Grudz vs Walker vs Baker

I was reading Clark & Addison's recent entry on his blog. And the thing that gets me the most is that a lot of people think Todd Walker will get the majority of the playing time. Sure, that's what I want, that's what I would like to see. Any person can see Todd Walker is the better option to hit against RHP. But just like last year we don't run the team. Dusty Baker does. And in "Dusty Town" anything goes.

The fact is Dusty Baker has said repeatedly that Mark Grudz is the starter.....

So, who starts things off for the Cubs in 2004? With Kenny Lofton gone, the Cubs don't have a true leadoff hitter.

"I don't know," Baker said when asked who would hit 1-2 in his lineup. "(Mark) Grudzielanek is probably both."

The Cubs also added second baseman Todd Walker. Does that mean Mark Grudzielanek could move to shortstop to get Walker playing time?

"No," Baker said. "(Walker) realized he's not slated to start every day from the get-go. He's like having a good sixth, seventh man (in basketball). Sooner or later, you're going to need him."

Walker was told to bring a first baseman's glove and also to expect to shag in the outfield. He may be asked to play left to give Alou a breather.

There was another quote Dusty had on Todd Walker which I cant locate but remember very well because I was gonna do a rant on it but decided not to at the time. Basically he said Todd Walker knows his role and how can you take away the 2nd base job from Mark Grudz after he hit .314 last year?

Us fans are thinking Walker will start but in Dusty's mind its gonna be Mark Grudz. Even if Grudz hits his normal .270/.310 he will probably remain the full time starter. Because Dusty is a stubborn manager. The troubling thing is I don't think Walker knows what he got himself into.

MLB.com: How well do you know Cubs manager Dusty Baker?

Walker: I don't know him at all. He wears the wristbands and he's into the game and he's fired up. People I've talked to say he treats his people fair.

Walker is about to find out that Baker doesn't treat people fair. Walker knows he is better than Grudz, most Cubs fans realize Walker is better than Grudz in atleast hitting RHP. But like with the Lenny Harris situation, Baker does things that are extremely unpopular to prove a point. That he is in control and that he doesn't look at stats. Even if it is hurting the team.

I am just glad Baker is keeping an open mind about the 2nd base situation and is keeping the door open on who should be playing. Ahhhh to live in "Dusty Town". Ignorance truly is bliss.