Monday, February 15, 1999
OUTFIELD: Softball, anyone?
Manager Jack McKeon's life would be a lot easier if he could operate with softball's rules and use four outfielders. He has five prospective starters — one, Greg Vaughn, who unquestionably will play left field every day and four others who probably would bristle on the bench. Spirited competition is certain here.
Much of the focus will be on right field, which ostensibly belongs to Dmitri Young, based on his impressive 1998 effort at the plate. But Young knows he must improve his defense (10 errors in 105 outfield appearances) to cement the job.
Young's top rival will be Michael Tucker, who committed just one error in 200 chances last year with Atlanta. Having played 268 games the past two seasons, Tucker might have trouble adjusting to bench life. Jeffrey Hammonds, another former regular whom the Reds acquired last year for Willie Greene, is in a similar predicament, though he also could contend in center field.
Either Tucker or Hammonds could be traded if the need arises.
Center field is another hot spot, though the Reds would like to see Mike Cameron win the job and secure the leadoff spot in the batting order. Acquired from the Chicago White Sox for Paul Konerko, Cameron possesses the range and speed to fill both roles. He hasn't hit much (.228) in his brief major-league career, but did hit 14 homers and steal 23 bases in 116 games as a rookie in 1997. And Hammonds won't concede a starting spot.
This excess probably will squeeze out Jon Nunnally and Mike Frank, though Mark Sweeney's pinch-hitting ability may save him if somebody else is jettisoned.
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