Walker one foot out the door

by 10 14 23 26 on Mar 15, 2006 11:36 AM CST

According www.mlbtraderumors.com (I know, I know), the Walker/Luis Matos deal is in the works. Awesome. Just what the Cubs need, get rid of our best option at 2B for another nobody.

Between this and Prior being "injured", I'm finding it extremely hard to keep my optimism up for 2006. God forbid, Cedeno gets hurt or sucks, we have to watch Neifi and Hairston at middle infield all season!!! What is going on with the Cubs right now? They have millions, yet make pointless trades. Maybe if D. Lee upsets hendry/baker, we should trade him too.

Poll

Should the Cubs trade Walker for Matos?

Yes

5 votes

No

95 votes

100 votes | Poll has closed

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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Comments

Walker

I was one of the early supporters of Walker. I'm not saying now I want to see him traded. However it seems that the guy can't keep his mouth shut. Compound this with the fact that Walker, despite his great OBP, can't stay put with any one team for an extended period of time.

If the Cubs trade him, clearly there is a reason. I will say, though, that the Cubs need guys who can get on base and losing a starting left handed bat from the line-up is not something I'd like to see.

DmL

by dmlichte on Mar 15, 2006 11:43 AM CST reply actions

I too supported Walker

but I suppose, with the current admin's philosophy on dissent, trading him wouldn't be terrible. But for Luis Matos? Hell no. Let's get someone that can actually help us.

by The Boar on Mar 15, 2006 11:44 AM CST up reply actions

Spot On!

I couldn't have said it better myself.

by socalbob on Mar 15, 2006 11:45 AM CST up reply actions

Whoops

My yes vote definitely should have been a NO.

by The Boar on Mar 15, 2006 11:43 AM CST reply actions

hey!

this is how old george got to be in charge!

by kjk on Mar 15, 2006 1:09 PM CST up reply actions

LOL!

2 "Yes" votes so far (5%), and one of them was a mistake!

The Cubs will thrive in twenty-oh-five... or sometime thereafter!

by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Mar 15, 2006 1:20 PM CST up reply actions

if they move walker for matos

it's just more confirming evidence that jim hendry really, really, REALLY does not understand anything about winning.

by gaius marius on Mar 15, 2006 11:50 AM CST reply actions

it would be a lousy trade

but this could be one of those "addition by subtraction" moves. I wouldn't like it, but do understand.

by socalbob on Mar 15, 2006 11:51 AM CST up reply actions

i think

we've subtracted a bit too much already. :)

by gaius marius on Mar 15, 2006 11:54 AM CST up reply actions

You say it

as if the Cubs can afford to subtract in the first place

by Slaky311 on Mar 15, 2006 12:10 PM CST up reply actions

I've never heard

Walker say anything bad about this teamates, and I've never seen him not play hard.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Mar 15, 2006 11:57 AM CST up reply actions

Exactly

It seems the Cubs want to put this "clubhouse cancer" label on Walker, but as far as I know he's never had any problems with his teammates. The times he has gotten in trouble for talking is when he's said a few words about management that Jim and Co. didn't like.

"The key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals, and three run homers." - Earl Weaver

by VS on Mar 15, 2006 12:02 PM CST up reply actions

Undeniable pattern

Stone was a clubhouse cancer from the booth, meanwhile since Sosa keeps making them money they'll keep him while he's useful. Pavlov's dogs would have caught on to this quicker.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Mar 15, 2006 12:15 PM CST up reply actions

Huh?

"Stone was a clubhouse cancer from the booth". Your not serious right? The only thing Stone did wrong in '04 was be critical of the play on the field. You take away that right from your announcers and you wind up with Kasper and Brenley in the booth. Why is it stone's fault there were tin earred players in the clubhouse?

cubsfan4life

by cubfan4life on Mar 15, 2006 12:40 PM CST up reply actions

agree with you 100%

Sarcasm doesn't always come through with the typed word.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Mar 15, 2006 12:45 PM CST up reply actions

That's not fair to Brenly

He hasn't been nearly as scathing as Stone has been since the latter left the booth (and it's getting to the point where Stoney's becoming less professional and more personal in his rather bilious comments of late); nevertheless, Brenly has not shied away from making on-air criticisms of poor play by the Cubs.

