Wednesday, November 11, 1998

BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Atlanta Braves, who traded for him Tuesday, train around the corner from his home in Orlando, Fla. Atlanta is a 45-minute plane flight away. They have won eight straight division titles and play in a new ballpark before 40,000 fans nightly.

"And the big thing is they play on natural grass," said Bret Boone, who won a Gold Glove and set a fielding record during his last two seasons on the unforgiving Cinergy Field Astroturf.

One regret is that he will no longer get to play alongside shortstop Barry Larkin, who has said in the past he didn't want Boone traded. Larkin couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday night.

"That's one thing I'm going to miss," Boone said. "I'm going to look over at shortstop and my partner isn't going to be there."

On the other hand, Boone couldn't find much fault with the move. "I can't find a negative thing about it," he said. "I was kind of shocked. I didn't think it was going to happen. I've been hearing this stuff for two years.

"I've got mixed emotions because I had so many good times in Cincinnati and I have no regrets. The Reds gave me a big opportunity five years ago. But it's a great move for my career. It gives me the chance to be on a winner."

There was irony all around. Boone, traded for former 20-game winner and avid golfer Denny Neagle, heard of the deal on a golf outing in Las Vegas.

It came five years and a week since Cincinnati obtained him from Seattle. It also came on the day the Reds announced Boone's brother, Aaron, had won the third base job.

"I'll miss playing with him, but he'll be just fine without me," Bret said. "It was clear cut to me. Aaron was clearly the guy for the job.

"In my opinion, their best third baseman and it didn't matter he was my brother. He's got a bright future."

As for the Reds' future, Bret Boone politely sidestepped when asked if he saw a light at the end of Cincinnati's tunnel.

"It's not my concern any more," he said. "A few hours ago, it was. But now I'm an Atlanta Brave."

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