Monday, April 26, 1999Slow starters beware: Bowden watching
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati EnquirerDelivering a not-so-subtle message to the existing Reds, General Manager Jim Bowden issued a reminder Sunday that replacements exist at Triple-A Indianapolis.
Bowden cited infielders Carlos Baerga and Jeff Bran son, left-handed reliever Ron Villone and right-hander Steve Parris as players who are closest to a promotion.
“All four of them are capable of playing here,” Bowden said. “All four are just waiting for the opportunity.”
Baerga, who has played exclusively third base, was hitting .278 through Saturday, having recently lifted his average from the lower .200s. The former Cleveland Indians star can ask to be released if he's not with the Reds or another team by May 15.
Incumbent third baseman Aaron Boone went 0-for-3 Sunday, dropping his average to .156.
Branson was hitting .269 while playing shortstop. Villone was 1-0 with a 1.00 ERA and 13 strikeouts in nine innings. Parris, the last pitcher cut in spring training, is 0-1 with a 3.57 ERA in three starts.
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