Friday, March 29, 2002
Backup players must be ready, Boone says
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Reds manager Bob Boone said he expects a lot from his backups.
“Get hits, steal bases, hit home runs,” Boone said. "I expect them to do good. You hope they do. Hopefully, you're upgrading all the time. Only time tells if you did or not.”
The Reds opted for 12 pitchers on the 25-man roster instead of adding a field player. There are six infielders and five outfielders.
“You've got to be ready,” infielder Wilton Guerrero said. “We've got to work hard when we get in there, because you don't play every day. It's hard to do that.”
REITSMA THROWS: Right-hander Chris Reitsma threw on the side Thursday as scheduled. An examination by Reds medical director Tim Kremchek showed no problems with the elbow.
Reitsma had complained of tightness during his start Tuesday. He struggled with control, allowing five runs in the first inning and lasted only two innings.
“He's fine,” trainer Greg Lynn said.
TAMPA IS TOPS: The Reds have played in front of their two largest crowds of spring training at Legends Field, home of the Yankees. On Thursday, 10,193 attended the Reds-Yankees game. On March 19, 10,202 watched the Yankees defeat the Reds 5-3.
LARKIN HITS: Barry Larkin did not make the trip to Tampa for the Reds' final exhibition game. He stayed behind in Sarasota for some extra batting practice. “I'm going to hit all day,” Larkin said.
OUT OF THERE: Third baseman Aaron Boone hit his third home run of the spring, a three-run blast to right field, Thursday against the Yankees.
HE'S BACK: First baseman Sean Casey said he felt fine after returning to the lineup against the Yankees. Casey went 1-for-3 and scored a run.
“I feel fine,” he said. "No problems.”
As a precautionary measure, Casey sat out Wednesday's game due to tightness in his back. He spent the late innings in the visitor's clubhouse watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
BAD SIGN: Before Thursday's game against the Yankees, the Reds were in last place (20th) in the Grapefruit League at 8-20. Tampa Bay was 19th at 8-16. The Reds also have the worst record of Central Division teams. Houston had the best in the division at 17-9.
HITTING ON THE GO: Ken Griffey Jr. left Thursday's game early to be with his family. Before he left, he went 2-for-3 with one RBI.
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Backup players must be ready, Boone says
