Wednesday, March 01, 2000

Larkin optimistic for new deal

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Wants to finish career as Red

BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Barry Larkin practices sliding Tuesday with coach Ken Griffey Sr. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

        SARASOTA, Fla. — Barry Larkin expressed guarded optimism Tuesday after he and his agent, Eric Goldschmidt, launched preliminary talks about a contract extension with Reds management.

        “It'll get worked out — I think,” Larkin said.

        The Reds' 14-year veteran shortstop and Goldschmidt met for about 45 minutes at the team's spring training headquarters with General Manager Jim Bowden and assistant general manager Doc Rodgers.

        “We will not comment at all on the negotiations with Barry Larkin until they have been concluded, whenever that is,” Bowden said.

        Larkin is in the final year of a contract that will pay him $5.3 million this season. He said earlier this spring that he would like to finish his career with Cincinnati but wants to secure a new deal before the season ends, so free agency doesn't become an issue.

        Bowden has repeated his desire to keep Larkin in his hometown and in the only uniform he has ever worn. But money could become an obstacle.

        Larkin, who turns 36 on April 28, took less than market value in his current contract. Even if he's willing to sign for a bargain rate again, he probably would receive a raise.

        Ken Griffey Jr.'s arrival increased the likelihood that Larkin will receive his extension. Griffey has said that Larkin's presence furthered his desire to join the Reds.

        Club management may explore structuring a contract with deferred payments for Larkin. Revenues could decrease next year, when Cinergy Field's capacity will shrink by about 14,000 seats because of construction of the new ballpark. Yet the payroll is likely to increase with arbitration-eligible players such as first baseman Sean Casey, second baseman Pokey Reese, outfielder Dmitri Young and reliever Danny Graves.

       

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