By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Brandon Larson makes a throw from his knees against the Pittsburgh Pirates during a July game at Cinergy Field. (Gary Landers photo) | ZOOM |

Todd Walker has been down this track before, so to speak.

"I feel like it's a train I can't stop," Walker said. "I don't think I could have had a much better year, and I still get traded."

Walker, the Reds' second baseman and leading hitter last season, was traded to the Boston Red Sox on Thursday for two minor leaguers to be named.

It was the third time Walker has been traded since the 2000 season.

"When teams are looking to save money, the second baseman is the first guy to go," Walker said. "They know they can put someone in there who is strong defensively and not as strong offensively."

Walker is best known for his offense - he hit .299 last season with 11 home runs, 64 RBI and a team-leading 42 doubles - but he also led National League second baseman in fielding percentage.

Walker's $3.4 million salary was behind the trade.

Walker was glad to be going to a contender but sad to leave the Reds.

"I really felt comfortable in that clubhouse," he said. "I've made some lifelong friends on the Reds. So I have mixed feelings."

Brandon Larson, the No. 1 pick in 1997, will get a look at second. Larson hit .340 with 25 homers and 64 RBI in 80 games at Triple-A last season. He hit .275 with four homers and 13 RBI in 23 games with the Reds, but a broken toe and a broken hand (from a line drive by Walker) effectively ended his season in mid-August.

"We're going to look at him," Reds manager Bob Boone said of Larson. "Hopefully, we're going to get someone special in return (for Walker). A lot of things are up in the air. I'm looking at several candidates."

The Reds would like to get Larson's bat in the lineup, but he hasn't played second base at the major-league level. Larson, 26, started five games at third and seven in left field. He also played first.

The players the Reds receive in the trade probably will be announced after Monday's Rule 5 Draft. Teams' rosters are frozen until its completion.