Wednesday, August 16, 2000
Sexton makes 1st start for Reds
By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MILWAUKEE — The fact that Chris Sexton was in the starting lineup Tuesday did not keep him from going out on the field early and getting in some extra work.
Sexton, who went 0-for-4 with a walk Tuesday in his first start for the Reds, knows his role is that of an extra player. To be effective in that role, you have to stay sharp.
“I learned that the hard way last year with the (Colorado) Rockies,” Sexton said. “When I first got called up, I felt like I was sharp. But I wasn't when I got in the game.”
Sexton, a St.Xavier High School and Miami University graduate, struggled in his first stint in the majors. He hit .213 and got sent down after 21/2 months with the big club.
When Sexton returned, he was determined to stay sharp.
“When you're playing every day, you can get into a rhythm,” Sexton said. “When you're not in there every day, you've got to get into a routine to stay sharp. A lot of my work is done before the game.”
Tuesday was Sexton's first start since he started for the Rockies against the Reds at Cinergy Field Aug.5 of last year. Sexton went 1-for-4 that night against the Reds.
Sexton, 29, was having a great year at Triple-A Louisville. He hit .324 with seven home runs and 50 RBI and had eight steals for the RiverBats. He got called up when catcher Eddie Taubensee went on the disabled list Aug.1.
Sexton singled in his first plate appearance as a Red and scored the winning run in the 10th inning Aug.7 against the Braves.
Sexton started Tuesday at third base in place of Chris Stynes. It was Sexton's first big-league start at third; he started at shortstop in Louisville. With the Rockies, he played second base, shortstop and all three outfield positions.
Sexton is past the point where he tries too hard when he does get a start.
“I don't look at my numbers,” he said. “I look at it as doing what I can to help a team win. Tonight, my job is to lead off and play third base.”
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Sexton makes 1st start for Reds
