Walker stats

        MIAMI - Though newcomer Todd Walker batted leadoff Friday night, Reds manager Bob Boone considered other options for that spot, including Adam Dunn and Dmitri Young.

        Boone insisted he was serious about putting Dunn at the top of the order, because he considers on-base percentage and run-producing skills to be a leadoff man's top criteria. Dunn had a .441 on-base percentage at Louisville and amassed 84 RBI in 94 games this year in the minors.

        Boone was aware that Young rarely walks (23 in 85 games before Friday), which might disqualify him as a leadoff batter. Also, said Boone, “I'd have trouble (moving) a 260-pound guy who just hit fourth for me a couple of days ago.”

        Said Walker, the ultimate choice, “I've done it a few times. Every spot in the order is different. The most important thing is, if you can stay consistent, you can become comfortable with wherever you are in the lineup.”

        NO PLACE LIKE: Walker realized he was a much more productive hitter this year in Denver's Coors Field than he was anywhere else.

        Walker, acquired Thursday from Colorado with outfielder Robin Jennings for outfielder Alex Ochoa, hit .355 at home and .230 on the road.

        “I took the same approach on the road as I did at home,” Walker said. “I think in most cases you'll find guys hit better at home than on the road ... I certainly felt more comfortable at home than I did on the road this year. But the Coors Field factor, I think, is always blown out of proportion. The ball definitely flies better and it's a good place, but so are Enron Field, Milwaukee and other ballparks.”

        PACK YOUR BAGS: Surely Adam Dunn's initial reaction upon being promoted to Cincinnati was memorable. Elation? Shock? Disbelief?

        Mild anxiety was more like it.

        “The first thought that crossed my mind was, I don't have any clothes,” said Dunn. “I took everything I owned to the dry cleaners the day before.” Fortunately for the slugging left fielder, who made his major-league debut Friday, Dunn said he was able to recover some of his garments.

        Dunn wasn't even sure of manager Dave Miley's phone call Thursday afternoon telling him that he was going to the Reds.

        “I thought it was (Louisville third baseman) Brandon Larson playing a joke on me,” said Dunn, who had stayed up late the night before after Louisville's game and was awakened by Miley's call.

        Some Dunn trivia: He was issued jersey No.44, formerly worn by Eric Davis and last worn by Mike Cameron in 1999 (Hal Morris was issued 44 this year in spring training). He prefers swinging a 34 1/2-inch, 32 1/2-ounce bat.

        PITCHERS PROGRESS: Pitching coach Don Gullett said right-handers Pete Harnisch and John Riedling could be ready to pitch in a game “in a couple of weeks” if they maintain the progress they displayed in bullpen sessions Friday.

        “That's our goal,” Gullett said. “That's kind of sketchy but if all goes well ... We're all encouraged with where they are at this point.”

        Gullett said Harnisch, recovering from elbow problems, and Riedling, who has battled shoulder pain, both threw at about 70 percent of their full velocity. Harnisch threw 45 pitches, Riedling 35. Sunday, Harnisch will throw about 50 pitches while Riedling will reach 35.

        “If all goes well, we can have them up to 100 percent, throwing their fastball, within the next five or six days,” Gullett said.

Marlins 5, Reds 3 SULLIVAN: Dunn gets instant respect Reds trade Tucker to dump salary Rijo's comeback delayed Walker gets leadoff over Dunn Perez ready to manage this time Marlins' Floyd has become star Reds box, runs

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