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Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 09 2015 03:29 AM

If Zobrist was a switch-hitting 2Bman with minor pop and a better glove than Muffy, so too is the Pirates' Neil Walker, only he's younger, not quite as a good an on-baseman, doesn't come with a big commitment (arb-eligible and FA to be in 2017), and not as versatile, that we know yet. Like Zobrist, he also wears #18. The Pirates seem practically like motivated sellers, according to recent press. Pirates notebook: Source says 'zero chance' Walker gets contract extension NASHVILLE, Tenn. — According to an industry source, there is “zero chance” second baseman Neil Walker will get any sort of contract extension offer. His final contract with the Pirates will be resolved through the arbitration process, unless he is traded in the next few weeks. Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said he is confident the Pirates can quickly come up with a replacement if Walker is dealt. “Whenever you consider moving a player — any player, speaking generically — you do think about what you have internally to back-fill for that player,” Huntington said Monday. “Josh (Harrison) has shown more than enough ability to play second and third. (Jung Ho) Kang has shown the ability to play third and short. Jordy (Mercer) can bounce all over the infield. And there's the free agent (and) trade markets. So, we feel comfortable in our ability to back-fill.”

Frayed Knot Dec 09 2015 03:36 AM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Walker's interesting in that he's a local kid up there and is HUGELY popular because of it (and because he's pretty good). Has never played SS so is not even an option there and would take a trade to get him. Will be FA after 2016 I've always liked him - at least while seeing him in small doses.

Edgy MD Dec 09 2015 03:47 AM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Went to a Bucco game and got a Neil Walker tee-shirt. Lunchie looked at his with a shot of number 18 coming to the plate for the Pirates, and said, "Hmmm... Andy Van Slyke." I like Walker's general consistency and reliability, as well as his being younger than 34. As consistency goes, though, he's coming off a relatively poor year, and they have Josh Harrison of the Clan of Shelby to take over.

Centerfield Dec 09 2015 03:56 AM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Edgy MD wrote: I like Walker's general consistency and reliability, as well as his being younger than 34. This. I guess it all depends what they want for 1 year of him. Nimmo? Sure. More than that is tough to commit. I don't know. I'm kind of excited to see what Dilson Herrera can do. I don't know why but I feel like he is going to be a terrific player.

Gwreck Dec 09 2015 04:49 AM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

I'd almost consider waiting the year and just getting Walker as a free agent. He reminds of Murphy without the stupid mental errors and actual good defense.

Lefty Specialist Dec 09 2015 01:39 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

If they don't give up too much I'd be for this. Walker's a solid player, and it's only a year, so Herrera gets to work his way in.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 09 2015 02:39 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

He's solid, and it makes sense, really. But I get no kick from the prospect of this guy.

d'Kong76 Dec 09 2015 04:58 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Mets are considering a trade for Pirates second baseman Neil Walker. rotoworld wrote: The Mets had their sights set on Ben Zobrist in recent days, but they are back to the drawing board after he signed with the Cubs. Walker's salary is expected to rise above $10 million in his final year of arbitration, so the Pirates have had him on the block. The shorter commitment could be attractive to the Mets, who hope to eventually have Dilson Herrera take over at the position. However, they appear hesitant to give him the job right away to begin 2016.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2015 05:02 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

I do like the idea of the Mets getting a one-year guy. I don't know anything about Walker, or what the Mets would have to give up to get him, but I do think that a one-year guy is the way to go.

Vic Sage Dec 09 2015 06:06 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

By almost any metric i can find, Walker is a better player than Murphy. They're roughly the same age, with similar career plate appearances to date. Walker's line: .270/20hr/80rbi with a .338/431 ob/slg, 113 OPS+, 17.5 oWAR and .6 dWAR Murphy's line: .288/10hr/70rbi with a .331/424 ob/slg, 110 OPS+, 14.8 oWAR and -2.6 dWAR Walker will strike out more, and hit for a lower average, but with more power and run production, and better defense, and is a switch-hitter. He can play 3b and 1b too, at least as well as Murphy. That being said, i wasn't that high on Murphy either. Walker will cost players + an arbitrated contract for 1 year, and then he'll be a FA. So do i want a guy like this? yeah, he'd be ok for a year, allowing Herrera and Cecchini to get another year to develop. It'd be like a less defensively challenged Murphy in the lineup. But what do i want to give up for a guy like this? Not Nimmo, no. We need young OFers in our system with high upsides. But I'm not sure what 1 year of this guy is worth.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 09 2015 06:14 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

I'd have to think Walker is worth a middling prospect, given that we'd be doing the Pirates a $10 million favor.

