Saturday, August 07, 1999

Reese returns with a bang

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BY JOHN FAY
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Pokey Reese tags out David Nilsson. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        MILWAUKEE — Less than four hours before game time, someone asked Reds manager Jack McKeon about his lineup.

        “I ain't got a lineup,” McKeon said. “Well, I've got everything but an eighth spot.”

        The eighth spot in the order was reserved for Pokey Reese, provided Reese could play.

        Reese showed up later and said he was ready to go.

        “It's better,” Reese said. “I'm ready.”

        Reese went 2-for-4, scored a run and stole a base. He also went far into foul territory to catch a pair of popups that would have dropped if he had the range of a typical second baseman.

        “It felt good,” he said. “I was glad to get out there with my boys again.”

        It was Reese's first start in nine games. Reese missed seven games altogether after being hit on the hand by a pitch from Los Angeles' Ismael Valdes July 26.

        Reese came in as a late-inning replacement Wednesday and Thursday.

        McKeon refused to rush Reese.

        “I want him back in there,” McKeon said. “But I want him right.”

        Chris Stynes hit .267 with four RBI in the nine games he started for Reese. But Stynes isn't in Reese's class defensively. Reese also makes things happen offensively. Reese is second on the team with 24 steals.

        “He's a catalyst,” McKeon said.

       

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