Monday, March 13, 2000
Deion feels no pain in spring debut
BY TOM BALOG
Enquirer contributor
SARASOTA, Fla. — Deion Sanders rounded first Sunday morning and took a first step toward challenging for a spot on the Reds' Opening Day roster.
Sanders had two hits in 10 at-bats in a minor-league intrasquad game in his spring debut at Ed Smith Stadium. He also tracked down a fly ball in left-center field and showed no signs of pain in his surgically repaired right knee, all of which impressed Reds General Manager Jim Bowden.
Bowden said Sanders will begin playing in major-league spring games this week.
“He swung the bat extremely well; his hand-eye coordination was as if he didn't miss any time,” Bowden said after watching Sanders. “He's a lot further along than I thought he was going to be.”
Sanders took it all in stride. He was not allowed to slide or steal bases, as a precaution.
“The knee felt great. I didn't even feel my knee,” Sanders said. “I don't think I made myself look bad. I can't say I'm surprised. I'm pleased. But I've been working my butt off here, so I expect more of myself than anyone would expect of me.”
Sanders could play in a major-league game as early as today when the Reds play the Twins in his hometown of Fort Myers.
“We'll work him in as we can, right away and let him compete,” Bowden said.
Sanders will be ready.
“Soon as they can get me in,” Sanders said. “I'm just sitting back waiting for them to get me in there. I'm not going to force anything. I'll be patient.”
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