Kevin

Walker

This makes more sense. Walker will get the rest of the money if he makes the team out of spring training. He can also earn $50,000 in bonuses, $25,000 each for making 65 and 70 appearances.

Walker has had to deal with bleeding in his reconstructed elbow, and has struggled in recent rehab outings.

Walker is competing for one of the open spots in San Diego’s bullpen.

Walker was viewed as trade bait since he was out of options, but he’ll probably just be sent outright to the minors this week.

Walker, on the DL with a sore elbow, could be back in late May.

Walker is still working his way back from Tommy John surgery. ''He still looks like he might be a little hesitant,’' manager Bruce Bochy said. Walker is expected to have a spot in San Diego’s bullpen, but even with Trevor Hoffman out, he’s not an option in fantasy leagues.

Walker has a follow-up MRI scheduled for April 15. If he’s cleared to resume pitching, he could be back before the end of the month.

We certainly didn’t see Walker getting a major league deal. He had a 4.26 ERA and a 1.64 WHIP in 69 2/3 IP for Triple-A Fresno last season. The 28-year-old former Padre once looked like one of the game’s top young lefty relievers, but he has struggled to regain his old form since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2001. It’s not very likely that he’ll help the White Sox as a lefty specialist.

Walker, 29, appeared in nine games for the White Sox last season and allowed seven runs in seven innings. At this point, the 24-year-old Carlson is probably the more interesting of the two. The Blue Jays never gave him a chance even though he had a 2.79 ERA and a 59/12 K/BB ratio in 58 IP between Double- and Triple-A last season. Both relievers will probably open the year in Triple-A Oklahoma’s pen.

Walker had pitched 7 1/3 scoreless innings to give himself a shot at making the White Sox. This probably ruins his chances.