Saturday, April 03, 1999Reese ends strong
2B hits safely in 9 of last 10
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati EnquirerFORT MYERS, Fla. — Pokey Reese has experienced eight visits to spring training with the Reds, but the repetition hasn't dulled his senses.
“This,” he said before the Reds' 7-3 loss to Minnesota in their last official exhibition game, “is one of the most fun spring trainings I've had.”
Reese had every reason to appreciate this spring. Though his switch from shortstop to second base forced him to enter camp under the glare of scrutiny, he handled everything from ground balls to trade rumors with enthusiasm and poise.
Asked to address his top priorities when workouts began, manager Jack McKeon cited pitching, of course. There was also outfield defense, given Dmitri Young's shift from left field to right and the arrival of new players in left field (Greg Vaughn) and center (Mike Cameron).
But before McKeon said all that, he mentioned Reese.
“The first thing you're going to do,” McKeon said in mid-February, “is spend a lot of time working with your second baseman.”
McKeon, who has maintained faith in Reese, explained why he felt compelled to single him out.
“There was no question he could play the field out there,” said McKeon, mindful of Reese's defensive skills. “But still, because of the transition, it was a question.”
Not anymore. The range that distinguished Reese as one of baseball's top infield prospects during his minor-league career has served him well at his new home. He never looked awkward turning double plays, which was the biggest challenge he faced.
“It came naturally, really,” said Reese, who played 11 games at second with the Reds in 1997-98 after handling the position in 1995 in the Arizona Fall League. “It was new to me, but not new, new, new.”
Reese hasn't forgotten his old tricks, either. Since Reese might occasionally return to shortstop when Barry Larkin needs a rest, McKeon used him there for a few innings Wednesday. In his first inning after the switch, Reese darted far to his right, almost behind third base, to field a ground ball and throw out Philadelphia's David Doster.
“He didn't lose his touch,” McKeon said.
Nor did Reese lose his composure when management pursued other second basemen with better offensive credentials or the aptitude to lead off.
He didn't speak up when the Reds chased free agent infielder Pat Meares, who signed with Pittsburgh.
He ignored the club's efforts to obtain Pittsburgh's Tony Womack, who landed in Arizona.
He never complained throughout the Reds' flirtation with the Milwaukee Brewers regarding Fernando Vina.
He stifled his annoyance when Carlos Baerga, a three-time All-Star with Cleveland whose career has suffered from poor physical conditioning, signed a non-guaranteed minor-league contract.
“I can't let that stuff affect me,” said Reese, 25.
The only remotely negative development involving Reese was his failure to win the competition with Cameron for the leadoff spot. Instead, Reese will bat eighth.
“That doesn't really matter,” he said. “I'm in the lineup and I'm playing.”
Reese has improved his offense lately, hitting safely in nine of his last 10 games, including seven in a row. His average soared from .174 to a more attractive .247.
“He'll eventually hit better,” McKeon promised. “I don't know if he's ever going to be a .320 hitter, but he'll hit enough to play.”
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