Sunday, February 24, 2002
Reds Q & A with John Fay
Chicago reader offers Reds fans a boost
By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer
With all the controversy swirling around the Reds this week — former players ripping their old teammates, coaches quitting — let us begin with a positive e-mail:
Question from Terry in Chicago Ridge, Ill: I was born in Cincinnati but now live in a Chicago suburb. Upon reading comments from concerned and insightful Reds fans, it is obvious that the Jeff Shaw matter and related financial issues have irked almost everyone. Look, things could be worse. You could be Cubs or White Sox fans! The Reds have more World Series titles (five) than the Cubs and White Sox together (two apiece). In Cincinnati they celebrate Opening Day. Around here they cringe and try to dig up Michael Jordan highlight videos. Hang in there, Reds fans. We now have a revitalized farm system and the upcoming revenue from a beautiful new ballpark. Do I wish we could compete in 2002? Of course I do. But I also wish for world peace and a back rub from Sarah Jessica Parker.
A: Good point, Terry. But since SJP turned into a Yankees fan, start wishing for a back rub from Kim Cattrall.
Q, from William from Lebanon: Who does a .225 hitter think he is slandering Ken Griffey Jr., an All-Century outfielder? Pokey Reese seems like he's upset because of his decision to turn down a more than generous contract offer, so he's trying to put down the Reds in any way, shape or form. Good riddance to him.
A: Pokey was right — Griffey isn't a leader. But Junior was right also; if Pokey's going to be a good player, he better start getting self-motivated.
Q, from Dave in Carlisle: I believe Barry Larkin has lost a step or two. If anyone says he hasn't, he surely has answered that for you now by using a personal trainer. He commented that had the Reds not arranged it he “probably” would have got a personal trainer anyway. Probably? Sean Casey, someone 10 years younger, has one.
Who is Larkin trying to kid? Maybe he was given his contract, in his opinion, for what he has done and not what he can do, but think what he could have been capable of doing. ... I'm still bitter toward someone with the captain's “C” on his jersey leaving the sinking ship in 2000 as he and Junior walked out on the team in St. Louis during a game to catch a flight home.
Rumors abound that Larkin will be the next Reds manager, and I say let him have it ... Let him see Adam Dunn and Austin Kearns exit in the fourth inning and see/hear his reaction.
A: Larkin, pre-personal trainer, was still one physically fit guy. He annually tested as one of the Reds with the lowest body-fat percentage. As for Larkin managing, I don't see it.
Q, from Kevin in Lockland: It's apparent the Jeff Shaw signing will not happen. If Danny Graves works out as a starter, couldn't Scott Williamson take over the closer role for a year? This would follow the Matt Morris school of “Tommy John” surgery recovery, and the closer role is one Williamson has experience with.
A: I think that could happen in 2003 but not this year. The Reds will take it slow and easy with Williamson. I don't see him pitching back-to-back days until June or July. I think what's more likely to happen is Williamson will set up this year, then go to the rotation next year.
Q, from Vin in Trumbull, Conn.: I have asked this question three times and you have yet to answer. Is it because I am in Connecticut and not Ohio?
The last four teams to build new stadiums have yet to spend money with just a few exceptions. If the Tigers, Pirates, Brewers and Giants don't spend money now that they have new stadiums why should Reds fans think Carl Lindner will spend money when Great American Ball Park opens?
A: No prejudice against Connecticut; I get five or 10 questions for every one I answer. San Francisco's payroll last year was $63 million; Pittsburgh's $52 million; Detroit's $49 million and Milwaukee's $43 million. The extra money the first three spent would have been enough for the Reds to add Shaw, Chris Stynes and Pete Harnisch.
All four clubs have been more active this year than the Reds. The reason fans should think the Reds will increase spending is because the Reds brass has said as much.
John Fay covers the Reds for the Enquirer. Contact John Fay at 768-8445; fax: 768-8550; e-mail: jfay@enquirer.com.
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Reds Q & A with John Fay
