Friday, April 23, 1999
Cameron impressing Reds with fielding
OF improving at plate, too
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Reds no longer get that sinking feeling when a low, shallow line drive is hit to center field.
Manager Jack McKeon has been overjoyed with Mike Cameron's performance in center, particularly his ability to charge balls hit in front of him.
“It's nice to see somebody out there cover ground,”
McKeon said Thursday. “We got killed last year with balls in front of us more than behind us. It's nice to see him go gap to gap and give (right fielder) Dmitri (Young) and Vaughnie (left fielder Greg Vaughn) a little breather.”
The final out in Wednesday's 7-4 victory over New York was an example. Pinch hitter Matt Franco poked a liner into short center that tailed away from Cameron. But Cameron stayed with the ball, made a tumbling catch and held on.
“I had pretty good position. Why not try for it?” Cameron said. “I feel fast on this (artificial) turf. It's been fun. I see the ball well and pick it up well.”
McKeon noted that Cameron, acquired Nov.11 from the Chicago White Sox for first baseman Paul Konerko, should become even more proficient once he learns National League hitters.
Shortstop Barry Larkin figured his new teammate is fairly decent already. Asked how good Cameron can be, Larkin said of the 26-year-old: “You're seeing it. He's very good. He gets good jumps on balls. He works on his positioning. He has tremendous speed and he's not afraid to get down on the ground. He's awesome out there ... a complete package.”
Asked to compare Cameron to other center fielders he has played with in 13 Reds seasons, Larkin said, “He's in the Eric Davis category, no doubt.”
Cameron has complemented his defense with production at the plate. He entered Thursday's series finale against the New York Mets with a .289 average and a team-high 12 runs. His five doubles and seven RBI ranked second on the team and his three homers tied him for the club lead.
“So far, so good. Let's just say I'm making progress,” Cameron said of his start. “It's a long haul.”
Cameron also has struck out a team-high 14 times. But the Reds, unlike the White Sox, are willing to be patient with him.
“Sometimes we expect too much too quickly,” McKeon said.
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