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Would Mike LaValliere Welcome Barry Bonds To Pirates Spring Training?

BRADENTON (93-7 The Fan) – Former Pirates catcher and current special instructor Mike LaValliere sat down with The Fan Morning Show at Pirates spring training on Wednesday, and during the interview, Gregg Giannotti asked him what he would think of former teammate Barry Bonds coming to Pirates spring training as special instructor (which Bonds is currently doing for the Giants).

Here is the exchange that the two had:

Giannotti:"If you found out that Barry was stopping by to maybe hang out and help a couple players for a few days, what would your reaction be?"

LaValliere:"You know what, I'm here to do a job, and it involves the catchers. Should Neal Huntington, and Clint Hurdle, and the powers to be think that's best for the organization, then I'm going to have to say the same thing- it's best for the organization. He's not here. So let's just say they've already had their say."

Giannotti:"So it doesn't seem like you'd give him a hug if he showed up here."

LaValliere:"You know what, Barry Bonds was by far the best player that I played with, offensively and defensively, and whenever it comes down to it, you know this is a profession. I'd love to see Barry Bonds trot out to left field every night- and really, when it comes down to it, that's what it's all about. You separate the professional from the personal side. Let's just say that's where it all needed to be."

The audio can be heard here:

Mike LaValliere on Barry Bonds 3-5

The Fan Morning Show will be broadcasting live from Pirates spring training in Bradenton every day this week. Listen to them live 5:40-10 a.m. and visit 937thefan.com to get interview summaries and audio after the show.

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