Wednesday, September 29, 1999
Reds confident in Parris
Veteran righty is improving down stretch
BY JOHN FAY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HOUSTON — Steve Parris, whom the Reds left behind in spring training, takes the mound tonight against Houston's Mike Hampton, who may win the Cy Young Award. Advantage Astros, right?
Not necessarily.
Parris has won fewer games (11) than Hampton (20), but Parris' winning percentage is higher, .846 to .833.
And over their last five decisions, their numbers are identical: 4-1 records, 3.34 ERAs.
That gives Reds manager Jack McKeon confidence going into the game.
“Absolutely,” McKeon said. “Steve has kept us in games all year. He's done a great job, and we already beat the other guy.”
The Reds beat Hampton 3-0 on June 24 at the Astrodome.
Parris thinks it will take a similar kind of effort tonight.
“You know when you're facing Hampton, you're not going to get a lot of runs,” Parris said. “Nothing against our hitters, but ... you know you're going to have to really concentrate and pitch well against someone like him.”
Parris, a right-hander, comes into tonight's 8:05 matchup 11-2 with a 3.42 ERA. Hampton, a lefty, is 20-4 with a 3.01 ERA.
If not for a month-long stint on the disabled list and a month-long stint at Indianapolis, Parris might be closer to Hampton in the win department.
Parris is one of the Reds' reclamation products. He is 31 years old. He has been put on waivers by two organizations. He had never won more than six games in a big-league season before this one. He was 6-5 last year and 6-6 in 1995, his first season in the majors.
The Reds left Parris behind in spring training in favor of Jason Bere, largely because Parris had minor-league options.
But Parris has been their most consistent starter since being recalled May 3.
He has gotten better down the stretch, winning four straight starts with a 2.57 ERA over that period.
“I don't look at my numbers during the season,” Parris said. “I don't worry what people are saying about me. I've had that attitude the last six years. I know you're only as good as your start.”
Reds Stories
Reds defy pennant pressure
Why doesn't McKeon have a contract?
Reds page
