Grissom, Sosa, etc.

by JohnM on Jan 3, 2006 8:21 AM CST

No one else posted links to these somewhat interesting stories this morning, so I will.

1) Marquis Grissom will apparently be offered a minor-league contract by the Cubs. Not a huge deal, but could represent a piece of the incomplete bench. Irritating to note Mike Kiley again refer to Neifi as the "projected starter" at 2B. Partly because I want Neifi as a back-up, and partly because management has not called him a starter yet and Kiley seems to be ahead of himself.
http://www.suntimes.com/output/cubs/cst-spt-cub03.html

2) Not content with succeeding Sammy (again) at Baltimore, Jeromy Burnitz is apparently looking to finally beat Sosa to a right field gig this time (the Pirates were rumored to be considering Sammy, but now it looks like Burnitz might have the edge there).
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06003/631666.stm

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Interesting is right...

... I had assumed Burnitz' deal with the Orioles was done, based on many online articles including this one from the Orioles website.

The rest is just speculation. Don't get into a lather because Grissom is signed to a minor league deal. Reference point: Cody Ransom came into camp last year on a minor league deal. He had about as much chance to make the roster as I did.

Kiley makes a number of assumptions in his article, not the least of which is based on his belief that Todd Walker will be traded. I haven't heard any Walker rumors in a while, and further, can't think of too many teams looking for a 2B.

Sometimes the best deals are the ones you don't make.

by Al Yellon on Jan 3, 2006 9:38 AM CST reply actions

I've been

against trading Walker from the beginning, so I hope this "rumor" isn't true. I really want to see what a healthy Todd Walker can do playing every day.

As for Grissom. . . meh.

Hey-Dawson backwards is Noswad!---Harry Caray

by cubbiejulie on Jan 3, 2006 11:36 AM CST reply actions

Walker's defense?

I am relatively new here and have probably missed past discussions on the subject, but what is everyone's view on Walker's defensive game? I have read things here and there that the Cubs weren't that high on it. Aside from the range factor, I don't notice anything awful. Do any of you see him as bad on turning the dp?

Also, if Marquis has any legs, he'll be a steal. If he doesn't, no big loss.

by greggie44 on Jan 3, 2006 12:15 PM CST reply actions

Walker

I really like Todd Walker, but as far as his defense is concerned, I cannot get one play out of my mind: on July 3rd against Washington at Wrigley, while setting up a double play in extra innings, he threw quite wide of second as the SS was coming over to cover (I think it was Neifi!), the ball ended in the Cubs bullpen, and two runs scored in the inning that should have ended with a DP. The Cubs tied the game in the bottom half and lost the game in later extras, but they should have gotten out of the inning unscathed. I know that it's unfair to judge defense on one play, but that one was a killer. Other than that, aside from somehow bringing Ryno in his prime back, I don't think any other 2B would be a significant upgrade. Plus I really like his bat.

by gauchodirk on Jan 3, 2006 3:58 PM CST up reply actions

don't forget

his brutal play in the Zambrano "early exit" game vs. MYM when he was infuriated with his defense (game when Beltran scored from 1st on a groundball single with Macias in CF).

Walker tried to gun down a runner at the plate after ranging far to his left. It was brutal and the worst decision-making play I've ever seen a 2B make.

Walker over a full-season will not be missed defensively.

by socalbob on Jan 3, 2006 4:06 PM CST up reply actions

I remember that game

Yes, that was a horrible decision. A terrible weekend for the team.

by greggie44 on Jan 3, 2006 4:09 PM CST up reply actions

Walkers defense

isnt that bad. He is short on range, and doesnt make the spectacular plays, but he is sure handed and doesnt make throwing errors. He will never win a gold glove, but his offense more than makes up for that. I for one hope he is in the everyday lineup come next year.

First Boston, then the White Sox, its now the Cubs turn.

by indytaz on Jan 3, 2006 12:29 PM CST reply actions

Thanks

I just can't understand why the Cubs can look elsewhere when Walker is only making 2.5 million. His doubles will be even more important this year with Pierre up ahead of him.

by greggie44 on Jan 3, 2006 1:04 PM CST up reply actions

I think

the starting lineup is about set. I have said before that I hate the way this team has been set up before with power hitters who not only strike out alot, but worse, they strike out with a runner on third base and less than two outs. I want contact hitters, hitters who know how to hit in a given situation and not looking to hit the ball 500 feet. Walker is a pure hitter, we need more like him.

First Boston, then the White Sox, its now the Cubs turn.

by indytaz on Jan 3, 2006 3:26 PM CST reply actions

personally.....

I think Todd Walker is a great fit for this ballclub. We all know the guy can hit for average as he has proved everywhere he has been, not to mention when healthy he is a doubles machine and ocassionally even hits for power, all of which will be great knowing we have a great leadoff hitter now assuming they hit him in the two spot. My question is what are they going to do with Jerry Hairston, is he going to continue to be our every position type guy or what?? And are there any other rumors as to what is going to happen with Patterson??

I'd rather look at the glass half full, rather than half empty!!

by bolson1076 on Jan 3, 2006 5:45 PM CST reply actions