Centerfield Dec 09 2015 06:17 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: I'd have to think Walker is worth a middling prospect, given that we'd be doing the Pirates a $10 million favor. Do you think this is all it will take? If so I'd be all over that. But you'd have to think there would be competition to get him.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 09 2015 06:20 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Nats, Natsurally.

Centerfield Dec 09 2015 07:49 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Twitterverse has Niese for Walker rumors. I don't see how that makes a lot of sense. Salaries seem like a wash.

Vic Sage Dec 09 2015 07:55 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Centerfield wrote: Twitterverse has Niese for Walker rumors. I don't see how that makes a lot of sense. Salaries seem like a wash. it makes sense for Pittsburgh, because if Niese pitches well, they can exercise his options for 2 more years beyond 2016. If he doesn't, then it's 1-year wash, and they have a young 2bman they want to look at instead of Walker. It really just fills holes for each team temporarily, and its not as if we'd really miss Niese all that much. I'd be ok with this.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2015 07:57 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

We may miss Niese for the first few months, before Wheeler returns, but the Mets could probably find someone else to take his place, like Bartolo Colon (who they've been talking to) or Rafael Montero, or Logan Verrett, or someone else.

TransMonk Dec 09 2015 08:02 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

I'd jump at Niese for Walker. I'm fine with Colon coming back until Wheeler is ready, too.

Edgy MD Dec 09 2015 08:05 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Daily News reporting the Mets are closing in on a deal to acquire them some Neil Walker. No quotes yet from Terry as to where Walker would bat.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2015 08:08 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Has John Ricco been strutting in the lobby?

Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2015 08:10 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Adam Rubin wrote: NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates are involved in trade talks that potentially could bring switch-hitting second baseman Neil Walker to Queens for left-hander Jonathon Niese, according to multiple reports. Walker, 30, hit .269 with 16 homers and 71 RBIs in 543 at-bats last season. He earned $8 million last season and again is eligible for arbitration. Walker is not eligible for free agency until after the 2017 season. The Mets appear to have pivoted to Walker after striking out in their attempt to land Ben Zobrist. He agreed Tuesday to a four-year, $56 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. The Los Angeles Angels reportedly also are pursuing Walker. Walker is not eligible for free agency until after the 2017 season. This isn't true, is it? My understanding (and Baseball Reference agrees) is that he's a free agent after 2016, not 2017.

d'Kong76 Dec 09 2015 08:13 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

He's incorrect *the crowd hushes and turns away* it's 2016.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2015 08:16 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Kristie Ackert @Ackert_NYDN #Mets source called to clarify. "definitely in the works, not close to being done".....I Apologize for any confusion. 3:04 PM - 9 Dec 2015

Vic Sage Dec 09 2015 08:19 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

This isn't true, is it? My understanding (and Baseball Reference agrees) is that he's a free agent after 2016, not 2017. according to Cot's, Walker is going into his 4th and final arbitration year in 2016, and then is a FA for the 2017 season, not after it.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 09 2015 08:24 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Sherman says this is a done deal

Frayed Knot Dec 09 2015 08:26 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Kristie Ackert @Ackert_NYDN #Mets source called to clarify. "definitely in the works, not close to being done".....I Apologize for any confusion. 3:04 PM - 9 Dec 2015 From my point earlier, why is a Mets source calling in to clarify anything while negotiations are going on? Negotiate first, talk about it after the fact.

TransMonk Dec 09 2015 08:29 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Adam Rubin wrote: The Mets appear to have pivoted to Walker after striking out in their attempt to land Ben Zobrist. I vastly prefer one year of Walker to four years of an aging Zobrist. I don't see any way that this trade would not trump signing Zobrist as the better move for the Mets both in the short term and the long.

Gwreck Dec 09 2015 08:35 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Because it costs them a valuable starting pitcher, while Zobrist would have cost only cash? (He didn't get a qualifying offer)

Nymr83 Dec 09 2015 08:40 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

I like the trade in a vacuum, which is not to say it was preferable to signing a different guy

Edgy MD Dec 09 2015 08:40 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Other starting pitchers are available inside the organization and out.

TransMonk Dec 09 2015 08:40 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Niese is much more valuable to about 25 other teams than he is to the Mets right now. With Herrera on the horizon, I'd rather not be paying Zobrist an eight figure salary for the end of his career.

TransMonk Dec 09 2015 08:44 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Sherman says this is a done deal Small other matters = checking to see if Niese is crying.

