Tucker stats

        MIAMI — Michael Tucker departed so that others might stay.

        Trading their second outfielder in two days, the Reds sent Tucker to the Chicago Cubs on Friday for minor-league right-handers Chris Booker and Ben Shaffar.

        The revolving door, which began spinning Thursday when Alex Ochoa went to Colorado, might continue to rotate. The Philadelphia Phillies, who are desperate for relief help and are known to covet Reds closer Danny Graves, sent scout Jimmy Stewart to Pro Player Stadium for the start of Cincinnati's series against the Florida Marlins.

        A Los Angeles Dodgers scout also was present, increasing the trade-related buzz surrounding Reds in fielder Pokey Reese.

        Graves and Reese have been among the players the Reds have tried to sign to multiyear contract extensions. Dealing Tucker, who's due to earn $5 million in 2002-03, should free some negotiating dollars — if not for either of those two, then for Aaron Boone, Sean Casey or Dmitri Young, other members of Cincinnati's talented core who general manager Jim Bowden again cited Friday.

        “To (sign them), we had to move payroll, not only for this year but for the next two years,” Bowden said.

        To replace Tucker's left-handed bat on the bench, the Reds recalled first baseman D.T. Cromer from Triple-A Louisville for his fourth stint in the majors this year. Cromer hit

        .278 with a home run and three RBI in his previous Reds visits. He also had a .292 average with 11 homers and 49 RBI in 59 games at Louisville.

        Tucker was the last player remaining from the 1998 deal with Atlanta that brought him and pitchers Denny Neagle and Rob Bell to Cincinnati. Second baseman Bret Boone and left-hander Mike Remlinger went to the Braves.

        In a 3-for-35 slump that concluded with an 0-for-16 stretch, Tucker left Cincinnati with a .242 average, seven homers, 30 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 86 games. He also served as the team's player representative.

        “I'm going to get the opportunity to play a lot more,” Tucker said. “Right now, I don't really know what to make of it. All I can go off of is what I've been told.”

        Chicago, which had been seeking help for its outfield and offense, had been eyeing both Young and Pittsburgh's John Vander Wal.

        “It's good for Michael. It gives him a chance to play,” said Reds manager Bob Boone, who also was with the Kansas City Royals when they traded Tucker to Atlanta in March, 1997.

        It gives Tucker a chance to keep moving, too. A clause in his contract enabled him to void his two-year extension if he was traded before Nov. 1.

        Of the pitching prospects the Reds acquired, Bowden was particularly enthusiastic about Shaffar, 23, who the GM called “the key” to the deal. Shaffar, a former University of Kentucky player who will join Single-A Mudville, was 6-4 with a 3.12 ERA this year at Daytona, his third year at Single-A. That included a 5-2 mark and a 1.72 ERA in his last nine starts. Shaffar's 118 strikeouts led the Florida State League.

        Booker, who's in his seventh minor-league season, was 2-6 with a 4.33 ERA and one save at Double-A West Tenn. He'll be assigned to Double-A Chattanooga.

        While serving as one of Bowden's special assistants last year, Boone said he saw Booker pitch twice. Boone estimated the 24-year-old's fastball at 95-97 mph. “He has a really good arm,” Boone said.

Marlins 5, Reds 3 SULLIVAN: Dunn gets instant respect Reds trade Tucker to dump salary Rijo's comeback delayed Walker gets leadoff over Dunn Perez ready to manage this time Marlins' Floyd has become star Reds box, runs

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