Competition between friends

Both have complementary talents. Todd Walker is a consummate professional hitter and stand-up clubhouse guy who was the fans' choice for the job at the Cubs Convention in January. Jerry Hairston, Jr. has the speed and defensive talents to satisfy manager Dusty Baker's desire for improvement in these categories.

Baker cannot really play both Walker and Hairston — unless he decides to platoon at second. That would only be a Band-Aid solution.

"In the end we're going to have to figure it out one way or another, at least Dusty will," said Walker, a .305 hitter in 2005.

"I hope they don't go off who's hot and cold. In the end, you have to go off a guy's track record."

"We understand what's at stake," Hairston said. "It is too bad (both can't play separate positions). It's one of those things where we have to deal with it. It will resolve itself."

Walker and Hairston each have some baggage to overcome in their quest for the job.

The Cubs reportedly tried to trade Walker through the off-season, but got no decent offers.

"I'm human," Walker said. "Anything anyone says negatively toward you, you're going to take to heart. I think in this case the good outweighs the bad. So I choose to look at the good, and (that) I'm still with the team I choose to play for is a big positive for me."

Baker said Walker would get a shot at starting like everyone else. If it was up to the fans, Walker would have been elected off his numbers last year.

"The greatest thing about that is they like you if you're a good person, but they love you if you're a good player," Walker said.

"They're very knowledgeable fans in Chicago. I had a good year. Of course it makes you feel good when the people around you are pulling for you."

Although Hairston was a former prep star in the Chicago suburb of Naperville and attended Southern Illinois University, he came to the Cubs with negative connotation as a player in the Sammy Sosa trade to Baltimore.

"Last year was a little tough to come over here after being traded," Hairston said. "They had their lineup set. Sammy was an icon here and did tremendous things for the Cubs. He just needed a change of scenery. I just happen to be that guy in that trade."

Hairston also was coming off ankle surgery in December 2004 and couldn't display his true talents. Baker is looking for more speed near the top of the lineup. Hairston stole 50 bases combined in 2001-02 but has been slowed by leg problems ever since.

"It's one of those things where your game was speed and taking that extra base and being that threat," he said.

"I didn't have that as a big part of my game and hopefully I'll get back to playing where I used to.

"That's what Juan (Pierre) and myself have talked about. Not just stealing a base, but having a threat in there — give Derrick Lee, Aramis Ramirez and Jacque Jones good pitches to hit."

What happens if Baker opts for Hairston's speed, Walker goes to the bench and does not get traded?

"I committed myself to be available whenever I'm called," he said. "Next year as a free agent I may look to go somewhere where I can play and start."