Ceetar Dec 09 2015 08:45 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Kristie Ackert @Ackert_NYDN #Mets source called to clarify. "definitely in the works, not close to being done".....I Apologize for any confusion. 3:04 PM - 9 Dec 2015 From my point earlier, why is a Mets source calling in to clarify anything while negotiations are going on? Negotiate first, talk about it after the fact. I think I'm okay, with the way the media is, with them clarifying when rumors of 'done deal' get ahead of the negotiations. Don't want to make Flores cry again.

Nymr83 Dec 09 2015 08:46 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

TransMonk wrote: John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Sherman says this is a done deal Small other matters = checking to see if Niese is crying. Pending Medical review is a big deal around here.

A Boy Named Seo Dec 09 2015 08:49 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

I am so much in favor of this rumored thing, if it is straight up for Niese. Fills a direct need without creating another gaping hole, and we're still all easy-breezy, with no long-term commitment being doled out to some old-ass dude. Potentially 2 thumbs up from me. PS - good call by JCL last night, eh.

d'Kong76 Dec 09 2015 08:51 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

A Boy Named Seo wrote: PS - good call by JCL last night, eh. Indeed.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 09 2015 08:52 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

With Walker, I think you get a guy who's maybe less likely to be game-changing than Zobrist. OTOH, playing for a new contract, not a longterm committment. Muffy & Niese gone! They were longtime sufferers.

Nymr83 Dec 09 2015 08:54 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: With Walker, I think you get a guy who's maybe less likely to be game-changing than Zobrist. OTOH, playing for a new contract, not a longterm committment. Muffy & Niese gone! They were longtime sufferers. were they 2nd and 3rd behind Wright in tenure?

Ceetar Dec 09 2015 08:57 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Nymr83 wrote: John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: With Walker, I think you get a guy who's maybe less likely to be game-changing than Zobrist. OTOH, playing for a new contract, not a longterm committment. Muffy & Niese gone! They were longtime sufferers. were they 2nd and 3rd behind Wright in tenure? Parnell may have been ahead of Niese? I forget. I don't hate this trade. It'll do. Walker's fine, better than fine perhaps though seemed a little power-sapped last year.

Edgy MD Dec 09 2015 08:59 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Wright and Duda (for a few weeks) will be the last guys to have reached the bigs under Omar. Mejia, too, if he returns.

Frayed Knot Dec 09 2015 09:11 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

TransMonk wrote: Adam Rubin wrote: The Mets appear to have pivoted to Walker after striking out in their attempt to land Ben Zobrist. I vastly prefer one year of Walker to four years of an aging Zobrist. I don't see any way that this trade would not trump signing Zobrist as the better move for the Mets both in the short term and the long. Well short-term maybe not in that it cost us Niese (even if that's not as big a hit as it would have been 2-3 years ago) and that Zobrist may be the better player right now. Long-term is more iffy in that there won't be the big commitment to an aging player (who may or may not be earning his keep by then) but we will have to fill the job again next year. The upside scenario is one where this gives us the time to nurture a home-grown replacement and/or the financial flexibility to make moves in the for '17-'19 without the Zobrist contract in the way. But, like you, I banking on scenario #3 as the best option right now and officially give this deal my stamp of approval. Kind of an emotional trade in the sense that it's a straight-up one-for-one deal involving two guys who were drafted and 10 (Niese) and 11 (Walker) years ago and have never known another org. Walker, as I mentioned at the top of this thread, was also a hometown boy who was extremely popular in Pittsburgh after being just an 11th round draft pick. Niese always had that birthday connection to the club (b. 10/27/86 - something which out-of-town announcers often found fascinating) and was a good egg during his time here giving the club more than one normally has the right to expect from a 7th round choice. And, as noted, it also spells the end of Murphy's time here.

Edgy MD Dec 09 2015 09:13 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Frayed Knot wrote: ...but we will have to fill the job again next year. I tend to think the solution will present itself internally before the year is even up.

Lefty Specialist Dec 09 2015 09:15 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

I'm OK with this. Walker's solid, and there's no long-term commitment. Niese was expendable.

Edgy MD Dec 09 2015 09:19 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Bartolo buzz instantly bubbling up on the interwebs. Or Bartolo bubbles are instantly buzzing up, I'm not sure.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 09 2015 09:41 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

I'm looking forward to tonight's Mets Hot Stove.

Gwreck Dec 09 2015 09:48 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Edgy MD wrote: Wright and Duda (for a few weeks) will be the last guys to have reached the bigs under Omar. Mejia, too, if he returns. Didn't Wright reach the majors under Jim Duquette?

