Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Kearns' aim: Settle down
Slump at plate due to anxiety
By John Fay, jfay@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
ARLINGTON, Texas — Austin Kearns is trying to get back to the way he played when he started in the big leagues nine weeks ago.
“When they told me I was going to be up here three or four days, I figured I had nothing to lose,” the Reds outfielder said.
That attitude worked.
Kearns was hitting .395 after 24 games with the Reds.
Then, once he realized his stay wasn't temporary, he began pressing. That might be the worst thing a hitter can do.
“I was getting too anxious,” Kearns said. “I was trying to do too much. I was starting to put pressure on myself.”
That led to a prolonged slump. Kearns went 8-for-49, dropping his average to .308.
But Kearns has shown signs of coming out of it lately. He went into Monday's game against the Texas Rangers on a three-game hitting streak. He was 5-for-12 with two RBI in those three games.
“I just tried to get back to my old approach at the plate,” Kearns said. “I'm staying back and letting the ball get to me.”
MAYBE WEDNESDAY: Reds manager Bob Boone said outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. might return to the lineup Wednesday, or else Friday for a three-game home series with Pittsburgh.
“If he tells me he's ready Wednesday, I just may say, "Good, we have the off day Thursday, you'll play Friday,' ” Boone said.
Griffey took full batting practice Monday for the first time since mildly straining his right hamstring Friday in Anaheim.
Griffey was available to pinch-hit Monday, as he was Saturday and Sunday, but Boone is using extreme caution.
CATCHER QUESTION: The Reds got more time to make their decision at catcher after Kelly Stinnett injured his right groin Monday while running in a game with Triple-A Louisville.
Stinnett was due to return from his rehab assignment Wednesday. He will still return, but won't be able to play for three to five days. That means the Reds don't have to make a decision until next week.
Stinnett returned to Cincinnati after the injury and will be examined there. He had been on a 20-game rehab assignment with tendonitis in his right elbow.
Stinnett's return will force a roster move or a trade because the Reds are unlikely to carry three catchers.
WHEN IN TEXAS. . .: Bowden, who's on the trip, showed up at The Ballpark in Arlington in a new 10-gallon hat, cowboy boots, jeans and a western shirt. The get-up got some looks from the players.
TRYOUT CAMPS: The Reds will hold a series of tryout camps for players between the ages of 16 and 22. Any player under 21 must have a written release from a parent or legal guardian accepting full legal liability. All camps begin at 9 a.m., with registration at 8:30.
The sites: June 13 — Louisville (Derby Field); June 17 — Dayton (Fifth Third Field); June 18 — Ottawa (Ottawa-Glandorf High); June 19 — Cincinnati (University of Cincinnati); June 20 — Dublin (Dublin Coffman High School).
FARM REPORT: Louisville outfielder Raul Gonzalez was named the International League Player of the Month for May. Gonzalez hit .315 with seven home runs and 22 RBI in the month.
Right-hander Luis Pineda made his first start at Louisville on Monday night. He went 2 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits. He struck out four and walked none.
Pineda's demotion to Triple-A prompted left-hander Lance Davis' demotion to Double-A Chattanooga. Davis allowed five unearned runs and nine hits in 6 2/3 innings for the Lookouts on Sunday.
“He's just not throwing well,” Bowden said. “We're hoping he puts it together.”
UP NEXT: The Reds play the second game of the three-game series tonight in Texas. Reds right-hander Jimmy Haynes (6-5, 4.59 ERA) faces Rangers left-hander Kenny Rogers (7-3, 3.12) in an 8:05 p.m. contest.
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Kearns' aim: Settle down
