Saturday, April 03, 1999REDS NOTEBOOK
Cameron gets nod in center
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati EnquirerFORT MYERS, Fla. — The only minor intrigue surrounding the Reds lineup ended Friday when manager Jack McKeon announced that Mike Cameron would indeed be the starting center fielder and leadoff batter.
After McKeon initially gave Cameron his blessing a week ago, Jeffrey Hammonds became the team's hottest hitter, batting .448 (13-for-29) over a 10-game stretch with four homers and 13 RBI. Though McKeon never reversed his decision, he admitted that Hammonds had earned further consideration.
Cameron's respectable spring statistics (.275, two homers, six RBI, five steals) still paled alongside Hammonds' (.359). But Cameron's speed and defense ultimately gave him the edge.
If nothing else, Hammonds re-emphasized his potential value to the club.
“I think we'll get Jeffrey into plenty of games,” McKeon said.
DECENT EXPOSURE: The Reds who got the most out of the exhibition season may have been the ones who'll be used the least.
McKeon tried to sharpen his reserves' batting strokes as much as possible, making sure each player received between 40 and 70 at-bats.
McKeon also succeeded in preparing his bullpen for the season. Entering Friday, five Cincinnati relievers — each one except Scott Sullivan — ranked among the National League leaders in appearances with 12 or 13 each. And Sullivan, who has pitched in eight games, probably would have joined that group had he not missed more than a week with an injured hamstring.
QUICK WORK: The Reds exhibition game today against Triple-A Indianapolis will feature left-hander Denny Neagle's effort to continue strengthening his shoulder.
Neagle, who's on the disabled list, is expected to pitch for Indianapolis and throw 80-to-85 pitches against his Reds teammates. If all goes well, Neagle probably would receive at least two more tuneups before being activated. He's eligible to leave the disabled list April 10.
Each of the Reds relievers probably will pitch an inning to keep limber before begin ning the season Monday against San Francisco.
REDS LEADERS: For the exhibition season:
Batting average — Hammonds, .359.
Hits — Sean Casey, 25.
Runs — Hammonds, 16.
Doubles — Aaron Boone, seven.
Triples — Casey, two.
Home runs — Hammonds, four.
RBI — Hammonds and Casey, 14.
Slugging percentage — Hammonds, .609.
Stolen bases — Cameron, five.
Innings — Steve Avery, 34ö.
Record — Jason Bere and Avery, 3-1.
Saves — Gabe White and Scott Williamson, three.
Games — Williamson, 14.
Walks — Bere, 19.
Strikeouts — Avery, 25 (starter), Reyes, 20 (reliever).
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