Sunday, December 13, 1998

BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Eduardo Perez

The Reds have released Eduardo Perez, their 1998 Opening Day first baseman who got squeezed out of the lineup as Sean Casey and Dmitri Young emerged.

GM Jim Bowden didn't rule out re-signing Perez, who hit .238 with four homers and 30 RBI. But it would have to be a minor-league contract. The parties failed to agree on a deal in recent weeks, during which time Bowden said he allowed Perez to shop himself to other teams and placed him on waivers. Perez wasn't claimed.

"We made a commitment to Sean Casey and Dmitri Young," said Bowden, citing the starters at the spots Perez plays.

Taking a low-risk chance on yet another once-promising pitcher, the Reds signed former Colorado Rockie Mark Thompson to a one-year "split" contract, which pays him at one rate if he plays in the minors and another if he's in the majors.

Thompson, 27, has endured shoulder problems since he posted a career-best 9-11 record with a 5.30 ERA in 1996.

The University of Kentucky product pitched in only 11 games last season, starting six games for the Rockies (1-2, 7.71 ERA) and five in the minors on rehabilitation assignments. He compiled a 16-20 record for Colorado in 69 appearances fro 1994-98.

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