Sunday, March 31, 2002
Walker to check swing, aggression
Leadoff hitter says he'll be patient
By Gary Estwick, gestwick@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Second baseman Todd Walker has always been an aggressive hitter. “Especially if I think the guy is going to be nasty,” he said. “I swing at the first, second pitch.” That will change.
Walker, who will lead off for the Reds this season, said he is willing to sacrifice a few hits to give his teammates a better feel for the pitcher.
“Even if I end up striking out,” Walker said. “But again, if it benefits the team behind me — I don't have the benefit of seeing anybody in front of me — then I'm willing to give myself up in that situation.”
The scenario that Walker talked about is the worst-case version. He believes he can see six or seven pitches and still get on base. The extra pitches will help him during his next at-bats.
Walker batted at the top of the order in 46 games last year. Shortstop Barry Larkin was second with 31. Boone said Walker performs best when he is the leadoff hitter.
“I think he could hit all over the order,” manager Bob Boone said. “That's just where I have him now. If not, we'll make a change.”
Larkin, though, is more of a prototypical leadoff batter. When healthy, he can hit and steal bases.
Walker, who is entering his first full season with the Reds, said he can steal about 20 bases, but, “I'm not going to steal 50.”
But Boone said he's not really concerned with Walker stealing bases. He just wants him on base.
“For me, the leadoff position is about on-base percentage,” Boone said.
Walker's on-base percentage in the spring is .433.
Walker stole one base last year for the Reds and the Colorado Rockies. He was traded to the Reds in July.
This spring, Walker is batting .299 — the highest in the starting lineup.
He has been one of the most steady hitters for the Reds and has also stolen one base.
Starting Monday, wins and losses count. And Walker said he'll be ready to take a swing for the team.
He said there might be a few times during the long season when he swings at a fastball on the first pitch if he feels he needs to get a hit early or he knows a lot about the pitcher.
But he will usually sit back and take a few pitches.
After all, as the leadoff hitter, Walker can jump-start a good day at the ballpark or start a bad one.
“I wouldn't call it pressure,” he said. “I'd call it important.”
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Walker to check swing, aggression
