Sunday, December 13, 1998

BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Barry Larkin

NASHVILLE - Jim Bowden has proven capable of making startling transactions. So, don't rule out Bowden trading shortstop Barry Larkin. But the Reds general manager probably will have to reach his creative heights to make that deal, whether here at the Winter Meetings or later.

The challenge Bowden faces is plain. As good as Larkin is, he'll turn 35 next April 28. Though Larkin could remain productive for several more seasons, his age concerns some.

Also, the very skill Larkin has displayed while batting .300 and making nine All-Star teams in 13 seasons traps him. Bowden has no desire to trade Larkin for inferior talent, no matter how much or loudly the team captain complains.

Though Bowden seems sincere about wanting to keep Larkin in Cincinnati, he would have traded his star by now if anybody would have met the Reds' price.

Larkin's outburst Friday was rather convenient for Bowden in one respect: Bowden can ultimately settle for an inferior package of players and justify the trade to Reds fans, who now have no doubt their best player is unhappy.

Yet, none of the five teams that Larkin would consent to joining in a trade, along with the New York Mets, who were cited in a recent rumor, appear to be legitimate suitors. A rundown:

• Chicago Cubs: If this were pro football, where contracts are not guaranteed, the Cubs could dump Jeff Blauser, add Larkin as a significant upgrade and not worry about financial ramifications. But Blauser is slated to earn about $4 million next year, and Cubs President Andy MacPhail has never been known to waste money.

• Los Angeles: The Dodgers are trying to win, as Saturday's signing of right-hander Kevin Brown to a seven-year, $105 million contract showed. Acquiring Larkin fits in with this plan. Parting with either of the players the Reds would want for him, right fielder Raul Mondesi or right-hander Chan Ho Park, doesn't.

• Mets: General Manager Steve Phillips already has doused speculation about a Larkin proposal that would have sent two-time Gold Glove shortstop Rey Ordonez, pitching prospect Octavio Dotel, and another player to Cincinnati.

• St. Louis: The Cardinals arrived here bent on obtaining a quality second baseman or shortstop. They'd like Larkin, but they're more curious about Milwaukee second baseman Fernando Vina, who hit .311 this season. Vina is also younger (29) and cheaper than Larkin.

• San Diego: Having lost their two most intense players through free agency, Brown and third baseman Ken Caminiti, the Padres might no longer fit Larkin's description of a contending team. Slugging outfielder Greg Vaughn is said to be available for the right package.

• Texas: The Rangers solidified the shortstop position by signing Royce Clayton to a four-year, $18 million deal on Dec. 1. He's cheaper than Larkin - who gets $5.3 million in each of the next two years and can renegotiate his contract if he's traded - and 5 1/2 years younger. Enough said.

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