Wednesday, August 23, 2000
REDS NOTEBOOK
McKeon's son promoted to top scout
By Chris Haft
The Cincinnati Enquirer
After following his father into baseball, Kasey McKeon has continued to forge his own path.
McKeon was named Cincinnati's scouting director Tuesday, ascending from his dual roles as major-league scout and national cross-checker. McKeon replaced DeJon Watson, who was promoted last month to special assistant.
Naturally, McKeon was steeped in the game by his father, Jack, the Reds' manager, who has spent more than half a century in baseball in various capacities.
“I think he taught me more than he could ever imagine by not even speaking,” said the younger McKeon, 33. “I was around a big-league ballpark all my life. I learned what it takes to play up there. I couldn't do it, but I tried.”
Kasey McKeon, who played for two seasons in Detroit's farm system as a catcher after leaving San Diego State in 1989, has established a reputation as an astute judge of talent, signing players such as Reds first baseman Sean Casey when he scouted for Cleveland. Jack McKeon said one of the first players Kasey recommended as a scout with San Diego, his first major-league employer, was Billy Wagner, who became Houston's stalwart closer.
“I've gotten to know Kasey well, and he's a good people person,” Casey said. “He's the kind of guy that people will want to work for.”
The elder McKeon had reason to be proud.
“Despite the fact that he's my kid, he's pretty sharp,” McKeon said. “He has worked hard. ... He's really very, very knowledgeable.”
DOOR CLOSES: Barring a dramatic turn of events, the Reds officially will fail to sign their No.1 draft choice today when shortstop David Espinosa attends class at the University of Miami.
“He's going to class (this) morning,” said agent Scott Boras, who has been advising Espinosa and his family.
Reds officials announced last week that the organization lacked the funds to sign their top three picks — Espinosa, the 23rd overall pick from Miami Gulliver Prep; right-hander Dustin Moseley from Arkansas High School; and catcher Dane Sardinha from Pepperdine University. Bowden cited a revenue shortfall stemming from lower-than-expected attendance.
INJURY UPDATE: Team physician Dr. Tim Kremchek said right-hander Osvaldo Fernandez, who had been recovering from an elbow injury, will undergo an MRI today for shoulder pain, which probably is tendinitis.
Kremchek said that as Fernandez's elbow improved during his rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Louisville, he began using his shoulder more, causing the tenderness.
Outfielder Jackson Melian, one of the four minor-leaguers acquired from the Yankees in the July 12 Denny Neagle trade, will not play anymore for Double-A Chattanooga to allow his injured right hamstring to heal. Melian, who Kremchek said will go to Florida for instructional league beginning Sept.20, will participate in a strengthening program in Cincinnati until then.
Kremchek added that nothing is seriously wrong with reliever Mark Wohlers, who complained of “belly pain” Monday night.
ETC.: Feeling mildly ill before the game, center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. rested in the training room and skipped batting practice but still played.
• Jack McKeon benched catcher Jason LaRue, who's 1-for-19 since his two-homer game at Chicago on Aug.12. “He'll be all right,” McKeon said. “He started like that last year. He needs to relax.”
UP NEXT: Scott Williamson (5-7), who's 3-2 with a 2.82 ERA as a starter, seeks his third consecutive victory tonight against the Phillies and right-hander Robert Person (6-4).
Reds Stories
Punter change caps special-team makeover
SULLIVAN: Groce takes leap of faith
Bengals pick up OT Farris
UC football
Busch dates open for Ky. Speedway
IRL courts fans for Sunday race
Prep football schedule
Cincinnati prep results
N.Ky. prep results
• Return to Reds front page...
McKeon's son promoted to top scout
