Saturday, April 22, 2000
Reese first made mark at 3B
BY John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Reds manager Jack McKeon saw the seeds of greatness in Pokey Reese back in 1998.
The Reds were struggling, then McKeon inserted Reese at third base.
“What a difference he made,” McKeon said. “He picked up the defense. He really picked up the whole club.”
The Reds were 14-9 in Reese's 23 starts before he tore ligaments in his right thumb diving for a ball. That ended his season.
“If he hadn't gotten hurt,” McKeon said, “he might still be our third baseman.”
Fast forward to 1999. The Reds had traded second baseman Bret Boone in the offseason.
“They were talking about getting this second baseman and that second baseman,” McKeon said. “I thought Pokey deserved the first crack. The rest is history.”
Reese won a Gold Glove and hit .285 with 10 home runs and 52 RBI. He tied Mike Cameron for the team lead in stolen bases with 38.
Reese hit .219 and .256 his two previous years. McKeon isn't counting on Reese leading the league in hitting — he was, with a .455 average entering Friday's game — but expects him to be a competent leadoff hitter.
The good start has taken pressure off Reese.
“You always want to start well,” he said. “You don't want to be 2-for-20. All of it goes back to working hard.”
Reese's willingness to work and take instruction has helped.
“Denis (Menke) has been doing a great job with him,” McKeon said.
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