Luck is the residue of design. -- Branch Rickey

by Gregory on Mar 17, 2006 5:12 AM CST up reply actions

That's my whole problem

ticking of teammates and causing problems in the clubhouse (a la Sammy) is one thing. Ticking off the powers that be in the front office doesn't really bother me. And I agree, I would hate to lose a reliable left-handed bat, which is why I still support Walker. I just want him to shut up and play.

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

by cubbiejulie on Mar 15, 2006 6:50 PM CST up reply actions

On the other hand...

... Walker has not lasted long anywhere that he's gone. He had big problems in Minnesota and butted heads with Tom Kelly. This got him banished to the Reds, IIRC.

I've got no idea what the real story is, however this all leads me to conclude that if the Cubs deal him, there is a reason.

DmL

by dmlichte on Mar 15, 2006 1:22 PM CST up reply actions

I am sure there is a reason

But I am well past thinking it will be a good reason.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Mar 15, 2006 1:25 PM CST up reply actions

plus

the walker for bradley deal seemed to fall apart when grady little was hired in L.A.--i heard rumors that Little not wanting to manage Walker was part of the reason the deal fell apart, but who knows.

part of what makes Walker such a great interview might be waht makes him an undesirable person to have on your club.

and i wonder if a walker for matos deal might be a precursor to a soriano deal. i think, despite many peoples objections to getting soriano, a pitching prospects/soriano/wily mo pena three way deal would make a lot of sense. the cubs have really cut down on their strikeouts as a team with shedding corey/sosa/alou, so bringing in a strikeout-prone player who can be a 30-30 guy might help the lineup. and i think that if we can live with walker's defense because of his offense, we can live with soriano--they have similar defensive stats.

why we would want matos over prospects is beyond me.

by tomas21 on Mar 15, 2006 3:29 PM CST up reply actions

ha

if walker is a clubhouse cancer then soriano is a clubhouse bullet to the head. I would never want that guy on my team.

by mike bornemann @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Mar 15, 2006 3:31 PM CST up reply actions

See?

That's kind of how I feel about Cabrera and Bradley. With a "normal" manager, I think they wouldn't be much of a problem. With Dusty at the helm, I think one really bad attitude could bring down the whole team.

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

by cubbiejulie on Mar 15, 2006 6:52 PM CST up reply actions

i'm not sure

if soriano would be that much of a problem if he went in knowing he would be the everyday second baseman.
he's only signed for one year anyway, so it wouldn't be that big of a risk.

i still don't know why they want matos. he can't hit lefties, so that detracts from his value to this club, since we have two lefty outfielders.

by tomas21 on Mar 15, 2006 8:31 PM CST up reply actions

to compare Bradley and Cabrera

is absolutely lame. Ask Venezuela how much Miggy means to their team and country.

by socalbob on Mar 15, 2006 10:09 PM CST up reply actions

I tell you what's lame...

calling anyone named Miguel...Miggy. Sorry, it really bothers me.

Anyone can have a bad century...

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 16, 2006 7:30 AM CST up reply actions

Sorry

to use his nickname in a post. I should be banned from BCB.

by socalbob on Mar 16, 2006 12:25 PM CST up reply actions

That would certainly make me happy!

Miggy...c'mon man...just lame. I don't know if it can be considered hi nickname if you like using it. It's annoying...BAN YOU, BAN YOU!!!

Anyone can have a bad century...

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 17, 2006 2:37 PM CST up reply actions

I'm not talking about what he means

to his country. I'm talking about what he means to his teammates. Judging from their comments last year, he doesn't mean much.

