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Memories of Neil Walker

G-Fafif Aug 13 2017 11:12 AM

Best Neil on the 2017 Mets by far. Thirty-three home runs in two seasons as a Met (tied for 61st in franchise history with Ramon Castro and Jay Payton), four of them off ex-Mets: Chris Young (his and the 2016 Mets' first of their record-setting 218), Tyler Clippard, Francisco Rodriguez and Dillon Gee. Neil never played with any of them. His last was off Al Leiter's nephew Mark. The one off K-Rod in Detroit, and one off Boone Logan of Colorado at Citi Field a week earlier, were critical in keeping the Mets afloat during their fallow midsummer 2016 period, allowing them to stay close enough for their eventual Wild Card push. As good a "good guy" as one could have wanted, by all indications. Not as consistently healthy as one would want. Opened the door to T.J. Rivera by being out all of last September. Now that I'm thinking about it, probably holds the Met record for career home runs without any in September. (Fellow ex-Pirate Bobby Bonilla hit 95 home runs as a Met, but only four in September.) When he succeeded Daniel Murphy, we knew what we were getting and we got him. We just didn't what we were losing, and that probably colors his Met legacy. Good luck in Milwaukee, guy from Pittsburgh.

themetfairy Aug 13 2017 12:29 PM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

Solid when he wasn't injured, but not Murphy. Not just what Murph has become, but not the home-grown exuberant guy that Murph was. But a good guy and a solid contributor - I hope he does well in Milwaukee.

Edgy MD Aug 13 2017 01:23 PM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

I have Neil Walker shirt from his Pittsburgh days, a giveaway from a PNC game I attended with Lunchie. I had a problem adjusting to his Metliness. His hair bothered me. It looked too much like Jeff Wilpon's. That's certainly more my problem than his. Great trade getting him. Second year, though, was farty.

G-Fafif Aug 13 2017 01:46 PM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

I have a pair of Neil Walker batting gloves, in their original wrapper. The gloves feature the Mets "NY" insignia and the WOR Radio logo. There is nothing Neil Walkerish about the gloves themselves, but the packaging assures me they are his. I hope he has another pair to take to Milwaukee.

Gwreck Aug 13 2017 02:24 PM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

Walker was a better player for the Mets than Murphy was. Obviously Murphy had a many more seasons, but when actually playing for the Mets, Walker was what I always hoped Daniel Murphy would be: competent at fielding, consistent with hitting, some good power, and not prone to stupid errors in the field/on the basepaths. Walker was better when with the Mets. Sad to see him leave. A very solid player. A shame he wasn't healthy more.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 13 2017 02:35 PM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

I think the whole QO gambit with him was a spectacular failure and at some level prepared us for what a shit sandwich we had to eat this year. At the very best Walker could have (but didn't really) serve as a Replacement David Wright, instead he spent half the year hurt, half the year as cleanup-hitting singles hitter, and we have to pay Milwaukee to take him off our hands. This, when we had Rivera, Flores, Cecchini, Reyes, Cabrera, Reynolds whom all could have filled in at second base. Walker was a good option when Muffy left, and had a great start to his Mets career, and we should have quit while ahead. I remember talkin' 'bout Neil Walker with you guys in here.

Chad Ochoseis Aug 13 2017 02:53 PM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

Hit 9 home runs in April 2016 while Murphy was hitting .400. We all figured this meant we'd get 40 HRs out of Walker and Murphy would go back to hitting his usual .280. Optimism reigns supreme. Moved into Niese's old apartment after the trade.

Frayed Knot Aug 13 2017 03:10 PM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

I recall that we were mostly in favor of extending Walker the QO last winter, although certainly part of that was due to feeling that he'd reject it. Had the QO rules last year been what they are now it's likely it never would have been offered and then who knows how things would have turned out. Certainly the season couldn't have gone much worse.

Ashie62 Aug 13 2017 04:28 PM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

Don't believe I ever saw Neil Walker smile.

Zvon Aug 14 2017 06:15 PM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

I recall he didn't suck. And that I wasn't too thrilled to see him wearing Agee's #20. As far as I'm concerned that number should be retired. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>;)

Fman99 Aug 14 2017 07:23 PM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

Frayed Knot wrote: I recall that we were mostly in favor of extending Walker the QO last winter, although certainly part of that was due to feeling that he'd reject it. Had the QO rules last year been what they are now it's likely it never would have been offered and then who knows how things would have turned out. Certainly the season couldn't have gone much worse. I am pleased to note that I suggested they not make the QO to him in that thread. I'm so damn smart.

Edgy MD Aug 14 2017 07:49 PM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

I was in the offer camp, but I regretted the vote (and the poll not allowing me to change it), when I learned that a player that accepts the offer isn't allowed to be traded for the first half season and isn't allowed to be traded with a chunk of salary along for the ride. The Mets had a lot of maturing infield talent, and still do 2/3 of a season later, though some has perhaps stagnated.

Ashie62 Aug 14 2017 10:06 PM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

Fman99 wrote: Frayed Knot wrote: I recall that we were mostly in favor of extending Walker the QO last winter, although certainly part of that was due to feeling that he'd reject it. Had the QO rules last year been what they are now it's likely it never would have been offered and then who knows how things would have turned out. Certainly the season couldn't have gone much worse. I am pleased to note that I suggested they not make the QO to him in that thread. I'm so damn smart. Didn't want him either.

MFS62 Aug 15 2017 02:18 AM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

I'd like to remember him by his legacy - the player(s) the Mets got in return. If that return had to go through waivers, shouldn't that have happened by now? Its been more than 48 hours since the trade was announced. Later

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Aug 15 2017 02:28 AM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

MFS62 wrote: I'd like to remember him by his legacy - the player(s) the Mets got in return. If that return had to go through waivers, shouldn't that have happened by now? Its been more than 48 hours since the trade was announced. Could be a very recent draftee. I remember Walker as exactly-as-advertised--vaguely pleasant if whitebread, competent with the bat and glove-- but for the multitude of owies. Opting for mid-pennant-race surgery may have been the right move for him last season, but it kinda left a sour taste in the mouth, no?

Edgy MD Aug 15 2017 02:43 AM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

We may not know the player until after the season. If he was blocked, he can't be moved until then.

41Forever Aug 15 2017 02:55 AM Re: Memories of Neil Walker

We went to see the Mets play the Indians in Cleveland early last season, and late in the game a Walker was at bat, and a loudmouth Tribe fan yelled out, "Ha! Who's afraid of Neil Walker?" Next pitch, bomb over the right field wall. One of those glorious moments!