Thursday, March 22, 2001
Reese starts at SS in case
Larkin still expected to be ready for Opening Day
By Chris Haft
The Cincinnati Enquirer
BRADENTON, Fla. — Barry Larkin's absence from the Reds' lineup will extend at least into the weekend, leaving little wiggle room in his timetable to return for Opening Day. So it wasn't a coincidence to see Pokey Reese replace Larkin at shortstop in Wednesday's exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Manager Bob Boone, who cherishes flexibility with his personnel and excellence from his defense, was exploring his options by trying the slick-fielding Reese at his natural position.
Said Boone, “In case you ever want to make a decision ... If Lark has a setback, do you want to make that switch or not?”
Reese's appearance was brief. He left the game in the third inning after a Bronson Arroyo fastball struck him on his right shoulder, causing a painful bruise that left his playing status as day-to-day. “It's just going to be sore for a couple of days,” said Reese. The Reds proceeded to lose their fourth game in a row 8-5.
“Two innings,” Reese said. “Somebody doesn't want me to play shortstop, huh?”
On the contrary, Boone might consider doing exactly that if Larkin's recovery from a strained right groin is delayed further.
The Reds did receive some encouraging news about Larkin when Dr. Tim Kremchek, the Reds' team physician, examined him Wednesday. Trainer Greg Lynn said Larkin could be available to appear in a game by Sunday or Monday. Until then, said Lynn, Larkin will “continue to accelerate his exercise program” while taking batting and fielding practice with teammates.
That schedule would justify Boone's cautious optimism regarding Larkin's availability for the April 2 season opener against Atlanta.
“I'm getting a little more comfortable Lark's going to be ready,” Boone said. Asked when Larkin might resume playing, Boone was a little more conservative than Lynn: “It's just a guess, but for me, next Wednesday is kind of a critical day. I think (he'll play) probably before that, but Wednesday gives him four games (before the opener).”
Boone's implication was that four games would give Larkin enough time to sharpen his skills.
Larkin, who has appeared in only four games, last played March 10.
Boone stressed that he might prefer to keep Reese at second base even if Larkin were out for a prolonged period, citing first baseman Sean Casey's lack of range, the respectable complement of backup shortstops (Juan Castro and Donnie Sadler) and Aaron Boone's smooth comeback at third base, which lessens the need for a rangy shortstop.
If Reese moved to shortstop, Castro or Sadler would play second, where they're adequate but not remarkable. Reese has won two consecutive Gold Glove awards for fielding proficiency at second.
“I don't know if I'd want to weaken the right side,” Boone said.
Reese hasn't played shortstop in the regular season since 1999, when he started three games there. That was down from 13 starts in 1998 and 92 starts in 1997. During his six full seasons in the minor leagues, 1991-96, Reese earned acclaim as a superior defensive shortstop. Only Larkin's presence has prevented him from claiming that spot in Cincinnati.
Before Wednesday's game, Reese relished the opportunity to play short again. “Back where I was born,” he said. But he admitted he'd have to dust off his skills.
“You always have to work,” Reese said. “You have to read the hops (of a ground ball) again; they're different. Now when you knock them down, you don't have that much time to pick them up and regroup, (unlike at) second.”
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Reese starts at SS in case
