Walker's agent: Union may file grievance

By: DAN HAYES - Staff Writer | Tuesday, March 27, 2007 11:39 PM PDT ∞

SURPRISE, Ariz. ---- Todd Walker's agent released a statement on Tuesday indicating that the Major League Baseball Players Association was looking into filing a grievance on Walker's behalf.

Walker was awarded $3.95 million by an arbitrator on Feb. 21, but because the Padres cut him before today's deadline he will only receive a quarter of the pay. Had Walker been on the roster today, he would have been guaranteed the full amount.

"Todd and his family are very disappointed that he was released by the Padres," agent Brian Carlin said. "He is looking forward to signing with another team and trying to win a championship. The union is looking into the release and has serious questions about the Padres' motives. Union representatives have assured us that they will do everything necessary to protect and vindicate Todd's rights."

General manager Kevin Towers indicated on Monday the decision was "absolutely not" financially related. He said Walker wasn't a "good fit" in the team's short- or long-term plans ---- that he was deep on the depth chart and that Marcus Giles would have taken up most of the playing time at second base.

Walker will now reside on the waiver wire through Thursday. If he's not picked up by another major-league team, Walker will have to present a written notice of the grievance.

Greg Bouris, the director of communications for the MLBPA, deferred comment on the situation until the organization's lawyers look into the situation.

Bullpen spot for Cameron?

Kevin Cameron was given a well-earned day off Tuesday after firing two shutout innings against the Kansas City Royals on Monday night. Cameron, a Rule 5 draftee from Minnesota, is the Padres' leading candidate for the seventh and final spot in the bullpen as he continues to impress.

He has a 4.76 ERA in 11 1/3 innings this spring with 13 strikeouts. Cameron must remain on the Padres' 25-man roster all season or be offered back to Minnesota for $25,000. If the Twins don't pick him up, Cameron would be placed on waivers, but Towers expects he'd be picked up by another club.

With the exception of two bad outings, Cameron thinks he's shown well in camp because his pitches aren't altered by the dry Arizona elements.

"It's not (affected) too much because I'm coming at you a little harder," Cameron said.

Manager Bud Black likes what he sees. Both he and Towers see a potential future for Cameron as a late-innings guy.

Cameron's ability to get lefties out, they said, is going to prove resourceful if Cameron makes the squad. Black thought all decisions on roster spots would be finalized before Sunday.

"Because of his stuff and the live arm," Black said, "that plays late in the game against good big-league hitters. ... He's grown up a reliever and he's pitched in save situations."

Cameron said he knew about Towers' abilities to find good relievers. And that idea had him excited about coming to San Diego.

"The Padres have a reputation of bringing good relievers in," Cameron said. "It's an honor to be competing with these guys. It's unbelievable the group they have here."

Padres notes

RHP Scott Strickland will be waived by the Padres today, cutting the 40-man roster to 37 players. Strickland had a 3.38 ERA in 10 games. The Padres now have 34 players left in camp. ... RHP Greg Maddux (2-0, 2.25 ERA) finished his spring with two runs allowed in six innings during a 24-7 win over the Texas Rangers. Maddux struck out five and said he could have pitched another inning. The veteran's next turn comes Sunday during a scheduled workout at Petco Park. Maddux will pitch in the team's home opener April 6 against Colorado. "I had a great spring," Maddux said. "I had a lot of fun, got my work in and feel like I'm ready." ... 1B Adrian Gonzalez was 3-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs. ... OF Terrmel Sledge was 3-for-4 with two RBIs and 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff had two hits and a good game defensively. ... The Padres had 25 hits in the victory and scored 10 runs against Rangers' starting pitcher Kevin Millwood. ... 3B/OF Russell Branyan was 4-for-6 with two homers and five RBIs. The first of Branyan's homers traveled at least 460 feet and bounced on the walkway behind the center field fence.

-- Contact staff writer Dan Hayes at dhayes@nctimes.com.