CLEARWATER, Fla. - Is Joe Nuxhall dead? A sports collectors magazine thinks so.
One of Nuxhall's 1982 jerseys (when he threw batting practice for the Reds) was featured in the March 13 issue of Sports Collectors Digest, selling for $750-$950. The ad trumpeted the fact that Nuxhall was the youngest pitcher to appear in the majors, when he was 15, and that he won 135 games in his career.
But the funny part was the line at the end of the ad. ''Joe's amazing feat was brought to light again last year after his untimely death.'' Funny, then, how Nuxhall was joking around the batting cage Saturday before his radio broadcast of the Reds' game with the Phillies. Broadcast partner Marty Brennaman got a good laugh about it on the air. ''If Joe's dead, that explains a lot,'' Brennaman said.
Rose-gate
The Pete Rose saga of the last week isn't going away quietly. Some in the Reds' organization are upset that minor league coach Donnie Scott, who asked Rose to speak, is taking the fall.
Scott told reporters he invited Rose to talk on his own. But sources say Scott asked for and received permission from Reds' executive Al Goldis. Goldis, for unrelated reasons, is now in Arizona scouting teams.
The Reds faxed their version of the events to National League President Len Coleman Friday. Penalties for the Reds reportedly could be a fine anywhere between $10,000 and $100,000.
Tomko throws
Brett Tomko pitched for the first time in nearly two weeks Saturday, throwing 70 pitches in a five-inning simulated game Saturday in Sarasota. He reported no pain, which is good news for the Reds since he missed his last scheduled appearance with shoulder soreness.
It ain't easy
Third baseman Willie Greene, who had 26 homers and 91 RBI last year, isn't having a good spring - hitting just .167 (6 for 36) with no homers and two RBI. He has been bothered by an ankle sprain but has still played a normal schedule.
McKeon isn't worried. ''I've seen guys look bad in the spring, and once the bell rings (for the regular season), they take off,'' he said.
Boone's progress
Bret Boone's new swing and new-found confidence have impressed General Manager Jim Bowden, who believes Boone is swinging the bat as well as he has in any year with the Reds. Boone's hitting .314 (11 for 35) with three doubles, one homer and six RBI.
''He's going to have a big year,'' Bowden said.
Facial
Reserve outfielder Ozzie Timmons had stitches in his mouth Saturday after being hit with a batted ball during batting practice. While running to catch a fungo hit by coach Harry Dunlop, Timmons ran straight into a line drive of the bat of Pokey Reese.
Off day
The Reds have their first and only off day of the spring coming up next Wednesday and McKeon wants the players to get as far away from Ed Smith Stadium as possible.
''I told the clubhouse guys to lock the doors,'' McKeon said. ''I told the players 'I don't want to see you come around here. Relax, get the cobwebs out of your head and think about something other than baseball.''
Phillies 1, Reds 0
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