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

by cubbiejulie on Mar 16, 2006 1:02 PM CST up reply actions

that article is crap

because he didn't shag fly balls in BP? Are you serious to say he's a clubhoiuse cancer? And then compare him to Milton Bradley?

If the Marlins were so concerned their manager should have said something or the tough-guy loudmouth Jeff Conine, he the great veteran leader he is going to the press instead of talking to a young player one-on-one, could have pulled him aside.

So every Cub who has ever done the Lead-Off Man should be labeled a cancer because they left their teammates high and dry to tape that show during BP.

I take it you haven't see very many Marlins games to see Cabrera's actions in the dugout. He is among the first to be at the edge of the dugout congratulating his teammates. He's always seen slapping hands and doing dances in the dugout. He is far from a cancer or problem.

by socalbob on Mar 16, 2006 1:30 PM CST up reply actions

I actually.....

have to agree with you.

by cubbieboy on Mar 15, 2006 1:01 PM CST up reply actions

Matos

Last year's line of .280/.340/.373 was by far his best season. He's pretty much a poor man's Juan Pierre really - a Center fielder with no power, mediocre OBP and good speed. From what I've heard he does play good D but still, why would the Cubs want him?

I hope this isn't another Sosa or Farnsworth case, where the Cubs trade away talent for peanuts.

"The key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals, and three run homers." - Earl Weaver

by VS on Mar 15, 2006 11:54 AM CST reply actions

check his 2003 season

your statement is not true

by socalbob on Mar 15, 2006 12:03 PM CST up reply actions

Wait a Minute

thats not accurate- try looking at his 2003 season-

KSUCubbie

by ksucubbie on Mar 15, 2006 12:04 PM CST up reply actions

Doh!

You guys are right, his 2003 numbers were better. He showed some isolated power, but other than that its more of the same - mediocre OBP, good speed and so on.

"The key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals, and three run homers." - Earl Weaver

by VS on Mar 15, 2006 12:07 PM CST up reply actions

Walker + prospect for Markakis

If they are intent on moving Walker they should package him and get either a mid to high level prospect or help in right field or SS-2B. I would like to see them shop Dopirak around and maybe even Hill/Guzman. Moving Walker for Matos straight up would be a waste.

by JonH on Mar 15, 2006 12:33 PM CST reply actions

that will never happen

O's wont trade Markakis, especially for someone like Walker. Its one of those Quality for Quantity deals that would be great for us, but are horribly unrealistic.

by mikew on Mar 15, 2006 12:40 PM CST up reply actions

Dopirak isn't just quantity

He was one of the top prospects in baseball in 04. He started off with a good spring but they aren't giving him a whole lot of playing time. I would like to see the cubs shop him. I think teams would be interested in 40HR power

by JonH on Mar 15, 2006 12:45 PM CST up reply actions

This would be a horrendous deal...

... the Cubs already have someone in camp as good as Matos -- Angel Pagan.

by Al Yellon on Mar 15, 2006 12:33 PM CST reply actions

amen

by bh714 on Mar 15, 2006 12:46 PM CST up reply actions

I think they need to keep him

With the supposed reputation he has they will not be able to trade for anyone near his value.

by LT on Mar 15, 2006 12:49 PM CST up reply actions

Hey

I just came and truly didn't have the time to read if anyone else posted this (so sorry)...

A story about Melvin Mora being upset with contract numbers. Since our front office likes Baltimore so much (Matos and all)...what about trading for him and shifting him to 2B...this is of course IF walker goes but stories are runnin about him leaving.

Anyone can have a bad century...

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 15, 2006 3:29 PM CST reply actions

Just a Thought

and this is total speculation

but could the Matos trade be the precursor to us flipping him to Boston for Tony G?

I heard Boston wants another Outfielder and we have had an eye on Graffinio for awhile but there wasnt any way Boston wanted Walker back

just a thought again...

