With Sammy Sosa gone, Todd Walker is ready to be a leader in the Cubs clubhouse“Do I even like these guys?”
The 2004 episodes of the Cubs and ensuing off-season whirlwind forced fans to question their team’s character. Unfortunate incidents taught us compatible personalities are essential to a successful clubhouse and players are not always as they appear. But 2004 also showed us who we can count on and trust.
I know Dusty and Cub brass won’t announce a replacement for the previous “captain,” but if they were, Todd Walker would be an excellent choice. Sure, Prior and Wood are the obvious visible leaders, but underneath the surface Walker is key to this team’s success.
During the off-season Walker consistently said the right things publicly by not taking sides. Ready to right the Cubs ship no matter what direction it turned, Walker didn’t avoid reporters’ questions or walk out when things became a little difficult. He spoke a tranquil voice for management, his teammates, and us fans during a distressing time.
No surprise from a guy who already has a World Series ring. In 1993, Walker lifted LSU to the college championship, collecting a Series MVP trophy on his way out of Omaha. Walker’s days at LSU were the beginning of the glory days for the college powerhouse. He fully understands the pressure surrounding a team with high expectations and loyal, if not insanely dedicated fans. Louisiana fans live, eat, and breathe Tiger Baseball. Sound familiar?
Let’s not forget the first half of last season when Walker played like an All-Star, but when Grudzielanek returned from injury and cut into Walker’s playing time–not a gripe. Walker accepted his role, trusted his manager, and kept focused on the goal of winning baseball games.
Todd Walker is a gamer–something any championship team needs. He stepped up in the 1993 College World Series, raised his game for the Red Sox during the 2003 playoffs, and has answered the Cub nation’s cry for true leadership, lacking since Gracie bolted. Those things get a lot of respect in Major League clubhouse.
Walker didn’t strut into the clubhouse at Ho Ho Kam Park, blast his music, or declare it “his house” like the old captain. He walked in quietly and began diligent preparation for a long, hopefully historic season of Cubs baseball. That’s what a captain does.
2 replies on “Walker: The Cubs new captain”
it needs to be longer It has a good outline for a good article, but 378 words is just a little too short.
Comment The Chicago Cubs need a captain that they know will be there for years to come, Todd Walker is not that guy. In the off-season the Cubs signed Walker to a 1-year deal with a player option for the 2006 season. The reason that they weren’t willing to give Todd a multi-year deal was because they already have a kid down in triple A Iowa put in as their 2006 second basemen. If anyone should be named the Cubs new captain in should be a guy like Barrett or Zambrano.