Friday, April 23, 1999
REDS NOTEBOOK
Crucial series? Not yet
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Reds said they place no extra significance on the three-game series beginning tonight with Houston, the two-time defending NL Central Division champions.
“You think more about that stuff later in the year,” said catcher Eddie Taubensee, a former Astro. “Of course we want to do well in the division. But we want to win each series.”
Said manager Jack McKeon, “We're trying to be representative against everybody.”
Still, as the acknowledged class of the division, the Astros will represent a decent challenge for the Reds.
“They're aggressive in every way, on the bases and with the bats, and they play good defense,” Taubensee said. “You have to be on top of your game with those guys.”
Bonilla hurt
Mets right fielder Bobby Bonilla left Thursday's game before the bottom of the second inning with a sore right knee.
Using the bench
McKeon started Jeffrey Hammonds in right field and Mark Lewis at third base to give both reserves some at-bats. Each made his last start Saturday against Pittsburgh. Hammonds went 0-for-3, dropping his average to .143; Lewis went 1-for-3.
“If a left-hander (Al Leiter) weren't pitching, I'd get (outfielder Michael) Tucker out there, too,” McKeon said.
Hammonds replaced Dmitri Young, who's batting .250 and, in McKeon's view, is still pressing at the plate. But this isn't a permanent move. “I'm not worried about Big D. He'll be fine,” McKeon said.
McKeon said he'd like to give reserve first baseman Hal Morris some at-bats. But it's difficult to bench Sean Casey, the NL's leading hitter entering Thursday.
Etc.
Right-hander Stan Belinda's rehabilitation outing with Triple-A Indianapolis against Norfolk was rescheduled from today to Sunday. He's expected to pitch the first two innings.
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