Wednesday, March 08, 2000
Portugal eyes 5th spot in rotation
Right-hander's experience may give him edge
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SARASOTA, Fla. — Twice previously, Mark Portugal began reading Thomas Wolfe's A Man In Full but couldn't wade through the 742-page novel.
This spring, Portugal is just 150 pages away from finishing the book. That's not the only effort he's trying to complete.
The right-hander strengthened his bid to become the Reds' No.5 starter by allowing one run in 3ö innings Tuesday as the Reds defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in a split-squad exhibition game 3-1 at Ed Smith Stadium. Cincinnati (5-3) defeated Philadelphia in another split-squad contest at Clearwater's Jack Russell Stadium, 5-4.
Portugal's performance coincided with General Manager Jim Bowden's announcement that trading for a top-flight starter, such as Minnesota's Brad Radke or Kansas City's Jose Rosado, would be virtually impossible. This leaves Cincinnati to focus on developing its own stable of pitchers.
“We'll continue to let these guys continue to compete,” Bowden said of Portugal, Rob Bell, Osvaldo Fernandez, Scott Winchester and Heath Murray.
Portugal's 13 years of major-league experience give him an automatic edge on the others. He has recorded a 4.05 ERA in 6ö innings spanning two exhibition starts. Bell, among the organization's most prized prospects, yielded one run in four innings Sunday against Tampa Bay. Fernandez pitched two scoreless innings in his only appearance but must regain arm strength after missing two seasons with shoulder surgery. Winchester and Murray have starting experience but might be better suited for the bullpen.
Portugal said the Reds don't need to trade for a starter.
“The four starters they have in ink (Pete Harnisch, Denny Neagle, Steve Parris and Ron Villone) and the three or four guys competing for the last spot are all capable of doing the job,” Portugal said. “With the way this bullpen pitched last year, there's no reason to think they can't do it again. I don't think seeking someone to come in is the right option right now.”
Portugal, who permitted six hits but stranded four Phillies in scoring position, won't assume that he'll secure a spot in the rotation.
“No one has told me it's my job,” said Portugal, whose experience includes a stint with Cincinnati from 1995-96. “I don't expect anything to be handed to me. I've played a long time. I've seen a lot of guys come into situations like this and expect it to be their job. Then they're going home when everyone else breaks north at the end of March. And they wonder why. I don't want to put myself in that position.”
Reds Stories
Xavier faces long odds in A-10
Xavier has one last shot to make it in
Miami: One more miracle?
Magloire: More intensity to come
Badin defense stymies Springboro 50-31
Lawrenceburg tops S. Ripley
MAC tourney warms fans to the Madness
Mason advances with 68-19 win
NewCath eliminates CovCath
UC's Martin picks up top defensive honors
C-USA teams look for signs of hope
Bengals await Mitchell's call
Brown: Pickens 'should plan to be back'
Reds page
