The Hot Corner

Rockies outfielder Larry Walker, who shut himself down for the season with an inflamed elbow last week, has hired a personal trainer and a nutritionist for the off-season in hopes of curbing his tendency toward injuries. "I'm going on a three-month program," says Walker, who has played more than 130 games in a season only once since 1995. "What I eat every day is going to be made up by [the nutritionist]. I'm trying to take all the right steps."...

Royals outfielder-DH Mark Quinn, making a late run at the American League Rookie of the Year award with 20 homers, 70 RBIs and a .294 batting average, apparently learned his lesson after a demotion to Triple A Omaha earlier this year. "When he [first] came up, he really didn't work hard," says teammate Jermaine Dye, "Getting sent down was a wake-up call."...

Words for Expos managing general partner Jeffrey Loria to consider as he mulls over whether to bring manager Felipe Alou back next season: "If we all had the same players, Felipe wins the most games," says Cardinals skipper Tony La Russa. "I feel he's the best manager in this league."...

At week's end the Pirates' Jason Kendall, with 19 stolen bases, was on the verge of becoming the first catcher with three 20-steal seasons.