Sunday, October 10, 1999
Who's the next Vaughn?
If LF leaves, there are options
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
How would Dante Bichette look batting cleanup behind Sean Casey in the Reds' batting order? Or Derek Bell? Or Shane Spencer?
It's all fantasy and speculation. But a year ago, nobody would have guessed that Greg Vaughn would help the Reds to the brink of the postseason.
Now that the Reds probably will need a replacement for Vaughn, who's expected to depart through free agency, don't discount General Manager Jim Bowden's ability to find a capable alternative.
A rent-a-player who's likely to spend just one year in Cincinnati will suffice. The Reds hope that by 2001, prospects such as Austin Kearns and Adam Dunn will be closer to the majors.
Also, focus on this number: 59. That's how many players drove in at least 100 runs this year. It's safe to say a few of those 59 will become available through trade or free agency.
Bowden has promised to be “creative” in replenishing the roster if necessary. Rest assured that if or when Vaughn leaves, Bowden will have a Plan A, a Plan B, a Plan C ...
And if everything fails, playing Dmitri Young in left field and Jeffrey Hammonds in right is a decent alternative.
Officially, the Reds haven't ruled out the possibility of re-signing Vaughn, who's eligible for free agen cy. But Bowden's subtle pessimism about keeping Vaughn and right-hander Juan Guzman, a fellow free agent (“We have a couple of question marks ... They're going to be in high demand,” Bowden said recently), reflects the long odds.
What follows isn't strictly a recommended Reds' shopping list. We wouldn't want some of these players on our team. But this group does reflect the caliber of players potentially available, along with the size of the pool.
(One caveat: Don't look for Ken Griffey Jr.'s name below. Yes, he may demand a trade from the Seattle Mariners. But they'd probably ask for a package of Sean Casey, Pokey Reese and Danny Graves in return. Seriously.)
Go ahead, see how well these alphabetically ordered names fit into in your projected Reds lineup:
• BELL, Houston (1999 stats: .236, 12 homers, 66 RBI) — Average dropped 78 points from last year's. He's due to rebound. Houston won't need him if Moises Alou returns healthy and Daryle Ward emerges. Just massage Bell's ego, and he'll hit.
• BICHETTE, Colorado (1999 stats: .298, 34, 133) — With more than $51 million committed to just 11 players next year, the Rockies need to dump somebody. It might as well be him.
• JOSE CRUZ JR., Toronto (.241, 14, 45) — His name and track record make him worth a shot. He'd probably be ridiculously easy to obtain.
• JOHNNY DAMON, Kansas City (.307, 14, 77) — Not the power hitter the Reds might want. But he did accumulate 39 doubles and 36 stolen bases. He could be on the market, because the Royals probably want to find room for rookie Mark Quinn.
• JIM EDMONDS, Anaheim (.250, 5, 23) — Struggled through injury-plagued year. Angels picked up $4.5 million option, but still might be dealt. The Reds have asked about him before, and Bowden tends to follow his own tracks.
• CLIFF FLOYD, Florida (.303, 11, 49) — Dubbed the “next Willie McCovey,” he more often has resembled the next Willie Greene. But he has talent. His body language when the Marlins visited Cinergy Field in September suggested that he needs a change of scenery.
• RON GANT, Philadelphia (.260, 17, 77) — For one year, why not? Knowing he was struggling at the plate, he drew 85 walks and somehow scored 107 runs. The man's effort is beyond question.
• DAVID JUSTICE, Cleveland (.287, 21, 88) — At $7 million, he's suddenly a bargain.
• RYAN KLESKO, Atlanta (.297, 21, 80) — The uncertainty about Andres Galarraga's comeback could lead the Braves to keep Klesko.
• MATT LAWTON, Minnesota (.259, 7, 54) — He's better than his numbers, which were ruined by Dennys Reyes' accidental June beaning. Like Edmonds, another former object of Bowden's desire.
• TRAVIS LEE, Arizona (.237, 9, 50) — Could be expendable, because of Erubiel Durazo's ascent. He was worth a $10 million signing bonus for a reason.
• SHANE SPENCER, New York Yankees (.234, 8, 20) — Having been buried on the bench, he's probably finished with the organization.
Reds Stories
 Who's the next Vaughn?
|
Bengals vs. Browns: Let the rivalry resume
Bengals desperate for a win
Rookie QB gives Coslet second chance
Bengals-Browns by the numbers
Players to watch
Who's got the edge?
Bearcats create national buzz with new talent
HOUSTON 23, UC 20
UC Midnight Madness schedule
UC men's basketball roster
Fans hang hopes on Akili
Ohio State 25, Purdue 22
Blocked kick turns boos to cheers for Buckeyes
Miami 45, Bowling Green 31
UK 30, South Carolina 10
Anderson 14, Mout St. Joseph 11
Wilmington 55, Franklin 6
Spartans must replace center
Louisville 4, Mighty Ducks 0
Elder gains confidence with Fr. Rudy victory
CINCINNATI HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS
No winners in Anderson vs. Anderson
Basketball practice begins without hoopla
Brossart girls win NKAC meet
Conner 10, Covington Catholic 0
N.KY. HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS
Reds page
