Sunday, August 01, 1999
REDS NOTEBOOK
Casey cools off at plate
BY JOHN FAY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Sean Casey doesn't like to use the S word.
“I wouldn't call it a slump,” he said. “It's a long season there are a lot of ups and downs. You just have to keep on grinding.”
Whatever you want to call it, Casey has cooled off at the plate recently.
He had a single in the second inning of Saturday's game to break a season-high 0-for-9 skid. But his struggles go back further than that. Casey is 7-for-33 (.212) over the last nine games. He is hitting .281 since the All-Star Break after hitting .371 before it.
Casey's average was still at .357 after Saturday's game. He entered the day second in National League in hitting, trailing Larry Walker (.367).
No Pokey
Pokey Reese was given another day to rest his sore left hand. Reds manager Jack McKeon said he expects Reese, who hasn't played since being hit with a pitch Monday in Los Angeles, to return today.
Chris Stynes has played well enough to allow the Reds the luxury of resting Reese another day.
When Reese returns, he'll probably start at shortstop, so Barry Larkin can be given a day off. Larkin has played in all 102 games and started 101.
Lineup shuffle
Mike Cameron, who took over Reese's leadoff duties, had a hit in the first four games he lead off. Cameron was 0-for-3 Saturday.
Reese was struggling when he was hurt, so McKeon is reserving judgment on who will hit leadoff when Reese returns.
Rotation turns
McKeon said he is inclined to push Steve Parris' next start back to Saturday. Monday's off day makes that possible.
Parris, who had to skip Friday's start with strained triceps muscle, is scheduled to throw off the mound today.
“He'll throw some again Tuesday, throw some Thursday,” McKeon said. “That would make him ready to go Saturday.”
No Johnson
Brian Johnson was not activated from the disabled list Saturday. In fact, his replacement, Jason LaRue, started Saturday's game.
LaRue has been the regular catcher for Ron Villone, who started Saturday's game. LaRue has done well defensively. The Reds were 11-4 with a 3.07 ERA in his starts, entering Saturday.
Johnson probably will be activated today.
Neagle OK
Denny Neagle felt no ill effects Saturday after Friday's 5 2/3 innings.
“I feel great,” he said. “I'm sore in all the right places.”
Neagle, who returned Friday after nine weeks on the disabled list, will start again Wednesday.
Neagle got a standing ovation from the crowd at Cinergy Field when he left Friday's game.
“I'm really appreciative of the response,” he said. “The fans have been great. People are always coming up to me and telling me they're pulling for me.”
Speed merchant
Greg Vaughn has 13 stolen bases, the most he has had since he stole a career-high 15 for Milwaukee in 1992.
“I'm fast as hell, man,” he said. “No. ... I really only run when I have to, to get into scoring position, to help us win. I'll leave the running to young boys like (Cameron).”
Vaughn has been thrown out only once in 14 attempts, giving him the best stealing percentage (.929) in the NL.
“I pick my spots,” he said. “I try to get a good jump. I'll lull the guy to sleep sometimes.”
Avery update
Steve Avery will go to Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday to get his left shoulder examined by Dr. James Andrews. Avery was put on the disabled list July 24 after pitching ineffectively over the last two months.
“I think he needs (arthroscopic) surgery,” said Reds team doctor Tim Kremchek.
Cool gesture
Barry Larkin donated 100 air conditioners to needy local families over the weekend.
The idea was Larkin's wife, Lisa's.
“She called me up on the road and said there was a heat wave here,” Larkin said. “People were dying and she wanted to do something about it.”
Attendance
The Reds drew 31,771 Friday night. It was their fourth straight crowd over 30,000. It's the first time they've drawn over 30,000 for four straight crowds since 1994.
The Reds are drawing an average of 24,555, up 1,607 over the same date last year.
Up next
Brett Tomko (3-5, 4.88 ERA) starts for the Reds in the finale of the three-game series against the Giants today at 1:15 p.m.
