Sunday, October 31, 1999
Vaughn unfazed after learning he won't return
Slugger says he understands Reds' position
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Greg Vaughn calmly accepted the news that he wouldn't return to the Reds.
“I don't stress over a lot of stuff,” Vaughn said Saturday upon being informed that the Reds' acquisition of Dante Bichette from the Colorado Rockies eliminated him from their plans. “The guy upstairs is going to take care of me.”
Somebody will. Vaughn hit .245 with 45 homers and 118 RBI this year with Cincinnati, establishing himself as the top position player available among the pool of potential free agents. His home run total was the highest by a Red since George Foster hit 52 in 1977. His RBI were the most for a Cincinnati player since Dave Parker had 125 in 1985. He also tied Frank Robinson's 37-year-old franchise record for homers in a month by hitting 14 in September.
Reds General Manager Jim Bowden said he was told by Vaughn's agent, Eric Goldschmidt, that the left fielder would demand a four- to five-year contract worth between $10 million to $12 million annually. That scared off the Reds.
“We are not going to be players (in bidding for) a 34-, 35-year-old outfielder for that kind of money,” Bowden said.
Vaughn, 34, said he hasn't spoken to Goldschmidt about money. But he understood Bowden's concerns.
“Business is business,” the 11-year veteran said.
Nor did Vaughn lament his year with the Reds, though he referred during the season to “issues” that frustrated him.
“For the most part, I enjoyed everything about it,” he said. “We probably could have had (a contract agreement) done if they had come to me earlier. But I'm not going to badmouth anybody or disrespect anyone.”
Speculation is rampant regarding Vaughn's next stop. Both New York teams, Boston, Los Angeles and the Chicago Cubs all have been mentioned. Vaughn has no early preferences. “I just want to go somewhere where I have the opportunity to win and be surrounded by great guys,” Vaughn said.
He said he will always remember finding those guys with the Reds.
“There was no selfishness,” Vaughn said. “We went out there and did what we had to do. I know a lot of different people get credit, but all the credit should go to the players, the ones who busted their butt. I was blessed to be around a bunch of good, young players with no attitudes or egos.”
Bowden was more upbeat about retaining another key player, left-hander Denny Neagle, who has the contractual right to demand a trade within the next two weeks.
“We're trying to come up with some solution to keep him a Red,” said Bowden, who has discussed matters with Neagle's agent, Barry Meister. “I feel optimistic we're going to be able to work it out. He has made it clear his preference is to stay with the Cincinnati Reds.”
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