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COPYRIGHT 2001 Sporting News Publishing Co.
His name is Patrice Boudou. You've never heard of him, but by this time next year, he could be the hottest free agent in major league baseball. Boudou, 30, is Larry Walker's personal chef. His contract expires next April.
And if Walker continues his early pace, Boudou might not just become a household name but also a household necessity for every comeback-minded slugger.
A personal chef, a personal trainer, a highly regimented offseason conditioning program--Walker, 34, did everything possible to recover from right elbow surgery and get his oft-injured body into shape to play in 150 or more games.
The last time Walker, the Rockies' right fielder, appeared in that many, he batted .366 with 49 homers and 130 RBIs and was chosen the 1997 National League MVP.
Walker says he'll never be that healthy again and that his arm still bothers him. Still, the 2001 Walker has been doing a pretty fair imitation of the '97 version.
Our compliments to a two-time batting champion who rededicated himself to the sport in the second year of a six-year, $75 million contract.
Our compliments to the chef.
Boudou, who's from Bordeaux, France, had never heard of Walker before he began cooking for him last winter. But, suddenly, he's talking like...
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