vance_the_cubs_fan

Thanks, Jon. I saw two items on that site that I really, really like.

If Walker really has a ten-team "no trade" list, I really don't see him going anywhere.

You don't really have to be fearless to make that prediction.

I have an 11:00 AM time. I wonder if anything good will be left by then.

I personally can understand Walker's frustration. First of all, he wasn't happy with being a back-up in 2004. However, even when he admitted he didn't play as well as back-up, he said it was the situation he signed on as and said that he wouldn't do it again. When he signed his current deal prior to the 2005 season, he signed to be a starter. Those were the promises made to him and he started in 2005. He had an option for 2006. Since he signed the deal with the expectation that he would start, he likely believes, and rightfully so, that if the Cubs picked up the option it would be with intentions to let him start. In his mind, if the Cubs aren't willing to do that, they should have declined his option and let him seek employment on his own terms. My guess is that since his option was picked up and he is not named the starter and that he had to endure trade rumors, he's not as happy with the organization as he would like. While some may call that unprofessional, is it not just as unprofessional to go back on your word---even if that isn't done out in the open? Also, while some have compared Walker's mouthing off to corporate America, it isn't the same thing exactly. If this happened in corporate America, the worker could suffer damages by being terminated. Walker, while he might get released, would still collect his check. He is free to mouth off if he wants without compensation. I'm guessing if many in corporate America had that security as well as an audience as Walker has, they would mouth off about wrongs at work as well.

Good point. He should do a lot less talking and more hitting because, even though Jerry was forced to take a few days off following the beaning, Hairston seems be winning the all around battle on the field. According to yesterday's game notes, Jerry is hitting .444 and Todd is hitting .231 so far this Spring. Once again, judging players with a long major league history on their performance in one month of the spring is ludicrous. For anecdotal evidence, I remember that even in his all-star years, Jeff Bagwell would routinely hit in the low 200's during the spring.

While I don't think WHIP is an all-encompassing stat, it beats wins every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

My picks are in.

Seoung Yung Lee (sp?) hits a 2 run homer to give Korea a 2-0 lead.

What Walker said is no worse than Neifi's comments. If Walker runs his mouth too much, so did Neifi.

Beltre homers to give the DR a 1-0 lead.

0-0 after one.

I still think the U.S. has better pitching than both DR and PR.

Well, since the game is about to begin, we can get the game thread for this one started.

6-4 on the Spring for the Cubbies!

According to the 2005 media guide, it's :duh-PAIR-ik

:lol:

1908 likely understands it better, but I think there is a much longer period before they can become FA in Japan. Their teams can choose to post them, but rarely do.

Is that how you pronounce it? I thought it was dough-PEER-ek It's dah-Pair-ik.

In Grapefruit League action, Braves beat the Cardinals 4-3.

Larry puts the USA on the board.

Hall with a 3-run HR. Damn!

3-0 Japan now. This is embarrassing.

Fair enough. I didn't realise he walked 12 in 30.2 AFL innings, which is wild for him. Yes it was. Health and control seems to be the biggest concerns with Guzman right now.

The Riot in the game!