Wednesday, July 24, 2002
Reds Notebook
Gullett's return now more likely
By John Fay jfay@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Picking up the option on manager Bob Boone's contract could mean an extension for pitching coach Don Gullett.
Bowden won't talk about ongoing contract negotiations, but he said: “History speaks for itself. Don Gullett has given every indication that he wants to remain with the Cincinnati Reds. I've always said I want Don Gullett as my pitching coach.”
Gullett is in the last year of his contract.
Bowden knows if the Reds don't lock up Gullett, other teams will come calling.
“I would think all 29 other clubs would want him,” Bowden said. “I think he's the best pitching coach in the game.”
Extending Gullett's and bullpen coach Tom Hume's contracts would be popular with the Reds' pitching staff. When talking about Boone's status, several pitchers mentioned Gullett and Hume unprompted.
“Just selfishly speaking, I would pick up Gully and Tom Hume next,” Reds reliever Scott Sullivan said. “That's a package (Boone, Gullett and Hume) right there. I'd hate for anything to happen that we'd lose a quality pitching coach like Gully out of this organization. That'd be a shame.”
HAMILTON TO LOUISVILLE: Right-hander Joey Hamilton, who has been on the disabled list with a strained hamstring, will make a rehab start at Triple-A Louisville today.
Hamilton can spend up to 30 days on the rehab assignment. And just because the Reds have acquired Moehler and Ryan Dempster doesn't mean Hamilton is out of the picture.
“If he goes down there and throws seven shutout innings, then goes and makes another good start, he'll be right back up here,” Bowden said. “All you have to do is show you're better than what we have here.”
ETHERTON BACK: Seth Etherton, a 25-year-old right-hander claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees, is Reds property again.
The Yankees voided the waiver claim, contending Etherton wasn't ready to pitch in the majors.
The Reds put Etherton, who has spent the last two seasons rehabbing from injury, on the 60-day disabled list. He'll work with physical therapist Lonnie Soloff in Cincinnati.
Etherton told a Reds official that he's two weeks away from being 100 percent.
Reds Stories
Brown says Bengals need to win now
NFL Notebook: No. 3 Harrington signs with Lions
Buckeye rookies to face first test
Marshall favored to reclaim MAC title
Morrison gets wild card into Masters tournament
• Return to Reds front page...
Reds Notebook: Gullett's return more likely
