Sunday, February 20, 2000McKeon doesn't worry about Griffey Sr.
REDS NOTEBOOK
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati EnquirerSARASOTA, Fla. — General Manager Jim Bowden has tried to silence the conspiracy theorists. So has bench coach Ken Griffey Sr.
Manager Jack McKeon joined them, denying any concern that the acquisition of Ken Griffey Jr. means that the star center fielder's father is poised to take over the club.
Asked if widespread assumptions about the Griffeys and the managerial post bothered him, McKeon said Saturday, “Why should it bother me? I'm the manager. You said it: People are assuming.”
McKeon echoed Griffey Jr.'s wish for Griffey Sr. to earn a managerial shot.
“I hope someday, when I get tired of doing this, Ken would get recognized and be given the opportunity,” said McKeon, who received a one-year contract extension and a $40,000 raise after a 96-67 season for which he was named the National League's Manager of the Year. “I'm trying to do the best I can to help him get prepared for that.”
With Griffey Jr. arriving, having Griffey Sr. on the staff is an obvious asset in McKeon's view: “If anybody knows Junior, he does, so he can be a really big help to us.”
ARMS RACE: Because 24 pitchers are competing for two openings on the Reds' staff, it follows that a few candidates are approaching workouts a little too seriously.
“Some guys want to be really aggressive,” McKeon said. “I told them, you're not going to make the team getting guys out in batting practice. Just get yourself ready. But you see younger guys trying to open somebody's eyes.”
RUFFIN'S READY: Johnny Ruffin just might be the happiest player in camp.
The reliever has returned to the Ed Smith Stadium Complex, the Chicago White Sox's training site when Ruffin began his professional career with them in 1988. He also has rejoined the Reds, at least temporarily.
“I feel like a kid in a candy store,” said Ruffin, a non-ros ter invitee who was 10-6 with a 3.88 ERA in 131 games for Cincinnati from 1993-96. “I've always said I wanted to come back to Cincinnati. You just click at certain places. I always felt like Cincinnati was my spot. You should see me when I wake up in the morning. I can't sleep. I'm just so anxious to get here.”
Ruffin, 28, has remained in Triple-A since leaving the Reds, recording a 3.22 ERA while bouncing among four organizations. The right-hander also had a brief stint with the Kintetsu Buffaloes in Japan, pitching one game in 1997 before straining a ribcage muscle.
Ruffin's not afraid of the competition he faces for the Reds' lone available bullpen spot.
Said Ruffin, “That's my opening. That's what I feel in my heart. I'm coming here to win that job. I'm not being arrogant. I'm just confident in what I can do. And they know what I'm capable of doing.”
CHECKING IN: Outfielder Dmitri Young became the latest veteran position player to report early, joining first baseman Sean Casey, second baseman Pokey Reese, shortstop Travis Dawkins and outfielder Michael Tucker. Also present is utilityman Chris Sexton, a St. Xavier High and Miami University graduate who's a non-roster invitee.
“I can't get the smile off my face,” Young said.
The other position players are due to report Monday. They'll undergo physical examinations Tuesday before participating in the first full-squad workout Wednesday.
OUCH: Griffey Sr., who's undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Monday in Cincinnati, said he'll return to camp Wednesday.
He said that this will be a simple clean-out procedure.
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