Tuesday, February 15, 2000
Spring more important for some Reds
Chance to solidify role before season
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SARASOTA, Fla. — The Reds could be excused for wishing they could skip spring training and proceed directly to the regular season.
Their 25-man Opening Day roster is virtually set. The only job that seems available to all applicants is the final spot in the bullpen, which Stan Belinda vacated when he went to Colorado in the Dante Bichette trade. The only other spots that aren't fully secured are the utilityman's spot, which probably will go to either Chris Sexton or Chris Stynes, and the No.5 starter's slot, which Mark Portugal is the favorite to claim.
|
PLAY BALL!
|
• Thirty-six pitchers and seven catchers are scheduled to report to Reds camp at Sarasota, Fla. Wednesday.
• Physicals are Thursday
• The first workout is 9 a.m. Friday.
• Position players report Monday.
|
But the Reds still need their six weeks in Florida, which begin Wednesday when pitchers and catchers report to the Ed Smith Stadium Complex.
Here's a look at 10 Reds who, for one reason or another, could be more subject to scrutiny than others:
• Pete Harnisch. The right-hander reported no offseason trouble with his shoulder, which pained him during the final four months of last season. But the strain of throwing off a pitcher's mound will loom as a test. This is a big season for Harnisch, who has an option for 2001 built into his contract. It's fair to assume he knew what he was doing by eschewing surgery.
• Denny Neagle. Doubts aren't as pronounced about Neagle's shoulder, since he won his final six decisions last year. Eligible for free agency after this season, Neagle can be expected to report in top form. A 15-to-20-win season will make him obscenely wealthy in today's pitching-poor market.
• Gabe White. He's the first name General Manager Jim Bowden mentions when the subject turns to relievers who might convert to starting. The left-hander went to waste last year, when he appeared in only one game after Sept. 16. White's 61 strikeouts in 61 innings indicated that he still has a live arm.
• Pokey Reese. His offensive production rose dramatically last year. Was it an aberration or just the start? After hitting .320 batting eighth and .272 in the leadoff spot last year, Reese must find a way to reverse those figures, since he's projected to hit first.
• Jason LaRue. Manager Jack McKeon will alternate his catchers, partly because he believes he can maximize Eddie Taubensee's production by regulating his playing time. Last year proved McKeon was correct. LaRue could grab himself a bigger share of the action by recapturing some of the offensive proficiency he displayed in the minors.
• Alex Ochoa. A right-handed hitter, Ochoa batted .319 with 25 RBI in 138 at-bats against left-handers last year with Milwaukee. Guys with those kinds of numbers often win platoon roles. The Reds acquired him because they believe he's more than just a fifth outfielder.
• Dmitri Young. Hugely popular with teammates, fans and the media, Young seems to command a little less respect among club officials. They appreciate but don't trumpet his .306 average and 78 doubles in two years as a Red. Instead, they offered him to Seattle in various Ken Griffey Jr. packages.
• Pat Flury. Scouts say the right-hander throws just as hard as Scott Williamson, though he lacks the Rookie of the Year's diving split-finger fastball. After excelling at Double-A last year, Flury thrived in the Puerto Rican Winter League with Bayamon (1.69 ERA, four saves). He has a remote chance of occupying the relief vacancy.
• Adam Dunn. Though the former University of Texas quarterback will begin the season in Double-A, the Reds want to see how he stacks up alongside the major leaguers he'll probably join in 2002.
• Ty Howington. The Reds haven't had a drafted pitcher this highly regarded since Jack Armstrong, who was taken first in 1987. After signing too late to play professionally last year, Howington belongs in the low minors. But the Reds want to see what the future might hold for the 19-year-old.
Reds Stories
Pickens still wants out
Von Oelhoffen bolts Bengals for $10M
Booker likes muddy-carpet treatment
Stadium overruns may pass $45M
How change orders add to construction costs
Stadium milestones
Xavier gets chance to pay back Duquesne
ATLANTIC-10 NOTEBOOK
Syracuse eager to atone for '99
CONFERENCE-USA NOTEBOOK
Norse women want return to Final Four
Cincinnati girls basketball roundup
Ohio girls basketball scores
Ohio boys basketball scores
N.Ky. girls basketball roundup
Kentucky boys basketball scores
Kentucky girls basketball scores
Hurt Lohr won't quit, shoots 98
Long Beach 4, Cyclones 1
Mighty Ducks 5, Louisville 1
Reds page
