truebluefan

Trade rumors had dogged Cubs infielder Todd Walker since the winter, but it didn't dampen his fondness for the team or its fans.

When the rumors ended Monday with Walker being traded to the San Diego Padres, he was philosophical about the move and candid about what might be a bigger albatross for the team than injuries: day baseball.

''There is no real reason why we didn't play well,'' said Walker, who was dealt for minor-league pitcher Jose Ceda. ''I will say it's tough to play [mostly] day games. I've been asked by other players what it's like, and it's very difficult with that many day games in a row to be 100 percent every day. If you get to bed at 9 or 10 p.m. and have one of those nights where you don't sleep well, you still have to get up and play at 1 p.m.

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