probably on the outside looking in, and unless he shows some drastic improvement in the spring, will not be with the Cubs. I heard an interview with Jimmy Piersal the other day where he was saying "if" Patterson doesn't produce in the spring the Cubs will try to trade him, or outright release him.

YearofDaCubs · November 4, 2005

Is there a market to trade Walker? If there was I think we would have traded him last year at the deadline....I think you are right about Hairston though...

This might have been stated before but what is the thought on playing Walker in Leftfield......I remember talk about Him playing there his first year for the Cubs when we had Grudz,,,He would be a cheap outfielder and insurance in case Ronny fails to impress....

Murton is already penciled in as the starter in left field. Not sure about Walker's arm either. I truly believe he was signed to be traded. I think Hairston will be the supersub, and if the Cubs don't sign a centerfielder this offseason and Patterson doesn't show them something in spring training Hairston could very well be the starting CF in 2006.

and people are complaining about pierre being in center for the cubs???
One reason I like Corey in CF over Hairston and Pierre is his arm. Both Hairston and Pierre have very weak arms.

Right now I think Corey is probably on the outside looking in, and unless he shows some drastic improvement in the spring, will not be with the Cubs. I heard an interview with Jimmy Piersal the other day where he was saying "if" Patterson doesn't produce in the spring the Cubs will try to trade him, or outright release him.

I'm not against that either, but I would like to have more production and at the very least an arm out there that people will not run on.

mg420 · November 4, 2005

Is there a market to trade Walker? If there was I think we would have traded him last year at the deadline....I think you are right about Hairston though...

This might have been stated before but what is the thought on playing Walker in Leftfield......I remember talk about Him playing there his first year for the Cubs when we had Grudz,,,He would be a cheap outfielder and insurance in case Ronny fails to impress....

Murton is already penciled in as the starter in left field. Not sure about Walker's arm either. I truly believe he was signed to be traded. I think Hairston will be the supersub, and if the Cubs don't sign a centerfielder this offseason and Patterson doesn't show them something in spring training Hairston could very well be the starting CF in 2006.

and people are complaining about pierre being in center for the cubs???

Just my analysis of what might happen. Of course, alot of this would depend on the Cubs signing Furcal. If they don't sign Furcal then I would bet they will surely sign a centerfielder to fill the leadoff spot. I don't think Hairston is that bad of an option to fill in, considering he makes far less than Pierre. If that is the case and Hairston doesn't produce you would have Pie in the wings, although I would hope they give him another full year in the minors.

this like most things is pure speculation, but why cant the cubs sign furcal & trade cp/mitre for pierre? pierre can lead off & furcal can bat #2 moving murton down in the lineup.

Balsa · November 4, 2005

From comments on a Mets Blog (I realize it means close to nothing, but..)

"We need to find a fit with the Cubs. The man I want for this year:

Todd Walker.

Player News from ROTOWIRE
Oct. 31
News: The Cubs picked up Walker's $2.5 million option on Friday.

Spin: Walker comes fairly cheap at that price, though it remains to be seen whether the Cubs will keep him around or look to deal him."

RE:

"They need someone to play CF if they think Corey Patterson isn't going to make it.

Maybe Cameron for Walker + a good OF or 2b prospect?"

RE:RE:

"Mets = Defense, Pitching and Speed

Todd Walker could be the worst defensive second base in MLB"

daske17 · November 4, 2005

From comments on a Mets Blog (I realize it means close to nothing, but..)

"We need to find a fit with the Cubs. The man I want for this year:

Todd Walker.

Player News from ROTOWIRE
Oct. 31
News: The Cubs picked up Walker's $2.5 million option on Friday.

Spin: Walker comes fairly cheap at that price, though it remains to be seen whether the Cubs will keep him around or look to deal him."

RE:

"They need someone to play CF if they think Corey Patterson isn't going to make it.

Maybe Cameron for Walker + a good OF or 2b prospect?"

RE:RE:

"Mets = Defense, Pitching and Speed

Todd Walker could be the worst defensive second base in MLB"

No offense that poster, but if anything the deal should be

Cameron + cash + midlevel prospect for Walker.

We'd be giving away a valuable bat for a cheap salary; there's no need to give away our prospects.

Balsa · November 4, 2005

Oh I agree.

But I like that through reading through some of this Mets blog, the general consensus is that while they would like Furcal, they don't view him as essential, more of a "luxury." Basically, it seems like they're saying "Let the Cubs overpay for him."

Here is another blog entry with comments about today's report about the Cubs and Furcal

Also, the links they have on the left regarding players in the hot stove are pretty useful.

YearofDaCubs · November 4, 2005

Is there a market to trade Walker? If there was I think we would have traded him last year at the deadline....I think you are right about Hairston though...

This might have been stated before but what is the thought on playing Walker in Leftfield......I remember talk about Him playing there his first year for the Cubs when we had Grudz,,,He would be a cheap outfielder and insurance in case Ronny fails to impress....

