Thursday, February 17, 2000

Reds have own great expectations

---

'99 experience, Griffey's addition set goals higher

BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Deion Sanders swings off the tee Wednesday as coach Donnie Scott sets up balls. (Michael E. Keating photos) | ZOOM |

        SARASOTA, Fla. — The spirit of the Reds' wondrous 1999 season remains fresh as spring training begins.

        The Reds' 96-67 finish, which left them one victory short of the postseason, has enabled them to clear a significant psychological hurdle: They used to believe they could win the National League Central Division. Now they know they can.

        “Last year we said, "We have a chance,'” manager Jack McKeon said Wednesday as pitchers and catchers re ported to camp. “This year, you say, "Hey, we can win this thing.' And it may be a case where you're going to have to win your division to get into the playoffs.”

        “We didn't do anything,” said second baseman Pokey Reese, the first regular position player to arrive in camp. “We won 96 games and didn't get in the playoffs. So, boom, it's over. Now let's win 97 or whatever it takes to get in the playoffs.”

The grounds crew pulls the tarp off the Reds spring home, Ed Smith Field in Sarasota, Fla. | ZOOM |

        The Reds have crossed into lush but dangerous territory. If last year's showing moved them to the threshold, acquiring center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. pushed them over it. No longer are they the cuddly, low-budget team that surprised baseball. Barring unusual circumstances, any finish short of the postseason will be regarded as a disappointment.

        McKeon realizes the challenge ahead.

        “I think it's going to be the most competitive division in baseball,” McKeon said of the NL Central. “You've got two or three clubs who can win it — us, Houston and the Cardinals. I wouldn't discount the Cubs, if they get Kerry Wood and a couple of guys back. And Pittsburgh's improved.”

        At the same time, the reigning NL Manager of the Year intends to aim high. “Our goal is to win over a hundred (games),” McKeon said.

        Right-hander Steve Parris, 11-4 a year ago, already senses an urgency to win.

        “Now that we have Junior, I think expectations are going to skyrocket,” Parris said. “I think as long as we keep the same level head everybody had last year and do our jobs, I don't see any reason why we can't do the same thing again.”

        Parris also said, “You never know if you're going to win.” Still, plausible theories for Cincinnati to sustain or increase its success are readily at hand.

        It's easy to forget that last year's Reds lurched out of the gate. They were 14-18 and in last place May 14. Faulty starting pitching was a primary shortcoming. That won't be a problem this year if Pete Harnisch and Denny Neagle have put behind their injury problems.

        Last year, Harnisch missed his Opening Day start with back trouble. This spring, he must prove that his right (throwing) shoulder is OK after pitching through pain for the final four months of '99. Neagle's 6-0 finish last season indicated that he already has overcome his shoulder woes.

        “Talking to Neagle yesterday, he feels like he's ready,” McKeon said. “Parris is a little more experienced. And with Pete being the same Pete, you feel like you could possibly be stronger coming out of the chute.”

        The experience gained by Cincinnati's youthful core — Reese, first baseman Sean Casey, third baseman Aaron Boone, outfielder Dmitri Young — bolsters that feeling.

        “Confidence is way up this year,” Reese said. “I'm speaking from the regulars' (perspective). Coming in last year, we had a lot of young guys who didn't know their roles and didn't know if they were going to be here or not.”

        Having seen last year's stars evolve into this year's busts numerous times, McKeon issued one warning about his young standouts: “We have a few guys who the league will adjust to, and they'll have to adjust to that.” Added McKeon, “I think they will.”

        Reese is one Red who won't take anything for granted. “I'm here to try to get stronger and get better,” he said after his Wednesday workout. “We know teams are going to be after us this year. We'll have to step it up another notch. I'm excited.”

Spring training schedule

---

Reds Stories

Reds have own great expectations Sanders still at half speed Selig's comments not promising for Rose Griffey merchandise a big hit

Bengals: Booker signing 'sends message'
Booker had long trip home
Search on for stadium solutions
Stadium just more bad news for football fans
Debacle could delay other projects
Commissioners learning costly lessons
Lessons will be put to use on Reds park
County signs up public relations support
Let's recruit Mike Brown for our team
UC: Polls, streaks no pressure
A-10 looking into fight at Xavier game
Kentucky 66, Alabama 54
Smith brings back 6 a.m. practices
Pro soccer teams revamped
Cyclones 4, Long Beach 3
Mighty Ducks 5, Hamilton 1
Cincinnati boys basketball roundup
Cincinnati girls basketball roundup
Ohio boys basketball scores
Ohio girls basketball scores
Moeller wrestlers look for 4th title in row
N.Ky. girls basketball roundup

Reds page