Friday, January 11, 2002
Pokey's return not ruled out
By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Pokey Reese returning to the Reds?
It's the longest of long shots, but the Reds did call Reese's agent, Mike Nicotera, Wednesday to find out if there is any interest in Reese returning.
“I don't think that's going to happen,” Nicotera said. “But wilder things have happened.”
Reese has been a player without a club since the Boston Red Sox did not offer him a contract Dec.20. That was the day after Reese was traded from the Colorado Rockies to Boston, and two days after he was traded from the Reds to the Rockies.
His options appear limited.
The Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers are the only teams that have publicly expressed interest in Reese.
Detroit general manager Randy Smith said the club isn't interested, because Reese wanted a multiyear deal. The Red Sox have told Reese's people the club can't offer Reese a two-year deal with an option because of budget reasons.
Nicotera didn't name clubs, but he said interest is there.
“We're talking to teams,” Nicotera said. “We're getting ready to narrow it down. There's still a good number of clubs interested.”
If Nicotera is overestimating the interest, the Reds could come into play. Reese, 28, won Gold Gloves in 1999 and 2000. But his batting average has gone from .285 to .255 to .224.
The Reds could bring back Reese only if he would take a low salary for next season with the chance to make more when the Reds open Great American Ball Park in 2003.
Reds Stories
DAUGHERTY: Have local prep stars slipped by?
Maxiell says best yet to come
XU plan: No foul, no harm
Coach Crable denies allegations
Anderson follows correct path
Aviators' flight has been surprise
Basketball team bonds off court
New programs hope to hit growth spurt
Chaminade-Julienne hands Springboro first loss
McAuley's Rust honored
Oak Hills triumphs in summit meeting
Kentucky girls basketball
Ohio girls basketball
Wrestling: Many schools battling to become area's best in Division I
Florida's Zook tries to get QB to stay
Duke rebounds with 25-point win
Sanders leads NKU men to 10th victory, 70-55
Shaky Wildcat team looks to right ship
Women: NKU 82, Wisconsin-Parkside 67
Ducks sink Admirals behind Zinger's goals
Turfway Park cancels races
Bruins shut out Kings
Malone, Jazz beat Rockets
Coming up this week
• Return to Reds front page...
Pokey's return not ruled out