Murton is already penciled in as the starter in left field. Not sure about Walker's arm either. I truly believe he was signed to be traded. I think Hairston will be the supersub, and if the Cubs don't sign a centerfielder this offseason and Patterson doesn't show them something in spring training Hairston could very well be the starting CF in 2006.

and people are complaining about pierre being in center for the cubs???

Just my analysis of what might happen. Of course, alot of this would depend on the Cubs signing Furcal. If they don't sign Furcal then I would bet they will surely sign a centerfielder to fill the leadoff spot. I don't think Hairston is that bad of an option to fill in, considering he makes far less than Pierre. If that is the case and Hairston doesn't produce you would have Pie in the wings, although I would hope they give him another full year in the minors.

this like most things is pure speculation, but why cant the cubs sign furcal & trade cp/mitre for pierre? pierre can lead off & furcal can bat #2 moving murton down in the lineup.

I dont like having two leadoff hitters in the lineup. The way I would work it is go for one of them and that's it. Trade for Pierre bring in Nomar. Sign Furcal bring in a better CF.

mg420 · November 4, 2005

Is there a market to trade Walker? If there was I think we would have traded him last year at the deadline....I think you are right about Hairston though...

This might have been stated before but what is the thought on playing Walker in Leftfield......I remember talk about Him playing there his first year for the Cubs when we had Grudz,,,He would be a cheap outfielder and insurance in case Ronny fails to impress....

Murton is already penciled in as the starter in left field. Not sure about Walker's arm either. I truly believe he was signed to be traded. I think Hairston will be the supersub, and if the Cubs don't sign a centerfielder this offseason and Patterson doesn't show them something in spring training Hairston could very well be the starting CF in 2006.

and people are complaining about pierre being in center for the cubs???

Just my analysis of what might happen. Of course, alot of this would depend on the Cubs signing Furcal. If they don't sign Furcal then I would bet they will surely sign a centerfielder to fill the leadoff spot. I don't think Hairston is that bad of an option to fill in, considering he makes far less than Pierre. If that is the case and Hairston doesn't produce you would have Pie in the wings, although I would hope they give him another full year in the minors.

this like most things is pure speculation, but why cant the cubs sign furcal & trade cp/mitre for pierre? pierre can lead off & furcal can bat #2 moving murton down in the lineup.
I dont like having two leadoff hitters in the lineup. The way I would work it is go for one of them and that's it. Trade for Pierre bring in Nomar. Sign Furcal bring in a better CF.

either way i dont want any part of nomar (and hopefully neither do the cubs).

bannor10 · November 4, 2005

Is there a market to trade Walker? If there was I think we would have traded him last year at the deadline....I think you are right about Hairston though...

This might have been stated before but what is the thought on playing Walker in Leftfield......I remember talk about Him playing there his first year for the Cubs when we had Grudz,,,He would be a cheap outfielder and insurance in case Ronny fails to impress....

Murton is already penciled in as the starter in left field. Not sure about Walker's arm either. I truly believe he was signed to be traded. I think Hairston will be the supersub, and if the Cubs don't sign a centerfielder this offseason and Patterson doesn't show them something in spring training Hairston could very well be the starting CF in 2006.

and people are complaining about pierre being in center for the cubs???

Just my analysis of what might happen. Of course, alot of this would depend on the Cubs signing Furcal. If they don't sign Furcal then I would bet they will surely sign a centerfielder to fill the leadoff spot. I don't think Hairston is that bad of an option to fill in, considering he makes far less than Pierre. If that is the case and Hairston doesn't produce you would have Pie in the wings, although I would hope they give him another full year in the minors.

this like most things is pure speculation, but why cant the cubs sign furcal & trade cp/mitre for pierre? pierre can lead off & furcal can bat #2 moving murton down in the lineup.
I dont like having two leadoff hitters in the lineup. The way I would work it is go for one of them and that's it. Trade for Pierre bring in Nomar. Sign Furcal bring in a better CF.

Remember Vince Coleman and Willie Mcgee during the Mid 80's.....I hated them but that was a team that made you nervous...pure speed

YearofDaCubs · November 4, 2005

Is there a market to trade Walker? If there was I think we would have traded him last year at the deadline....I think you are right about Hairston though...

This might have been stated before but what is the thought on playing Walker in Leftfield......I remember talk about Him playing there his first year for the Cubs when we had Grudz,,,He would be a cheap outfielder and insurance in case Ronny fails to impress....

Murton is already penciled in as the starter in left field. Not sure about Walker's arm either. I truly believe he was signed to be traded. I think Hairston will be the supersub, and if the Cubs don't sign a centerfielder this offseason and Patterson doesn't show them something in spring training Hairston could very well be the starting CF in 2006.

and people are complaining about pierre being in center for the cubs???

Just my analysis of what might happen. Of course, alot of this would depend on the Cubs signing Furcal. If they don't sign Furcal then I would bet they will surely sign a centerfielder to fill the leadoff spot. I don't think Hairston is that bad of an option to fill in, considering he makes far less than Pierre. If that is the case and Hairston doesn't produce you would have Pie in the wings, although I would hope they give him another full year in the minors.

this like most things is pure speculation, but why cant the cubs sign furcal & trade cp/mitre for pierre? pierre can lead off & furcal can bat #2 moving murton down in the lineup.
I dont like having two leadoff hitters in the lineup. The way I would work it is go for one of them and that's it. Trade for Pierre bring in Nomar. Sign Furcal bring in a better CF.

either way i dont want any part of nomar (and hopefully neither do the cubs).

