Sunday, January 20, 2002
Reds Q&A
Healthy players give Reds strong defense
By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer
This week's e-mail revealed that at least one fan is more concerned about the Reds' infield than pitching. Read on:
Q, from Dave in Withamsville: I believe that pitching will not be the Reds' problem in 2003. I think the weak link with the Reds will be the infield. Joe Nuxhall was right when he said Barry Larkin was “losing it.” He has always had a problem staying healthy and is getting worse by the year. Additionally, Aaron Boone cannot stay healthy. Todd Walker is average at best (hitting, fielding and speed). Sean Casey has close to zero range. How do you think this infield will fare in 2003?
This infield was not built for defense. Put Pokey Reese at second and it's a very good infield defensively. But Reese didn't hit the last two years, and he was expensive and wanted out. I think the infield will be OK if — a big if, mind you — Larkin and Boone stay healthy. Even if Larkin has lost a step, he's still one of the top shortstops in the game. Walker catches everything that's hit to him. He needs to work on turning the double play. Boone's well above average.
Q, from Keith in Fairfield: I believe in loyalty and I am a proponent of teams having “favorite sons.” But if the Reds are going to field a competitive team and keep their young talent in the next few seasons, they must unload Junior Griffey and Larkin's salaries ($21.5 million). If a trade with Montreal took place, the Reds could receive Guerrero ($6 million) to play outfield, Fernando Tatis at third base ($2.75 million), Javier Vazquez as an ace starter ($2 million) and Tony Armas as a third or fourth slot starter ($250,000) and still have $10 million dollars in payroll left for a free agent pitcher, a possible catcher and have money left to keep developing young stars! Why are the Reds committed to sinking so much of the payroll in two players?
First of all, Montreal isn't going to take on Larkin's and Griffey's salaries, so that deal would never happen. Second, Larkin and Griffey were signed by Carl Lindner. They aren't going to be traded until he says so. (By the way, the Reds count their salaries as $18.5 million because of deferred payments). Third, Vazquez just got a one-year deal for $4.275 million. Now, here's the good news: The Reds will get $25million to $30 million in additional revenue in 2003 when Great American Ball Park comes on line. So, they'll be able to pay Larkin and Griffey and a couple of high-priced free agents.
Q, from Jonathan in East Amherst, N.Y.: I'm a fairly new Reds fan and was wondering if you could explain what exactly are “B” games during spring training.
When a team uses split squads in spring training, the games with less prominent players are called “B” games. Split squads are used early in spring training to get more players playing time.
Q, from Bill: Any chance the Reds will look at Gabe White as an option for the rotation? He came through the minors as a starter and was successful, and he'd be much more valuable to this team as a starter than a reliever.
Bill went on to point out that White made 141 starts in 142 appearances in the minors and had a 3.11 ERA. In the majors, he has made 15 starts in 294 appearances and has a 4.46 ERA. You can't compare major- and minor-league ERA. I haven't heard anything about White being considered as a starter. And the Reds have about 25 candidates for five spots. So I don't see them putting another horse in a crowded field.
Q, from Ben: Could you please explain why we could not have dealt Sean Casey and kept Dmitri Young? Sometimes, sleep fails me because I ponder this move — certain that some solid reasoning exists behind the veil of a popularity contest.
Actually, popularity had nothing to do with it. Free agency had everything to do with it. Young, with 5.022 years in service time, could walk as a free agent after this season. Casey, with 3.171 years in service time, can't walk until after the 2004 season.
John Fay covers the Reds for the Enquirer. He can be reached at jfay@enquirer.com. Please include neighborhood or hometown.
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