As far as Todd Walker is concerned, Aaron Boone’s pennant-clinching home run against Boston in last October’s American League Championship Series provided soothing comfort to millions of Red Sox fans.
The former Boston second baseman believes fans in New England are happier when they’re really, really miserable, a theory Walker and his ex-Boston teammates discussed often.
“We always talked about if we did win the World Series in Boston, they wouldn’t have anything to talk about,” Walker said. “It would probably ruin a lot of lives, because they couldn’t get upset about what they’ve been able to talk about all these years–curses and all the negative things that surround the Red Sox.”
Curses and negative things? Sound vaguely familiar?
The Cubs could be spiritual brothers of the Red Sox when it comes to dealing with such talk. Though Walker has been wearing a Cubs uniform only a couple of weeks, he has noticed a big difference in the atmosphere surrounding the two franchises.
“It’s calmer here,” he said. “It seems, from what I know now, it’s a better place for that reason. I don’t think there’s as much negativity here. If you do well, there’s no better place to play than Chicago.
“If you make a mistake, they’re more aware in Chicago that those things are going to happen. That’s part of the game. That doesn’t mean you’re a bad player. But Boston? They’ll kick you out of the city if you lose a game or make a mistake. That puts a lot of pressure on a player.”
Walker enjoyed his season in Boston but was left unwanted after driving in 85 runs and setting a franchise record with five postseason home runs. He turned down more money from Cleveland to sign a one-year, $1.75 million deal with the Cubs.
Cubs manager Dusty Baker repeatedly has said Walker will not displace Mark Grudzielanek as his starting second baseman.
“If you have a girlfriend and another one comes along, should you put your girlfriend down because the next girl is just as pretty?” Baker asked. “That ain’t right.”
Walker will play second base, third base, left field and first base, if he proves this spring he’s not a defensive liability at the three unfamiliar positions. Getting used to a backup role after a productive season is hard for any player, especially when he’s 30 years old and in his prime.
“It’s tough,” Walker said. “But what’s going to make it easier is we’re going to win. If that means I’m helping out the team by pinch-hitting and playing here and there, fine. Ultimately I’m going to get my at-bats. I’m not worried.”
Walker has averaged 583 at-bats in the last three seasons, with 38 doubles and 75 RBIs per year. Since 2001 only four other current Cubs have more RBIs than Walker’s 224: Sammy Sosa (371), Aramis Ramirez (289), Moises Alou (260) and Derrek Lee (224).
Walker sees himself getting between 300 and 400 at-bats, which won’t help him get a lucrative contract in 2005.
“I could’ve taken some other offers to do that,” he said. “To spend a year somewhere where you’re going to lose, it would’ve been a miserable year even if I put up the numbers I put up last year. Last year I had 90 RBIs and 18 home runs (including the postseason) and hit .285 or whatever, and I didn’t get a big, huge contract that might be warranted by those numbers.
“So why would I go somewhere, put up the same numbers and face a similar situation next off-season? I’d rather win. . . . There were guys who were hurt half of last year who got better contracts than other people. Based on that, I might as well go play for a winner and let everything else fall where it’s going to fall. You can’t predict [next year’s market].”
The Cubs hold an option on Grudzielanek for ’05, so they may have to choose between him and Walker. Walker said he’s not out to take anyone’s job, but he also insisted he plans on being a Cub for more than one season.
“I’m in this for the long haul,” Walker said. “I came here for an opportunity to be here for more than this year. I see an opportunity to play in Chicago a long time, whether it would be second or anywhere else.”
