SARASOTA, Fla. — Deion Sanders' comeback attempt isn't the only one in Reds training camp. Former American League All-Star outfielder Mike Greenwell, who hasn't played since 1996, wants to find out if he still has his stroke.

        “We're probably going to let him do something,” Reds manager Bob Boone said Wednesday. “We have a lot of balls and bats. I'll let anybody show me anything.”

        Greenwell, 37, was hired during the offseason as the hitting coach at Cincinnati's Double-A Chattanooga affiliate. He'll now sign a Double-A contract to be a player-coach, a requirement for him to participate in workouts. He also will continue to tutor Reds hitters.

        During his 12-year career with the Boston Red Sox, Greenwell compiled a lifetime average of .303 with 130 home runs and 726 RBI but left Boston amid a feud with general manager Dan Duquette. He went to spring training in 1997 with the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese League before retiring.

        Greenwell, who couldn't be reached for comment, displayed some of his old form as he took batting practice with some Reds players.

        “He swung the bat pretty well. I know he has a nice hack,” Boone said. “And I know he walked away from the game while he could still play.”

        If Greenwell can hit well enough, he could fill a void on the Reds' bench, which is light on left-handed hitters. One, outfielder Michael Tucker, frequently could be in the lineup. Another, first baseman-outfielder D.T. Cromer, might not even make the team.

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