Reese skipping RedsFest in contract dispute

RedsFest has lost another star. But this time, there's no scheduling conflict. Pokey Reese has decided to skip the event because of a contract dispute.

Reese's agent issued a statement Tuesday that Reese would not come to RedsFest because he doesn't want to discuss his contract status.

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“He doesn't want to answer a million questions about it,” said his agent, Craig Fenech. “It's an open issue and he doesn't want to parade it out in the public.”

The Reds aren't buying that reason.

“We're very disappointed,” general manager Jim Bowden said. “He was not under contract last year and he attended RedsFest.”

Reese's absence means the team's four biggest stars — Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Larkin, Sean Casey and Reese — will not attend RedsFest, which will be at the Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center from 4-10 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Larkin and Casey have weddings to attend; Griffey is committed to a Super Bowl appearance.

This is the first time a Red has pulled out of RedsFest because of a contract dispute.

Reese's contract situation is fairly standard. He is arbitration eligible. The Reds offered Reese $2.7 million; he is seeking $3.6 million.

Reese, who made $1.8 million last season, won his second straight Gold Glove. He hit .255 with 12 home runs and 46 RBI.

“We continue to negotiate in good faith,” Bowden said. “We've talked one-year and multiyear deals, including three- and five-year contracts at substantial numbers.”

Fenech also said negotiations continue, but he said there was little chance things could be resolved in time for Reese to attend.

“I don't see any indication of that happening,” Fenech said.

Fenech said it wasn't possible for Reese to come to RedsFest and not talk to the media.

“I've been to these things before,” he said. “Talk radio stations are lined up, waiting for players.”

Players who are expected to attend: Aaron Boone, Rob Bell, Danny Graves, Michael Tucker, Scott Williamson, Jason LaRue and Seth Etherton, along with new manager Bob Boone.

Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children under 12.

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