Barry Larkin works in the batting cage Wednesday with Gookie Dawkins. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        SARASOTA, Fla. — The season must unfold before Barry Larkin can prove and preserve his health. There is no question, however, about his enthusiasm.

        Upon arriving at training camp Wednesday for his 16th year with the Reds, Larkin looked past the widespread skepticism about the team's prospects.

        Told that the St. Louis Cardinals are heavily favored to repeat as National League Central Division champions, Larkin cited the Reds' recent first-place finishes and said: “That's good. I remember in 1990, we didn't have a chance against many people at all. Nor did we in '94; nor did we in '95. ... It makes for an exciting season.”

        Always intent on playing to win, Larkin's eager just to play. The 11-time All-Star shortstop turns 37 on April 28 and is coming off a season in which he missed 59 games with three different injuries. He didn't play after Aug.27, when he dislocated his left middle finger while checking a swing against Florida's Ryan Dempster. As that injury lingered, Larkin decided to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, which he had hurt earlier in the year.

        Larkin has been blessed with the ability to heal quickly from previous injuries. He has strengthened the knee since team physician Dr. Tim Kremchek operated on it Sept.8.

        “You can see the muscular development,” Kremchek said Wednesday after examining Larkin. And Cinergy Field's conversion to natural grass will spare Larkin from the unforgiving AstroTurf that is hard on athletes' bodies.

        “I'm ready to get out there and mix it up,” Larkin said. “I missed quite a bit of time at the end of the season last year. It's been a while since I've been able to get out there and compete.”

        Thus, it was easy for Larkin to describe what would be a dream year for him.

        “Being healthy would be beautiful,” he said. “Healthy, a long season, with some postseason experience.”

        Larkin insisted that the latter is within reach, despite the Reds' perceived lack of starting pitching.

        “We've never had that stud pitcher, that Atlanta-type staff,” he said. “We've always had guys who've had to have a good year in order (for the team) to win. And that's what we have once again. ... What they've done is gone out and get some young, good arms. It's a mat ter of letting our good defense help them.

        “I'm not convinced that we can't win without having household names on the mound. We've done that before. The way we've won in the past was by having a strong bullpen, which we definitely have.”

        Larkin also has helped. It's easy to forget that he hit .313 last year, pushing his lifetime average back to an even .300. His efforts included a career-high five-hit game June 24 against San Diego.

        So the sight of Larkin again unpacking his boxes in front of his locker at the City of Sarasota Sports Complex comforted the Reds.

        “I guess I've been spoiled,” third baseman Aaron Boone said. “I know what to expect from Lark and I know what kind of teammate and professional he is.”

        In that spirit, Larkin will try hitting leadoff this spring, a role he never has held long-term.

        “It's a welcome challenge. It's no big deal,” Larkin said. “It was said that with (previous managers) Ray (Knight) and Davey Johnson, I didn't want to hit leadoff because I was a better second hitter or I was a guy that needed to hit third to drive in runs.

        “That isn't the case with this team. There's still that "amoeba effect.' Whatever they need is what I'll do.”

        The results of this experiment won't develop for weeks. “It doesn't make sense if he's not comfortable with it,” manager Bob Boone said.

        Before leaving for camp, Larkin received an unusual request from his son, DeShane.

        “Keep an eye out for the XFL on PlayStation 2, Dad,” Larkin's 8-year-old told him.

        If it's sincere, XFL-style effort DeShane wants, he can skip the video games and watch his father this spring instead.

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