Realistically speaking Nomar has been a bust for us. When he came back from injury he was on fire, but something tells me that his defense next year would really hurt this team add that to the fact of his injury history and I just don't know. I have always liked Furcal, and would love to have him as our leadoff hitter. We definitely need to upgrade our RF and possibly our CF to be even more effective. I like our options at 2B with Walker and Cedeno. I would personally start Walker and have Cedeno coming off the bench for this year and have him start next year when Walker is gone.

Bull · November 4, 2005

It seems the Cubs don't want Nomar back. Its a decision I think they'll regret.

YearofDaCubs · November 4, 2005

It seems the Cubs don't want Nomar back. Its a decision I think they'll regret.

That might be true but so far he really hasn't done much for us the 1.5 years he has been here.

biittner77 · November 4, 2005

Remember Vince Coleman and Willie Mcgee during the Mid 80's.....I hated them but that was a team that made you nervous...pure speed

The difference being that McGee had more power than Furcal and Coleman knew how to steal bases without getting thrown out 45% of the time.

Jehrico · November 4, 2005

I don't like Murton and Cedeno in the same lineup unless we have good to great production from SS, RF, and CF.

That sounds like a Dusty quote. Taking a chance and giving a few promising rookies in the lineup some playing time seemed to have worked out alright last year for Atlanta. The only difference is that the guys that we're suggesting to put in there hit over .300 in their first year in the majors, albeit in limited playing time.

I would feel more comfortable with both of them in the lineup if we had good to great production in those other positions, but I wouldn't say that I don't like having them both in there if we don't. If we don't have good to great production in those positions, it's likely we won't contend anyways, so why not give the kids some playing time and let them develop?

CubfaninCA · November 4, 2005

I'm not buying that they're committed to both Murton & Cedeno. Jmo but Jim's doing some posturing on Cedeno. If there's a deal out there for either Kent or Sori, I think he'll jump on it.

In re: to an impact corner OF, if they're going w/ Murton (which I can buy), that leaves Giles, Abreu, Sheff, Ichiro and Drew as the impact corner OF's.

Sheff will be difficult to get considering how he'll try to block almost any trade.

Getting Abreu will take a 3rd party, since it's doubtful the Cubs have the right type of package of players. Same goes for Drew.

They may be able to get Ichiro straight up.

badgercub · November 4, 2005

It seems the Cubs don't want Nomar back. Its a decision I think they'll regret.

It's a risk/reward situation. Can he stay healthy? Can he still play SS? What will he cost? Hendry was critcised for relying on too many guys with histories of injury, I don't think he will make that same mistake this year. While Nomar may have a resurgence this year, is it a risk the Cubs are willing to take? I don't think so. Hopefully they look to improve the defense up the middle by adding Furcal, moving Cedeno to 2b, and ? in centerfield. Furcal will be an improvement in the field and at the top of the lineup and Cedeno should be an upgrade defensively while his offense probably won't match Walker's I don't think he will hurt the offense especially if he is batting in the 8 hole. I have no idea what the solution in CF is going to be, but I am sure it will be somewhat of an improvement offensively.

mg420 · November 4, 2005

Is there a market to trade Walker? If there was I think we would have traded him last year at the deadline....I think you are right about Hairston though...

This might have been stated before but what is the thought on playing Walker in Leftfield......I remember talk about Him playing there his first year for the Cubs when we had Grudz,,,He would be a cheap outfielder and insurance in case Ronny fails to impress....

Murton is already penciled in as the starter in left field. Not sure about Walker's arm either. I truly believe he was signed to be traded. I think Hairston will be the supersub, and if the Cubs don't sign a centerfielder this offseason and Patterson doesn't show them something in spring training Hairston could very well be the starting CF in 2006.

and people are complaining about pierre being in center for the cubs???

Just my analysis of what might happen. Of course, alot of this would depend on the Cubs signing Furcal. If they don't sign Furcal then I would bet they will surely sign a centerfielder to fill the leadoff spot. I don't think Hairston is that bad of an option to fill in, considering he makes far less than Pierre. If that is the case and Hairston doesn't produce you would have Pie in the wings, although I would hope they give him another full year in the minors.

this like most things is pure speculation, but why cant the cubs sign furcal & trade cp/mitre for pierre? pierre can lead off & furcal can bat #2 moving murton down in the lineup.
I dont like having two leadoff hitters in the lineup. The way I would work it is go for one of them and that's it. Trade for Pierre bring in Nomar. Sign Furcal bring in a better CF.

Remember Vince Coleman and Willie Mcgee during the Mid 80's.....I hated them but that was a team that made you nervous...pure speed

i would say 100+ steals in the top of the lineup would do wonders for lee & aram rbi wise.

Peter Gammons on ESPN Radio 11/4/05

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