Todd Walker Lands on His Feet With the Athletics

Todd Walker's had a bit of a tough spring training this year, what with arbitration and his inability to hit the ball and his subsequent release from the Padres -- and loss of his $3.85 million deal -- this week. Tough times, indeed.

But it looks like Walker is going to get another shot. He signed a minor league contract with the A's yesterday:

The move gives the A's flexibility with their infield after losing first baseman Dan Johnson to a hip injury this week. Walker has played first, second and third during his 11-year major league career.

"In light of some of the injuries we've had, we need as many choices as possible," A's assistant general manager David Forst said. "The guy's a major league veteran. If you're out there looking for players at this time of year, you don't know what you're going to get so Todd Walker's a nice guy to have."

Correction: Todd Walker was a nice guy to have like two years ago. Now, after batting .225 (14-40) in spring training, Walker could be nearing the end of his usage as a professional baseball player. On the other hand, he could just be in a slump, and will revert to better-than-average OBP and BA during the season.

Knowing Billy Beane's history of redeeming talent for bargain-basement price, I'm leaning toward the latter.