Thursday, May 17, 2001
Larson makes first start today
By Chris Haft
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Bob Boone hasn't determined how much third baseman Brandon Larson will play while Aaron Boone sits out his expected three to four weeks with a broken hamate bone in his right hand.
But the manager indicated he'd like to see Larson play well enough to merit at least semi-regular playing time, because that would return Juan Castro to his valuable utility role. Boone said Larson will start his first major-league game at third today against Arizona lefty Brian Anderson.
If (Larson) can do a decent job, it's a little more convenient having Juan sitting there where I can insert him, Bob Boone said. But we have to see how (Larson) swings.
Larson has swung better lately. He arrived in Cincinnati with mediocre Triple-A numbers (.248, two homers, 13 RBI) but hit .400 (10-for-25) in his last six games with Louisville.
I was trying to yank everything and be the big power prospect guy, said Larson, the Reds' first-round selection in the 1997 draft. Citing help he received from hitting coach Brook Jacoby, Larson added: I found out that all I had to do was put a decent swing on the ball instead of trying to crush everything and the ball will go just as far. Balance was my big problem, so I was working on that a lot.
Spring training story: Larson's power intrigues Reds
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