Who do you want at 2nd?

[Cubsfan97]

I want Todd Walker. He is much better than the others.

[vptpt]

I want Perez' glove at second. At the plate, maybe not so much. Too bad they can't pinch hit for him every at bat.

[aarond23]

Of course Walker if healthy, his defense isn't that awful to account for putting average major league hitters like Perez or Hairston there.

If Dusty wants to put those guys in in the 8th with the lead, no problem with that.

[Bob Sacamento]

Of course Walker if healthy, his defense isn't that awful to account for putting average major league hitters like Perez or Hairston there.

If Dusty wants to put those guys in in the 8th with the lead, no problem with that.
Walker is definately the best overall fit into the lineup with his lefthanded bat and power but his defense at second rates along the lines of one of the worst in MLB today. And with the Cubs new found emphasis on defense and speed, Hairston looks like he's going to give Walker a run for his money in the starting spot.

Jerry played last year with a serious ankle injury that he kept hidden for the majority of the season. And despite Hairston's first go around in the NL, he put up admirable numbers .261/.336/.368/.704 with AVG/OBP numbers that will likely go up in 2006. While Walker put up a good line as well, .305/.355/.474/.829, he missed significant time for the second year in a row.

Here is their 2005 season compared:

Player G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS
Hairston 114 380 51 99 25 2 4 30 31 46 8 9
Walker 110 397 50 121 25 3 12 40 31 40 1 1

[ndistops]

The only reason Todd Walker missed time is because Carlos Lee slid feet up into Walker's legs. I have a feeling the same thing would have happened to Hairston in that situation.

I want Walker, but apparently the Cubs don't.

[GaryL]

I want Hairston for his overall speed and his range at second. Walker is a defensive liability. The Cubs were, I believe, last in the League in double plays. That puts a huge burden on the pitching staff over 162 games.

Don't forget that the Red Sox got rid of Walker after the '03 season because of his weak glove, and went on to win the pennant and World Series with a quality second baseman. Speed and defense is what wins over the course of the season.

[otis89]

I want Walker. What he lacks in defense, he more than makes up for in offense. (provided Carlos Lee doesn't get in his way)

[otis89]

The Cubs were, I believe, last in the League in double plays. That puts a huge burden on the pitching staff over 162 games.

Yes, but when your pitching staff strikes out as many guys as ours does, you don't get as many chances for double plays as other teams do.

[burger eater]

The only reason Todd Walker missed time is because Carlos Lee slid feet up into Walker's legs. I have a feeling the same thing would have happened to Hairston in that situation.

I don't think it would have. Hairston would've jumped over or got out of Lee's way. Todd stood there and paid the price. He may have intended to get out of the way... if so, he wasn't fast enough to do it.

[Cubsfan97]

Its simple, take Walker out of the lineup when Lee is playing. I really think we should get Walker in at 2nd. The vote seems loppsided. Also Hairston had 8 SB and 9 CS. Not a good percentage for speed.

[burger eater]

I'd like to see Hairston, at least in a platoon. He claims he was nursing an injury last year and he certainly looks slimmer and in much better shape this spring than he did at any point last year. I think if healthy, Hairston will probably carry an OBP similar to Walker with much better defense. The only advantage Walker has is power and he swings lefty.
Hairston's 3 year splits show that his offensive production is far superior when he plays 2B, as opposed to the OF. Plus they show that Jerry needs to get to bed at night so he can play day baseball.

[rockin500]

Plus they show that Jerry needs to get to bed at night so he can play day baseball.

we said that about kyle for a long time. some players just cant do it for whatever reason. hopefully hairston learns as he is no longer a kid.

[burger eater]

Jerry's only been here for 1 season. Farns was missing a few marbles... he liked the night life, bar fighting scene.
Moises & D-Lee both had big second years in Chicago. Hopefully Hairston falls in this category.

[ndistops]

Jerry's only been here for 1 season. Farns was missing a few marbles... he liked the night life, bar fighting scene.
Moises & D-Lee both had big second years in Chicago. Hopefully Hairston falls in this category.
Moises had a big third year, his second year (2003) was serviceable but unimpressive.

[aarond23]

Something to also consider is that Walker may be traded before the season opens:

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

Talks between the Orioles and Chicago Cubs about the long-discussed Luis Matos-for-Todd Walker swap have intensified the past couple of days, according to industry sources. The holdup appears to be the Orioles' unwillingness to pick up the entire $2.5 million contract for the Cubs second baseman, who makes about $900,000 more than Matos.
Walker, 32, who is competing for Chicago's starting second base job, hit .305 last season with 12 homers and 40 RBIs. Orioles officials view the left-handed hitter mostly as a designated hitter who could give Perlozzo another good bat off the bench. Walker also could provide some infield insurance if Roberts isn't ready for Opening Day.

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

[burger eater]

Moises had a big third year, his second year (2003) was serviceable but unimpressive.

You're right, 2004 was his explosive year. For some reason, I keep thinking he did that in 2003.
Though I was impressed with 2003... I thought he was done after 2002. I thought he was on the juice after 2004.

[cubmanjay]

The bottom line is the question of offense vs defense. Solid fundamental baseball will win championships. I voted for Hairston not because I don't like Walker but because I think Hairston has the potential to put up similar numbers as Walker but far exceed Walker on the defensive end.

The Cubs need to really stick to the defense and speed formula. It works, it really does.

[pesky6]

Even though I'm a Red Sox fan, I voted for Walker. I liked him in Boston and really wish he had been resigned.