Sunday, April 28, 2002
Reds Q&A with John Fay
Lots of OFs means lots of questions
E-mailers want to know about trade rumors, contracts, and why Austin Kearns over Raul Gonzalez. Read on:
Question, from Jeff: Anything to the rumors of Ruben Mateo to Seattle?
Answer: Reds general manager Jim Bowden will never comment on specific trade proposals. But he did say the Reds have received inquiries on their young outfielders, which would include Mateo.
Q, from Keith in Fairfield: With the recent call-up of phenom Austin Kearns from Double-A Chattanooga instead of hot-hitting Raul Gonzalez, one may wonder if the gate receipts are entering into the Reds' decision-making processes instead of the club promoting the best available player. Is there any other way to interpret this recent Reds decision than the hope Kearns would draw gate (with Ken Griffey Jr. out of the lineup), whereas Gonzalez is far less known by fans? Do the Reds actually feel Kearns is more seasoned to face MLB pitching at this place in his career than Gonzalez?
A: They don't think he's more seasoned, but they think he will be a much larger factor in the future. As far as gate receipts, if that was the plan, it didn't work. The Reds drew 14,527 for Kearns' debut, which at the time was the smallest crowd since the Reds got Griffey in the 2000 trade.
Q, from Mike: Catcher Kelly Stinnett is eligible to come off the DL, as the move was made retroactive to April 6. Do you happen to know when the Reds plan on activating him?
A: Actually, it was retroactive to April 11. Anyway, he's still not ready. The elbow isn't progressing as well as he had hoped. With Corky Miller playing well, the Reds will give Stinnett all the time he needs.
Q, from Sean in Huntington, W.Va.: I am very pleased with the Reds' start. I have been telling all the naysayers that at least we can enjoy the Reds until May starts, because by then we will be 10 games out. My question is simple: Can the Redlegs keep it up and stay in the playoff picture?
A: My answer is just as simple: Yes, they can. But whether they will is anyone's guess. It's a long shot, at best. But the good start has built confidence.
Q, from Eldon: The Reds need to trade one or two of their outfielders for a decent shortstop. Barry Larkin's best years are definitely behind him, and he is a detriment to the ballclub. He bats as if he is trying not to strike out and has no power whatsoever.
A: A decent shortstop? Larkin has made all the plays in the field. He's running extremely well. True, he hasn't started well at the plate. But that's nothing new. His career average (.278) in April is 18 points lower than any other month but October (he has only 77 at-bats in October).
Q, from Ted in Bradford, Conn.: I was wondering if the contracts on Kelly Stinnett and Juan Castro are guaranteed or not. If they are not guaranteed, I would think it would be wise for the Reds to release these guys. Corky Miller is an adequate backup at catcher. A guy like Chris Sexton could replace Castro, allowing Gookie Dawkins to be sent to Louisville so he can get at-bats on a regular basis to improve his hitting. What do you think?
A: They are guaranteed. If they weren't, both probably would be gone because there are cheaper alternatives, as you mentioned.
Q, from Jay in Beavercreek: How can you defend Bob Boone? He ranks as the worst manager in baseball. People don't come to the game to watch Bob Boone manage. He lives for the double switch. His life revolves around tinkering with his lineup. He is the lowest-paid manager in baseball for a reason. He is horrid.
A: After Saturday, the Reds were 15-8 and played most of the season without their best player. That's how I can defend Boone. Bottom line is the team's record. Does he make too many moves for my taste? Yes. It's hard to argue with his moves when the bullpen ERA is in the mid-2.00s.
Q, from Dave: Can you tell me any information on how John Riedling's rehabilitation is going? I think Riedling would be a great closer if Danny Graves goes to the rotation.
A: Riedling is still in Florida rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder. Boone is as high on him as you are. There is a chance, however, the Reds will move Riedling to the rotation. The first step is for him to get healthy.
E-mail jfay@enquirer.com
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Reds Q&A with John Fay
