Tuesday, June 26, 2001
Nuxhall: Larkin showing his age
Veteran shortstop has lost his range, broadcaster says
By Chris Haft
The Cincinnati Enquirer
ST. LOUIS — Popular broadcaster Joe Nuxhall on Monday defended his on-air remarks that have fueled the debate on Barry Larkin's future as Reds shortstop.
Nuxhall
|
Larkin
|
During Saturday's Reds-Astros game in Houston, Nuxhall registered his disappointment with Larkin's inability to record an out on a third-inning grounder hit by Houston's Julio Lugo, who beat the play for an infield hit.
“... The first pitch is swung on and it's bounced to Larkin,” Nuxhall said while broadcasting the Reds-Astros game on WLW-AM (700) and the team's radio network. “He fields, throws and ... (crowd noise) I hate to say it — Barry is losing it, folks. It hurts to say that, but Barry Larkin makes that play anytime. Not anymore.”
Nuxhall said he was simply trying to deliver a clear-eyed account of the action.
“I'm not trying to bury or belittle Barry Larkin,” Nuxhall said Monday. “Heck, I love Barry. But that's what we see. The people have trusted Marty (Brennaman) and I enough to say what we see.”
Larkin could not immediately be reached for comment Monday, an off day for the team. The 15-year veteran returned to Cincinnati's lineup on June 15 after recovering from a strained right groin which, he admitted, hampered his defense. Though the Reds have a capable shortstop replacement in 28-year-old Pokey Reese, who they've tried to trade, they've stuck with Larkin, who signed a three-year, $27 million contract extension last year.
“He's 37 years old. Things slip away. Whether you want to accept it or not, they do ..,” Nuxhall said. “I know he's lost a lot of his range. I don't think I'm speaking out of turn at all. When I think of Barry four or five years ago and look at him now — he's not nearly the shortstop (he was then).”
Join the debate in our forum.
Reds Stories
Bell gives Mariners 5 All-Star leaders
Ex-Red Cameron coming into his own
Bonds watch: No homers
Traditions humbles many, elevates Ebel at Met
Men's Met golf results
Men's Met tee times
UK loses Parker to torn ACL
AAU girls basketball team eyes title
Wimbledon is a one-way love affair for British
• Return to Reds front page...
Nuxhall: Larkin showing his age
