BOSTON — Juan Encarnacion could get some time in the leadoff spot for the Reds this year.

        “If I had to guess today, I'd say Barry (Larkin) and Todd Walker will hit there,” Reds manager Bob Boone said. “But I really don't know. Barry's our best leadoff hitter. But he's the best in the (No.2) hole also. I like Walker down in the No.7 hole where he can drive in runs.

        “We'll use them — unless Encarnacion turns out to be a good leadoff hitter.”

        Encarnacion stole 33 bases in 1999, but he slipped to 16 in 2000 and nine last year. Encarnacion has walked only 14, 29 and 25 times in three big-league seasons.

        SOMETHING TO PROVE:

        Boone is expecting big things from the two players making big bucks on the Reds' roster — Larkin and Ken Griffey Jr.

        “They have something to prove,” Boone said. “I'm real excited about the years they're going to have.”

        Both, or course, battled injuries last season.

        Boone was impressed when he saw Larkin at Redsfest.

        “He looks bigger, stronger,” Boone said. “This is the first time he's really trained in the offseason.”

        CASEY NOT GOING:

        Boone said he was “99 percent” sure Sean Casey won't be traded.

        “He's going to be our first baseman,” Boone said.

        RIJO A RED:

        Jose Rijo could reject the Reds' offer of arbitration and become a free agent. But if he rejects arbitration, it's not because he wants to test the market. It's because he and the Reds have worked out a deal.

        “If he plays baseball, it will be for the Reds,” his agent, Tom Reich, said.

        “He's a unique case.”

        COMEBACK PETE:

        Boone would like to see free agent Pete Harnisch return.

        “I hope he's back,” Boone said. “I'd like to have a healthy Pete Harnisch.”

        Harnisch is coming off elbow surgery. The Reds would like to sign him to a minor-league deal with incentives.

Reds get ready to cut loose 3B Larson Encarnacion could be in mix for leadoff spot Average salary passes $2 million Red Sox find a taker for Everett in Texas

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