CHICAGO -- When Nomar Garciaparra and Todd Walker were together in Boston in 2003, they were five outs away from reaching the World Series only to have their dreams dashed.

Sound familiar, Cub fans?

Garciaparra and Walker are together again, reunited to handle the middle of the Chicago Cubs infield in 2005. Think the two aren't ready? On Dec. 7, the day both players signed one-year deals with the Cubs, Garciaparra called Walker shortly before the second baseman's return was announced.

"We just said, 'Let's get after it like we did two years ago,'" Walker said. "Hopefully it goes one series longer. Nomar's a super guy and obviously a great talent and it should be a lot of fun."

This season, the Cubs will celebrate second baseman Ryne Sandberg's induction into the Hall of Fame. Walker is no Sandberg, but he also isn't a defensive liability.

"He's a quality left-handed hitter and a quality makeup guy," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said of Walker. "He played a lot better defensively than advertised."

Walker provides a much-needed left-handed bat in the Cubs lineup. He became Chicago's starting second baseman last season when Mark Grudzielanek was sidelined with a sore Achilles, and started 88 games. Grudzielanek made 61 starts at second.

• Catchers: Barrett maturing nicely • Corners: Dynamic duo of Ramirez, Lee • Middle inf.: Nomar and Walker reunited • Outfielders: Rookie, vet share left • Starting rotation: Nucleus is strong • Bullpen: Undecided on closer • Bench: Stronger in 2005

Walker, 31, benefitted from regular playing time, batting .283 before the All-Star break and .258 after Grudzielanek returned. Walker told the Cubs he would return only if they guaranteed a fulltime job.

"I felt I earned it last year," Walker said. "I get to play alongside Nomar and I'm comfortable with that. We've had a history together."

Garciaparra was happy about the reunion, too.

"He's a tremendous bat; he's great on defense," Garciaparra said of Walker. "He's so solid and there's a comfort zone between us, too."

Finding that zone was important to Garciaparra, who signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the Cubs.

"I felt that Chicago was the best place for me to be to continue my career," Garciaparra said when he signed. "I loved playing there, I loved the experience I had there. The fans are tremendous, the organization is first class."

The Cubs had acquired the shortstop on July 31 in a four-team deal, and he batted .297 in 43 games with four homers and 20 RBIs. He started the season with Boston and missed the first 57 games because of an Achilles problem. Garciaparra also missed time because of a sore groin and wrist.

"This is a great, great player," Hendry said. "Unfortunately, we saw a good player but we didn't see the Nomar that we all know when he's completely healthy.

"You have a guy who plays the game the right way," Hendry said. "He plays hard all the time. He's a good teammate and a great example for younger players. He's our kind of player as far as effort and attitude."

Garciaparra says he is healthy. On Jan. 15, he hosted a hitting clinic in North Easton, Mass., to continue a tradition he began while with the Red Sox.

"Physically, I feel great," Garciaparra said at the clinic. "I've been training and working out, doing the things I do every year.

"It's funny because, often times, the doctor tells you that what you need is rest and you don't want to hear it," he said. "But they're actually right sometimes. Actually having the rest and having an offseason, it feels really good. You can't control the future or what will happen, but as of right now, I feel great."

While Walker and Garciaparra are both solid offensive players, the Cubs will be counting on their defensive skills. When they were together in 2003, Walker turned 78 double plays and made 16 errors. Garciaparra turned 83 double plays and was charged with 20 miscues.

The Cubs single-season record, by the way, is 176 set in 1928 when the combo was Woody English-Freddie Maguire-Charlie Grimm. In 1983, Hall of Famer Sandberg turned 126 double plays, tied for second-highest in team history.

Boston's World Series win in 2004 is an inspiration for the Cubs, who have not won the championship since 1908. That's the longest drought in the Major Leagues, longer than the Red Sox. Garciaparra and Walker, who could only watch as the Red Sox finally won the World Series again, will see a lot of familiar faces June 10-12 when the Cubs and Red Sox square off in Interleague Play. It will be the first meeting between the two teams since the 1918 World Series. The Red Sox won that series, 4-2.

"When they come in, it's just going to be another team, because that's just three games," Garciaparra said. "It won't change things. My goal is what we can accomplish to reach our ultimate goal with the Cubs.

"For me, it's a time to get to see those guys," he said. "I'm lucky I get to play with Todd Walker again. Baseball is still a fraternity. We'll play against each other and have dinner afterwards."