Thursday, March 04, 1999Time to step it up
For 12 Reds, games will be proving ground
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati EnquirerSARASOTA, Fla. — The Reds' 36-game exhibition schedule (including split-squad and “B” games) that begins today against the Minnesota Twins will become a footnote in a few weeks. But it's a significant chapter in the lives of players trying to further their careers.
Though the statistics accumulated in Florida and Arizona don't count, the men charged with assembling teams watch carefully to see how a player performs, not necessarily the result.
“We'll see who can do the little things to help us win ballgames,” Reds manager Jack McKeon said.
A little could mean a lot with the Reds, who may have to release, demote or trade some ostensibly qualified major leaguers to reach the Opening Day roster limit. As General Manager Jim Bowden said, “There are probably going to be 30 players who deserve to make the team and only 25 can.”
The Reds have several players with much to gain or lose in the Grapefruit League. Some are relatively young, unproven players who are projected as regulars.
Here is a look at 12 of those Reds, listed in order of the attention they will command:
Pokey Reese, 2B
His importance extends beyond his conversion from shortstop. Not only must he handle his position and mesh with Barry Larkin, but he's also viewed as a candidate for the leadoff spot in the batting order.If Reese struggles this spring, Bowden may push harder to obtain Milwaukee's Fernando Vina, a second baseman and leadoff hitter. But that would mean yielding at least one player Bowden probably would prefer to keep.
Mike Cameron, CF
See above. The Reds want Cameron, along with Reese, to provide strong defense up the middle. And if Reese doesn't claim the leadoff spot, Cameron is the next logical choice.Cameron doesn't have to bat .300 to be an asset. But the Reds want much more than the .210 average he posted last year with the Chicago White Sox. The Reds will be pleased if Cameron — and Reese — experiment during spring games with the bunts they've been practicing.
Danny Graves, RHP Gabe White, LHP
They are lumped together as the top candidates for the closer's role. McKeon hopes one will emerge as a clear-cut choice to preserve ninth-inning leads. But either pitcher's fitness for the job will be difficult to prove against the patchwork Grapefruit League lineups they'll face. The bullpen-by-committee may remain intact through April.Aaron Boone, 3B
Everything about Boone suggests he should be a solid player. But that's what the Reds thought about Chris Stynes, Jon Nunnally and Eduardo Perez last year, and look what happened. Boone has plenty of rivals (Stynes, Jeff Branson, Mark Lewis), so he knows he can't afford to cruise.Steve Avery, LHP
The left-hander must prove he has recovered from the physical problems that have plagued him for three years. Paired with pitching coach Don Gullett, who is as sympathetic as he is wise, Avery is in a perfect spot to make a comeback. But the Reds' patience has its limits.Eddie Taubensee, C
Nobody doubts Taubensee's hitting, but he may never shake the reputation of being subpar defensively. Should the Reds' offense flourish, McKeon could decide that the lineup can survive without Taubensee's bat if his defense remains spotty.Dmitri Young, RF
Like Taubensee, Young is not found wanting at the plate. But the switch-hitter is the first to address his defensive shortcomings — along with his desire to improve. Fortunately or unfortunately, Young's every fielding chance will be dissected this spring. But the attention may help him focus.Chris Stynes, utility
He could get crowded out by the excess of outfielders (Tucker, Jeffrey Hammonds, Mark Sweeney) and infielders (Branson, Lewis). But Stynes' ability to play six positions enhances his value. His job this spring is to make himself indispensable.Jim Crowell, LHP Joey Eischen, LHP
The Reds would prefer to have another lefty in the bullpen besides White, who would be unavailable in the middle innings if he's the closer. Both Crowell and Eischen, who are overcoming shoulder problems, are long-shots to make the team. But either could grab attention with a few scoreless innings.Stan Belinda, RHP
His battle with multiple sclerosis is infinitely more important than baseball. But if Belinda can't regain his form, the Reds must scramble for an alternative.
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