Monday, March 22, 1999
REDS NOTEBOOK
Fordyce talks heat up
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Catcher Brook Fordyce could be a former Red by the end of the week.
Team sources said Fordyce has been told that Cincinnati is talking seriously with two teams about trading him.
The Chicago White Sox's interest has been confirmed. Milwaukee, Anaheim, Los Angeles and possibly San Diego also need catching help. The Reds would gladly accept any lukewarm prospects in return.
Though Fordyce proved himself as a backup last year, the Reds have decided to rely on Eddie Taubensee and Brian Johnson behind the plate.
Fordyce has no minor-league options left and would surely be claimed on waivers if the Reds tried to send him to Triple-A Indianapolis. So a trade is their preferred alternative.
SETBACK? NOT REALLY: Left-hander Dennys Reyes, who had pitched himself into contention for a bullpen job, struck out two Rangers during a scoreless fifth inning but surrendered four runs and five hits in the sixth to take the loss.
McKeon's first postgame act was to tell Reyes to cheer up.
“Everybody has a bad inning. Don't worry about it,” McKeon said he told Reyes.
ETC: The Reds received their annual spring briefing from Players Association chief Donald Fehr and his lieutenants.
• All players and coaches will have today off except right-hander Brett Tomko. To preserve the five-man pitching rotation, Tomko will pitch in a minor-league exhibition.
CORRECTION: The Reds offered infielder Carlos Baerga a one-year, non-guaranteed contract during the offseason. The Enquirer reported Friday that he received a two-year offer.
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