FORT MYERS, Fla. — James Spears made the trip from Nashville, Tenn., to Fort Myers to see his protege, Michael Coleman.

        Spears coached the Reds outfielder — who is high on the list of candidates for a spot on the opening day roster — at Stratford High School.

        But Coleman did not make the trip to Fort Myers. His name appeared on the travel roster, but Coleman was left in Sarasota because of tightness in his right leg.

        “He's going to play a lot tomorrow, so I decided at the last minute to leave him home,” Reds manager Bob Boone said.

        Coleman's 2000 season with the Boston Red Sox ended April 28 with a broken left wrist. Thus, he had permission to report to Sarasota early.

        Barry Larkin and Ken Griffey Jr. were also in camp early due to injuries that cut their seasons short.

        “One time he called me from Ken Griffey's boat,” Spears said of Coleman, who has never enjoyed a prolonged stint in the big leagues. “I think Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Larkin are taking him under their wing.

        Spears added: “It's the best thing that he could have done. He's a good kid. You don't have to worry about drugs or anything like that with him, but he could use someone to keep him focused.”

        Coleman's locker is next to Larkin's, so the veteran shortstop and his pal, Griffey, have taken an interest in their new teammate, acquired along with Donnie Sadler in the November trade of Chris Stynes.

        “We're just trying to help out a new guy in the organization,” Griffey said. “Barry helped me out last year.”

        Coleman has been impressive lately. He had a pair of three-run home runs and eight RBI Tuesday and Wednesday to improve his average to .375.

        Three of his six hits are home runs.

        The athletic Coleman earned a football scholarship to Alabama as a cornerback. He started as a high school sophomore for Spears, becoming an all-state and All- American tailback.

        Coleman also was named Gatorade Circle of Champions Player of the Year following his senior year in 1994. He rushed for 1,600 yards and scored 25 touchdowns that season.

Fernandez having strong spring Special mentors help Coleman adjust Morris gets first at-bats today Game report: Reds 5, Red Sox 1

Dillon getting no takers
Rice visits Bengals
Logan carries UC into title game
SULLIVAN: Logan or Satterfield or bust
UC-Charlotte rivalry rolls on
Charlotte 75, Southern Miss. 63
Conference USA pairings
Xavier has support for NCAA bid
UMass, Temple play for A-10 title
Atlantic 10 pairings
Cinderella Miami makes MAC final
RedHawks dig out of big hole
Kent State 67, Ball State 55
Miami women bow out
Mid-American Conference pairings
Ohio State makes quick exit
Big Ten pairings
Youth serves UK in opener
Southeastern Conference pairings
Whimper, not bang, for NKU women
NKU men upset Southern Indiana
SULLIVAN: Big Blue fans may end up seeing red
Crum backs Pitino as replacement
Kansas City 4, Cyclones 1
Mighty Ducks 5, Hartford 3
Boys basketball coverage
Girls basketball coverage
CCD off mark in district final defeat
Fairy tale ends for Fayetteville
McNicholas girls earn first trip to state
Today's boys district games
Today's girls regional title games
Campbell Co. reaches 10th Region final
Conner ends NewCath's reign
Highlands beats Simon Kenton in OT
Indiana boys basketball scores
Kentucky boys basketball scores
Kentucky girls basketball scores
Ohio boys basketball scores
Ohio girls basketball scores
Ohio girls regional finals
Cincinnati boys basketball schedule
Cincinnati girls basketball schedule
N.Ky. boys basketball schedule
N.Ky. girls basketball schedule

• Return to Reds front page...