RealityChuck Dec 09 2015 09:53 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

It shouldn't be hard to replace Niese in the rotation, with Gilmartin, Verrett, and Montero (remember when he was supposed to be better than deGrom?) all available even if Colon doesn't sign.

Centerfield Dec 09 2015 09:56 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

The best part of this move is that it doesn't cost them much money, if any. Which means they can still improve the OF, bullpen and bench. Good move. Nice recovery. Great call JCL.

metsmarathon Dec 09 2015 11:20 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

I'm hoping that this move, which I love btw, paves the way for a Heyward signing. Also the Mets could get a pick out of walker if he walks at the end of the year.

Centerfield Dec 09 2015 11:26 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

metsmarathon wrote: I'm hoping that this move, which I love btw, paves the way for a Heyward signing. Also the Mets could get a pick out of walker if he walks at the end of the year. Yes, yes and yes.

Frayed Knot Dec 10 2015 01:17 AM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Edgy MD wrote: Frayed Knot wrote: ...but we will have to fill the job again next year. I tend to think the solution will present itself internally before the year is even up. Ideally, yes. Actually my ideal solution involves finding a true SS and moving Wilmer over the 2nd but there's plenty of water to go under the bridge before we have to make that decision.

Centerfield Dec 10 2015 01:24 AM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

More cool stuff about Neil Walker: 1. Has said he's happy to fill in at 3B when needed. Reports are that he can play the position. 2. He's a switch hitter. Much better from the left side. Which means he is a good candidate to platoon with Herrera. Overall Neil Walker is pretty good. His .769 OPS over the last 3 years is better than Zobrist. And at age 30, much more likely to sustain it. But if you platoon Walker, LH-hitting Walker has an .809 OPS over the last three years, and has hit 53 of his 55 HR's from that side.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 10 2015 01:48 AM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Walker wound up at second only after playing catcher and 3B in the minors. More or less learned 2B on the job. His dad, Tom Walker, was a relief pitcher in the 70s. His sister married Don Kelly, who was on the Tigers. Wifey Niki and he very poutylipped:

Fman99 Dec 10 2015 02:13 AM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Yay! Smart move by the Mets. Niese was not part of the long term plan anyway. I will miss you, Muffy, and all of your flash (and foibles).

Zvon Dec 10 2015 03:18 AM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Centerfield wrote: metsmarathon wrote: I'm hoping that this move, which I love btw, paves the way for a Heyward signing. Also the Mets could get a pick out of walker if he walks at the end of the year. Yes, yes and yes. Another yes and furthermore, yes, no chance of a return engagement now. I'll miss Da Murph.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 10 2015 04:16 AM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

All the good stuff happens when I'm out of radio contact. Let me add my congratulatory spit-and-tug to Human Ouija Board JCL-- NICE call. I'm talking myself into this. Upon closer look, Walker is far better than a consolation prize; he's Zobrist's equal with the bat (punchier, if slightly less on-base-y) over the last three years, and nearly as good (or, rather, non-terrible) with the glove. Coupled with the Cabrera signing, this makes the middle infield into a nice, deep place-- plenty of pop against lefties AND righties; slightly upgraded defense-- for the next season or two.

TransMonk Dec 15 2015 06:47 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Per Metsblog, Walker will wear #20. His dad wore #20 in the 70s when he started out in Montreal. #20 is retired in Pittsburgh.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 15 2015 08:19 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

He'd be the first second baseman to wear 20 since Kurt Abbott!

Edgy MD Dec 16 2015 03:29 AM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

I like when MLB legacy pitchers are the sons of hitters and hitters who are sons of pitchers.

Frayed Knot Feb 05 2016 03:54 AM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

The NY Post's Kevin Kernan has been spending the last week or so getting the jump on pre-ST stories. Here he takes a look at Neil Walker

Edgy MD Feb 17 2016 09:16 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

It turns out that Neil Walker is lucky to exist, as his father is sort of the Dion DiMucci of baseball. Tom Walker was friends with Roberto Clemente, having met the Pirate legend in winter ball, and helped him load the plane of relief supplies headed to Nicaragua. The story goes that Walker asked to fly down with Clemente, but Roberto dissuaded him, encouraging him to spend New Year's with his family. Here's Tom Walker getting his Shea on.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 17 2016 09:32 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

It's like a Willie Mays card with some guy in the foreground

Edgy MD Feb 17 2016 09:45 PM Re: Talking about Neil Walker with you guys in here

Neil's got baseball blood all over the place. 1970s Expos pitcher Chip Lang is his uncle, by way of his father marrying Chip's sister, and veteran utility man Don Kelly is his brother-in-law, having married Neil's sister Carrie Walker, former Wagner basketball star.