Walker named starter, Koronka dealt

Surprise! The Louisiana Lumberjack won the starting second baseman job.

Despite the fact Jim Hendry tried to trade Todd Walker all offseason. Despite all the rumors about Jerry Hairston replacing Todd Walker at 2B. Despite some comments earlier in the spring that put Walker in both the Manager and GM's doghouse. Despite the fact that the Cubs want to put guys on the field that can catch the ball. Despite all of these things Todd Walker was named the Cubs starting second baseman before the Cubs game today in Las Vegas.

Dusty Baker seemed to be leaning towards Jerry Hairston most of the spring. I guess in the end the Cubs need a bat in their lineup. They'll also be able to use Hairston as a defensive replacement for Walker late in games and give him a few starts. This will probably work into some form of a platoon with Walker getting the starts against right handers and Hairston getting the call when they face leftys. That's just my guess.

Cubs acquire Bynum
This afternoon Cruller Jim was at it again. He took part in a three way deal with the Athletics and Rangers. The three Cactus League clubs exchanged players. Left handed Cub John Koronka went to the Rangers for utility man Freddie Bynum. Bynum and lefty John Rheinecker had been sent from Oakland to Texas for right hander Juan Dominquez.


New Cub Freddie Bynum

The acquisition of Bynum means Ryan Theriot will start the season at Iowa. Bynum will be the Cubs 25th man. The 26 year old Bynum played most of last season at AAA Sacramento. His stats are not really exciting. He hit .278 with 56 runs scored in 102 games. Speed is what Bynum's game is all about. He had 9 triples and 23 steals at Sacramento. Bynum had a great spring for the A's this year. He hit .373 in 23 games with 6 doubles and 3 triples, while stealing 6 bases. For those of you that think this move is insignificant, just remember Dusty Baker plays everybody on his roster.