No, the Reds haven't fired Shaw as their closer. But the 1997 National League saves leader says he needs to get in as many games the next two weeks as possible to get ready for the season.
Shaw hasn't pitched as much as he would like this spring, and consequently, he's not as sharp. A perfect example was Thursday's game against the Pirates, when he allowed three runs in one inning - although that had much to do with Reggie Sanders misplaying a fly ball in center field to open the gates.
''That was out of my control. I was just out there trying to work on things, work on getting my fastball inside and outside,'' Shaw said Saturday after throwing two scoreless innings. ''I think (more work) is the key. If I get out there, I'll get more comfortable.''
Part of the problem is Reds starters have been pitching so well, Shaw and his bullpen mates don't get to go as long. Dave Burba went seven innings Thursday, leaving Shaw just the one. The other part is Shaw's own fault; he has used so few pitches, the inning's over before he can really get going.
''I pitched in Tampa and only pitched a third of an inning. I threw eight pitches,'' Shaw said. ''Then the next time, they wanted to stretch me out and go three innings, and I only threw 45 pitches. I even ran two miles on the treadmill (Friday) trying to get my legs tired. I'm so fresh and my arm is so alive, I feel like I'm jerking the ball and it's jumpy.''
Reds manager Jack McKeon plans to use Shaw as much as possible the final two weeks of the spring.
Shaw, who had 42 saves last year after taking over for the injured Jeff Brantley, will team up in the pen with two of his reliable buddies from last season: setup men Stan Belinda and Scott Sullivan. Add in lefty Gabe White and righties David Weathers and Mark Hutton, and Shaw believes this bullpen can be among the best.
''Gabe's going to help out with the lefties,'' Shaw said. ''Last year after they took Remlinger out, Belinda had to face all the lefties. But if Gabe can get out some lefties, that'll help us. I think we all compliment each other well.''
Shaw's two-year contract - a bargain when he signed for $650,000 a season - expires after this year. He says he wants to stay despite the Reds moves to cut payroll.
''Maybe we can get an extension done,'' he said. ''I like the city. I like the team, the players. It's very comfortable for me.''
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