According to the Chicago Sun-Times, "Detroit Tigers lefty Jamie Walker sits atop the Sox’ wish list." Walker, who is 35, had his best season in 2006. He’s been consistently solid since coming to the Tigers in 2002, though.
Walker’s not a big strikeout guy but he does boast excellent command, often posting K/BB ratios over 4. He is, of course, a lot tougher on lefties than righties. Walker throws his fastball about half the time, followed by a fairly equal mix of sliders and changeups, according to ESPN. Walker’s most comparable players, according to Baseball Prospectus, are Pedro Borbon and Alan Embree (be sure to click the Embree link to see him with a sweet buzz cut and 1992 era button-up shirt. Good times).
Chicago’s bullpen would be one of the game’s best if they are to replace the struggling Neal Cotts with Walker. It will probably cost in the neighborhood of three years and $12MM.
