Saturday, March 25, 2000
Mercado looks like shoo-in for Reds
Rookie unscored upon in 14 innings
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SARASOTA, Fla. — Though Hector Mercado hasn't made the Opening Day roster yet, his boss certainly thinks he belongs on it.
Mercado fired another shutout inning in Friday's 5-4 exhibition victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. The rookie left-hander, who has never pitched in the majors and has logged just 11 career innings in Triple-A, remained unscored upon in nine spring appearances spanning
14 innings.
“I can't imagine a scenario where he's not on the team,” General Manager Jim Bowden said. “But I'm never going to commit because a lot can happen in 10 days ... But this guy has been consistent all spring. Not just because he has gotten everybody out. He has good velocity, he's throwing 91-92 (mph), he's putting the ball where he wants and he goes right at the hitters.”
Bowden indicated that Mercado had won a spot while the starting rotation's last vacancy remained open. “(Mark) Portugal, (Osvaldo) Fernandez and (Bobby) Munoz all have done OK and they're all fighting for one last job,” he said.
Though Munoz allowed three runs and six hits in his four-inning start against Toronto, he walked just one, displayed decent velocity and threw breaking pitches while behind in the count.
Bowden said the Reds risk losing Munoz if they don't keep him in the majors. He has no minor-league options, nor can he be outrighted to the minors.
Reds Stories
NKU plays for national championship
NKU believes in power of prayer
Norse face five-time champions
Duke can't fight fatigue
It's time Knight learned lesson
Coley is heart and soul of Tulsa's drama
Florida 87, Duke 78
North Carolina 74, Tennessee 69
Oklahoma St. 68, Seton Hall 66
Tulsa 80, Miami 71
Iowa State reborn after UC loss
Fizer wears bullseye
Men's NCAA Tournament
Men's NIT
Women's NCAA Tournament
Women's NIT
Earlier is better for Spiral Stakes
Racetrack blues: 'The diehards are dying'
St. X plays for title today
St. X's opponent overcame struggle
Ohio boys state championships
Purcell likely to pick up pace in finals
Mini-Marathon expects 10,000
Heart Mini-Marathon events
Mighty Ducks 2, Wilkes-Barre 1
Stuff clinch playoff spot
Reds page
