Friday, March 10, 2000
Reds host Yankees, minus stars
Jeter and Co. unlikely to make trip to Sarasota
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SARASOTA, Fla. — A World Series preview? No, more like just another exhibition game.
The latter description best fits the Reds' encounter tonight at sold-out Ed Smith Stadium against the regal New York Yankees, winners of the last two World Series and three of the last four.
Since it's a split-squad game for the Yankees, who face Philadelphia earlier in the day, the Reds are unlikely to face a large number of New York's marquee players, such as Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams or Tino Martinez.
The Reds will use their projected Opening Day starting lineup, with the exception of second baseman Chris Stynes replacing injured Pokey Reese and Denny Neagle pitching instead of Pete Harnisch.
But the stakes aren't any thing close to even the most insignificant regular-season game.
“It'll just be a matter of trying to see the ball, hit it, make the plays and do what you have to do,” said Reds shortstop Barry Larkin, sounding polite but bored.
By contrast, catcher Eddie Taubensee seemed a little more fired up.
“You kind of want to see how you stack up against the world champions,” he said. “You can't really walk through spring training, go through the motions and get ready. There's a time when you have to focus.”
Neagle maintained a balanced perspective.
“You might not see their "A' lineup, but still, it is the Yankees, it's Friday night, there's (Ken Griffey) Junior, and we haven't had that packed, electrifying atmosphere out here yet,” he said. “So, it should be a little more exciting than your average spring training game.”
Then again, Neagle quickly added: “I'm looking to work on some things and make sure the arm slot's there and feels good. Hopefully I go out for three or four innings. ... ”
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