Thursday, April 08, 1999
REDS NOTEBOOK
Harnisch will start Friday
BY JOHN FAY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Pete Harnisch, who was supposed to be the Opening Day pitcher, will make his 1999 debut Friday when the Reds open a three-game series in St.Louis.
Harnisch had to skip a turn because of back spasms.
“It's fine,” he said. “I pitched Sunday. My normal turn is Friday.”
Harnisch, who had a 14-7 record and a 3.14 ERA last year, is going in with no limits on himself.
“I'd like to throw the whole game,” he said. “It'd have to be a pretty smooth game for me to do that. But I think I can maybe (throw) 100 pitches.”
Harnisch is in the position of stopper. He'll try to end a three-game losing streak.
“I just look at it as my turn to pitch,” he said. “Anyone of our pitchers would like to be in this situation. It would be nice to get a win under our belt. It's not time to panic. It's only three games.”
Long, long time
The last time the San Francisco Giants opened the season 3-0 on the road was in 1963 — against the Houston Colt 45s.
Boone better
Aaron Boone was back on the bench after spending Tuesday night in Good Samaritan Hospital. Boone left Tuesday's game with severe abdominal pain.
Blood tests were normal, but a CT scan showed he had a dilated colon caused by gastroenteritis, which was believed to be the result of a viral infection.
Boone was also dehydrated. He was given 10 liters of fluid intravenously.
Reds medical director Dr. Tim Kremchek said Boone could have played in an emergency situation Wednesday.
“He'll be back in the lineup Friday,” Kremchek said. “We don't expect any long-term effects. But we'll watch him closely.”
Mark Lewis started in Boone's place at third base Wednesday. Lewis singled and drove in the Reds' first run.
“I feel a lot better,” Boone said. “I probably could have played today. I was OK, other than not getting much sleep.”
Hard ball
Reds manager Jack McKeon needed a prop to show why there have been 12 home runs in the Reds' first three games. He picked up a ball and showed the seams to writers.
“It's as hard as a rock,” he said. “Look how tight it's wound. The ball's jumping off the bat.”
Cinergy is a good park for home run hitters, but usually not until the weather gets warmer.
Stat of the day
Sean Casey had six hits through the Reds' first two games. Last year he had six hits in the first two months of the season.
Casey was on the disabled list from April 8 to May 5 after being struck in the eye with a ball thrown by Damian Jackson. But Casey was 6-for-40 (.150) in April and May.
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