Friday, March 24, 2000
Harnisch looks like Opening Day starter
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SARASOTA, Fla. — Though manager Jack McKeon has delayed naming his Opening Day starter to exercise caution, the calendar confirms that Pete Harnisch will get the call.
Harnisch, Cincinnati's leading winner the last two years with a 30-17 record, will stay on his regular work schedule by pitching in a minor-league exhibition today. Assuming he continues to receive four days' rest between starts, he would make his final Grapefruit League tuneup Wednesday. Then comes his four-day break, followed by the April 3 season opener against the Brewers at Cinergy Field.
McKeon reiterated that Harnisch and Denny Neagle were his “two logical choices” to start the opener. But Neagle has struggled this spring, posting a 7.20 ERA in four appearances. Harnisch has a 2.04 ERA in four starts.
Last spring's events explain McKeon's hesitation. Harnisch was poised to start the opener when he suffered back spasms late in the exhibition season. With weak shoulder muscles sidelining Neagle, McKeon's alternative was Brett Tomko, who allowed six runs in 3ö innings against San Francisco.
“I'll probably make an announcement later on,” McKeon said. “You're hoping that nothing happens like it did last year. I'm not going to jinx anybody this year.”
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