KSUCubbie

by ksucubbie on Mar 15, 2006 4:52 PM CST reply actions

I suppose it's possible.

I'd rather them be doing it to pick up a quality starter though...we still have a "logjam" (I hate that term) at 2B.

Anyone can have a bad century...

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 15, 2006 5:01 PM CST up reply actions

I'd much rather

have walker than Tony "between the wickets" G.

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

by cubbiejulie on Mar 15, 2006 6:52 PM CST up reply actions

me

too

KSUCubbie

by ksucubbie on Mar 15, 2006 7:10 PM CST up reply actions

OK OKay...Walker was good as gone Nov 1st

What is the surprise, the only issue was what would the Cubs get in return. If Baltimore is willing to trade a CF'er that has MLB experience and some hitting ability to play off the bench and back up Pierre fine and so what.

Hairston was slated to take over 2B all along. Hairston has more defense and speed to pair up with Pierre.

Walker was a minor poker item.

The bigger deal is health (again). Lee might start out on the 15-day with Wood and Miller and Prior might be on the 60 day.

That means Cubs either bring up Sing or Dopirak or both?

Bill Veeck planted Ivy during 'The Depression', and over time the Ivy Walls has become the most distinct symbol of Wrigley Field.

by Ivy Walls on Mar 15, 2006 5:49 PM CST reply actions

lee

doesnt look like he is going to miss alot of time

KSUCubbie

by ksucubbie on Mar 15, 2006 5:51 PM CST up reply actions

I don't get it

Walker hit .305 last year, and is .290 for his career. How many .300 hitters do the Cubs (1) have or (2) have a chance at getting? You'd trade him for a .260 career average center fielder? No way.

Here is the most disturbing part. According to the article below, "Matos, currently playing for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, is behind Corey Patterson in the duel to win the club's starting center-field job." Sick huh? This sounds like the kind of deal Dusty/Hendry are salivating over.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-sp.osnotes15mar15,0,5837581.story?coll=bal-sports-ba seball

All the talk about Walker not being a team player is Dusty's fault. I think the problems are out of Walker's frustration. Put Walker on a team with a manager who's IQ is higher than an ordinary chimp and I'd bet the perception of him would be different.

Hey Chicago What Do You Say, The Cubs Are Gonna Win Today!

by Andy @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Mar 15, 2006 11:55 PM CST reply actions

low blow

the chimp comment is a bit off color

if you dont like him fine but thats a bit much

KSUCubbie

by ksucubbie on Mar 15, 2006 11:59 PM CST reply actions

Marlins also looking at Walker

In today's Miami paper, it says the Marlins have talked to the Cubs about trading for either Walker or Hairston. Teams with question marks at 2B must be starting to check in with Hendry at this point in spring.

by JohnM on Mar 16, 2006 4:53 AM CST reply actions

Well...

... at least we wouldn't be getting Matos in a deal with the Marlins.

by Al Yellon on Mar 16, 2006 11:11 AM CST up reply actions

Dude

turn this into a huge blockbuster Cabrera deal where we only have to give up prospects and Walker/Hairston (though I do think that Hairston is more verstile!!! Prospects I woulddn't mind seeing go are, Sing, Dopairek (??), Greenberg, Buck Coats, and maybe Sean Marshall.

I think we clearly need Hill now and Pie is just lookin too good to unlad. I suppose I would hand over Murton, if we had to.

Anyone can have a bad century...

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 16, 2006 12:15 PM CST up reply actions

Marlins

don't currently have a 2B, so it actually does make sense to go to them. Putting Matos in a Cubs uniform is an insult. The guy has no real value and we would be trading someone we could actually use fopr someone that is worse than Patterson!!! I'm all for finding a way to get Cabrera, although that just isn't gonna happen.

"I don't want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want somebody else to go chase it.

by 10 14 23 26 on Mar 16, 2006 3:29 PM CST reply actions