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. 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) 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.