Walker Talker

Todd Walker (TW) by phone from from Louisiana on Sports Radio 850AM WEEI with John Dennis and Gerry Callahan

- The GM is younger than you...

TW:  Yeah, that's a funny concept

- Do you know anyone on this squad?

TW: Yeah I do, Nomar and I are the same age, played against Nomar, Jason Varitek, in school (Georgia Tech), with Derek and Jason played in AZ fall league, played against Manny in Cleveland, know Johnny Damon well.

- What do you think about baseball in Boston?

TW:  I love what I see, in Boston, they take it pretty serious over there, just from being a visitor on another team I've seen how harsh they can be on guys when they don't play well and how great they can be to people that do. As a player that's all you can ask for. I'm real excited about it and not too concerned about the downside 'cause it's gonna be a great year for me and the team. I want to play in front of fans that are that passionate about the game.

- What's the deal with Tom Kelley and his problem with you in Minnesota?

TW:  Got about three hours? In a nutshell, he had a problem with young players, didn't treat everybody all that well. You need a little help as a kid. Hadn't pinch hit before, I'm coming in against closers all the time. I was put into a lot of situations to fail in Minn. I'm beyond that now. Had a great year in Colorado. Great year in Cincinnati. Looking forward to being here.

- Defense OK?

TW:  That label that got put on me in Minn. was six years ago, you can't put a number on range and diving plays. But I made all those plays last year. I'm not worried about it. To worry about what I'm going to do at second base is wasting your time.

- Looking to hit the Wall?

TW: Boggs came in and made a living going opposite way. Mo Vaughn did the same thing. Patient guys do well going opposite field at Fenway. A lot my outs will be doubles and hits in Boston.

- Could be singles Todd at Fenway.

TW: OK maybe a few singles, but I am a fly ball to left field hitter, so we'll see. Albert Belle's father (?) was coach in motor city.. he was great, Albert Belle came around to take BP.

- Have you been in second hole?

TW:  No I haven't, led off, but I'm not a leadoff hitter, need a guy who can steal bags like Johnny. I always thought I was a two-hole hitter, depends if Grady wants to stack lefties like that. But I don't know if I'm gonna hit 30 home runs, could hit in the five hole. I hit third with Griffey. Hit in front of Larry Walker in CO, nothing better than that 2-0 fastball.

- Pete Rose two-cents?

TW:  Don't know Pete personally, know his son, 'hit prince' they call him. I think Pete had a good point "murderers, drug dealers, etc., in the Hall of Fame now." Should be criteria on field, not the kind of person you are, I know it wasn't right, but he did have 4,000 hits.

- For a guy who showed no contrition, and still on gambling jag, you want Rose managing in majors?

TW:  That's a different subject. Pretty sure he gambled, if he did, he shouldn't manage. Don't know all the facts.

- Any talk of extension, welcome that?

TW:  They were talking about the Freddy kid, so I always know, unless you really have a great year, would love to put a guy in they don't have to pay as much. Don't know how good the kid is. They're going to see how it unfolds during course of the year, I'd love to, based on what we talked about earlier with the fans, and the stadium, quality guys, would love opportunity to stay beyond the year.

- Driving in Boston is blood sport, 6th tool.

TW:  Well I just bought a Hummer, got spikes on the tires, I'll be alright.

- Bring your cousin Larry with you?

TW:  I know he's a little upset in Colorado, he'd be a quality add. Thanks guys.