Monday, February 21, 2000
REDS NOTEBOOK
Trade wins blow right past Young
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SARASOTA, Fla. — Dmitri Young isn't concerned with the prospect of leaving training camp shortly after arriving.
As rumors persist that the Reds will try to trade for a starting pitcher — Minnesota's Brad Radke, Kansas City's Jose Rosado and Yankees swingman Ramiro Mendoza top the speculative list — Young has emerged as a prime candidate to be dealt.
But the switch-hitting outfielder, who has hit .306 with 78 doubles in two Reds seasons, is concentrating only on maintaining an honest effort.
“You never can tell,” Young said Sunday of his immediate future. “That's why you play your tail off, because somebody's taking notes ... That's why I always keep a positive spirit. I know my talents. Other people know my talents.”
Young's name appeared in various trade proposals when the Reds discussed acquiring Ken Griffey Jr. from Seattle. But the Mariners never wanted any of Cincinnati's outfielders until their priorities changed and they took center fielder Mike Cameron.
REYES BETTER: Trainer Greg Lynn called the condition of Dennys Reyes' shoulder “much improved” and said that the pitcher might try playing catch today.
Reyes, projected to be the bullpen's top left-hander, was ordered Friday to refrain from throwing for at least three days.
RUNNING MEN: Though the baserunning drills that have ended each day's workout might seem meaningless for pitchers, they ultimately could spell the difference between success and failure.
“We're trying to get the pitchers to understand that baserunning is part of being a complete player,” said first base coach Dave Collins, who leads the drills. “We want our pitchers to run the bases confidently. The only way you can do that is to get out there and concentrate on the fundamentals and technique.”
Collins praised veterans Pete Harnisch and Denny Neagle for their aggressiveness on the basepaths.
“It's no coincidence they lead your staff in victories, because look at how they do the other parts of their game,” Collins said.
CLEAR AS A BELL: Rob Bell, considered a top pitching prospect, is enthusiastic after overcoming a strained elbow that temporarily stalled his progress.
“It was tough, never being injured before or missing a scheduled start or (throwing session) or anything in four years in the minor leagues,” said Bell, who was sidelined after two starts at Double-A Chattanooga last year. “I'm glad the Reds were patient enough to take a conservative route with me and not really push me.”
Bell, 23, recovered to finish 3-6 with a 3.13 ERA at Chattanooga. The right-hander proceeded to the Arizona Fall League, where he won Pitcher of the Week honors in mid-October with the Phoenix Desert Dogs.
“I think my major concern was getting the injury out of my head,” said Bell, acquired from Atlanta in the Nov.1998 Bret Boone trade. “I did that when I was rehabilitating and my arm felt a lot better.”
Somebody told Bell that five-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens suffered a similar elbow injury early in his career. “When he recovered from that, he became "The Rocket,'” Bell said, adding with a chuckle, “I hope that happens for me.”
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