Mary Carole Andrews, former president of the Rosie Reds fan club, wears a hat autographed by Barry Larkin. (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

        Calls to the Reds are answered by Barry Larkin's voice:

        “Thanks for calling the Cincinnati Reds. It's always great to hear from a fan.”

        Hey Reds, you want fan input? Cup an ear anywhere.

        The contract status of Larkin — shortstop, captain, 15-year veteran, 11-time all-star, Cincinnati icon — is this city's hot-button subject.

        His expected departure, either soon through a trade or after the season via free agency, hung heavier Wednesday than the cloud cover.

        “I hate to see (him) leave,” said Mary Carole Altevers, 66, a former president of the Rosie Reds fan club. “It's bad enough when they trade some of the others, but when they trade the hometown (hero), it hurts.”

        The prevailing sentiment among fans is one of resignation. They know Larkin, 36, has asked for a three-year, $27.9 million contract. They know the Reds are offering $18 million for the same span.

        They know negotiations are going nowhere.

        “I think he'll be traded before the (July 31) trading deadline,” said Paul Madden, 45, of Indian Hill, who was shopping Wednesday in the Reds Dugout Shop downtown.

        “They'll trade him for some younger players. I don't think he's worth the $9 million (a year).”

        What's at stake? More than the Reds' position in the pennant race.

        Larkin and center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. are the team's most recognized and popular players. Griffey joined the Reds this year; Larkin held top billing for the team all of the 1990s.

        “There'd definitely be a loss to the city if he goes,” said Paul Kramer, 63, the executive director of the Kid Glove Organization. “You mention Cincinnati anywhere in the country, and Barry Larkin comes to mind.”

        A sizable share of Reds merchandise centers on the “Cincinnati's Finest” theme, depicting Larkin and Griffey together — Cincinnati kids playing for the hometown team. Both are Moeller High School graduates.

        Larkin was one of four brothers to excel in sports at Moeller, following Mike and preceding Byron and Stephen.

        “We'd be disappointed as a community for Barry to finish his career anyplace else but Cincinnati,” said Dick Beerman, Moeller's co-athletic director. “That entire family is so special. And there aren't too many schools with the identity of having two MVPs graduated from there, and now playing for the same team.”

        Griffey is considered a future Hall of Famer; Larkin may also be Hall-bound.

        “If he goes in, I hope he'd go in as a Red,” Ms. Altevers said.

        A key theme fans voice is their appreciation for Larkin playing his entire career — thus far — as a Red. In the era of free agency, when most players change teams several times in a career, such stability is welcomed.

        “That's why the people of Cincinnati are upset,” said Joan Spiess, the Rosie Reds' president. “He's one of the few players they have been able to relate to. They knew who he was.

        “That's the problem. They don't get to know who the players are; (teams) are always trading them.”

        Most fans refrain from assigning blame for the contract squabble.

        “It's just part of the unfortunate fact that it's a business,” said Lori Anthony, 32, of Clifton.

        Larkin has his sympathizers, those who remember his sacrifices in past negotiations.

        “Barry showed his willingness to give up money in the past,” said John LaRocque, 48, of Deer Park. “Now I wish (the Reds) would show some respect and kick (the offer) up. Just make sure the top level is incentive-laden.”

        LaRocque, who said he has attended 20 Reds games this year, appreciates Larkin's loyalty.

        “The guy plays hard and puts up the numbers,” he said. “I'd love the man have his career end in Cincinnati. That's so rare today.”

        There are no discounts yet on Larkin's memorabilia like there were for Sammy Sosa items last month in Chicago when the slugger appeared certain to leave the Cubs. A few of the $150 Larkin replica jerseys sold Wednesday at the Reds Dugout Shop — “I think on the possibility he does go,” a salesman said.

        Larkin's popularity is perhaps best reflected in his youngest fans' eyes.

        Kramer tells the story of a stadium tour a couple of years ago when he kidded a 12-year-old girl who was sitting in the dugout that she couldn't sit there because it was Larkin's spot.

        “She almost fainted, she was so thrilled,” Kramer said. “That's the kind of respect he has with kids. The kids will miss him.”

        Ms. Altevers, who has several autographs from Larkin and knows his wife and mother, summed up the sentiment:

        “Barry is a good guy, very nice. He's been a credit to the team and the city. I'm just hoping something comes up so he doesn't have to leave.”

Join the discussion with other fans in our Reds forum.

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