Wednesday, March 29, 2000
LaRue, Dawkins sent back to minors
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Reds optioned catcher Jason LaRue and shortstop Gookie Dawkins to the minors, trimming their roster to 26.
Outfielder Kimera Bartee is expected to be the last player Cincinnati will cut to reach the 25-man Opening Day limit. Bartee is believed to be in limbo as he goes through the waiver process.
General Manager Jim Bowden emphasized that LaRue, who'll join Triple-A Louisville, and Dawkins, bound for Double-A Chattanooga, remain two of the organization's brightest prospects.
LaRue, who finished last year as Eddie Taubensee's backup, seemed destined to remain in that role this year. The Feb.24 acquisition of free agent Benito Santiago didn't immediately doom LaRue. But when Santiago played beyond expectations, LaRue, who had a minor-league option remaining, was finished. Santiago is hitting .317 (13-for-41) to LaRue's .200 (5-for-25).
“Benito Santiago beat him out. It's that simple,” Bowden said.
“Jason's going to be a good big-league catcher. He's in our long-term plans. We think it's in his best interests from a development perspective to go down and catch every day instead of sitting on the bench as a third catcher or backup. We still think he can be the catcher of the future for us.”
Bowden said Dawkins would return if shortstop Barry Larkin or second baseman Pokey Reese were sidelined for a sustained period. “I believe he's going to help us win some time this year,” Bowden said. “Gookie is going to be a star player in the Reese-Larkin type of category. But he needs to play and get at-bats.”
— Chris Haft
Reds Stories
UC's Johnson not in class, weighs NBA
Martin awarded Robertson trophy
Stadium's signature: A Swoosh
Dillon talks put on hold
Limits for on-field celebration suggested
Cleaves' loss a Spartan gain
Flying Pig draws world record holder
Local boxers advance in Olympic qualifier
UK suspends two players after arrests
Reds page
