SARASOTA, Fla. — Brady Clark probably will make the Reds' 25-man roster as the fifth outfielder. But, by also becoming the seventh infielder, Clark would appear to be a virtual lock.

        That's why he's been taking ground balls with the infielders during spring training here.

        “We talked about it last year,” Clark said. “(Reds manager Bob Boone) asked me to try it. I think it will help me to learn more positions.”

        Clark, 28, has been working at both second and third base. He played first and third in college at the University of San Diego.

        He's been used in the infield in some emergency situations in the minors, but he hasn't played anywhere but the outfield in the majors.

Reds players Scott Sullivan and Kelly Stinnett splash each other in the puddles accumulating outside the City of Sarasota Sports Complex Saturday morning. (Steven M. Herppich photo) | ZOOM |

        “It's been kind of fun learning a new position,” he said. "We've got a lot of good infielders — both players and coaches — so I'm learning a lot.”

        The lack of offensive pop among the extra infielders could earn Clark some playing time if he proves capable defensively.

        Juan Castro and Wilton Guerrero will make the club because they are out of options and have major-league contracts. Castro is a .201 lifetime hitter. Guerrero is a .289 lifetime hitter, but he has only 11 home runs in 1,506 at-bats.

        Clark got his first extensive playing time in the majors last year. He hit .264 with six home runs and 18 RBI in 129 at-bats.

        He hopes to get in a couple of spring training games at third or second.

        “That's the only way you really learn,” he said. “You've got to be in game situations.”

        SENIOR GOES EAST:

        Ken Griffey Sr. met with Reds general manager Jim Bowden Saturday, the day after Griffey resigned as the Reds' first base coach.

        Griffey declined to speak with the media after the meeting, but the Associated Press reported he told WCIN-AM radio, “I was tired of being treated like dirt.”

        He did accept the Reds' offer to work as a special consultant to the GM. Griffey was assigned to scout the spring training camps on Florida's east coast.

        RAIN DAY II:

        Rain kept the Reds off the field for the second straight day.

        “These fields don't dry very well,” Boone said.

        Boone, however, is unconcerned.

        “We had a great day (Saturday),” he said. “I'm seeing a lot of good swings. It's because everyone came to camp in good shape.”

        The Reds met Saturday to discuss fundamentals and the plays they'll use.

        The rain has prevented the Reds from getting on the field. They have a short day Monday because of the annual Reds Rally in downtown Sarasota.

        They play an intrasquad game Tuesday.

        The exhibition opener is Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers.

Bowden: Larkin, Jr. not to blame SULLIVAN: Tough week for the Griffeys Reds Q & A with John Fay Reds notebook Baseball notebook

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