Wednesday, September 18, 2002
Reds Notebook
Williamson looks like closer
By John Fay jfay@enquirer.com
The Cincinnati Enquirer
PITTSBURGH - Reds manager Bob Boone hasn't declared Scott Williamson his closer for 2003 - yet.
“He is for today,” Boone said. “He's doing well, really well.”
Williamson has converted all five save opportunities, allowing just three base runners.
Williamson isn't totally sold on closing - only because he wants to start.
“It's been my dream to be a big-league starter,” he said. “I did it in 2000 and did well at it. But maybe my destiny is to be a closer.”
Williamson would prefer not to be used in a setup role, as he was until Danny Graves moved into the rotation.
Williamson wants to know his role before spring training and plans to meet with Reds general manager Jim Bowden and Boone to discuss it.
“Jim said I would get my choice,” Williamson said.
Williamson admits his stuff might be more suited for closing. He is the Reds' hardest thrower and has a split finger that is virtually unhittable.
Williamson had “Tommy John” surgery on his elbow last year but has regained his form as the year has progressed. His ERA is 1.03 since the All-Star break, and he hadn't allowed an earned run in 17 appearances over 21 innings entering Tuesday's game.
PLAYING HURT: Reds outfielder Jose Guillen is still bothered by a sore hamstring, but he's not about to sit out.
“It's still tight,” he said. “But you've got to play in pain in my situation.”
Guillen, 26, is trying to revive his career and has played well since the Reds signed him. He entered Tuesday's game hitting .314 with three homers and 13 RBI in his last 12 games. He also had eight hits in his last 18 at-bats (.444).
Reds Stories
OSU sensation 'unlikely' for UC game
Bengals figure Patriots did, so can they
Bengals E-Mail Q&A
Falcons waive ex-Bengal Heath
Unitas remembered as mythic hero
Pepper spray use defended
Spurrier's NFL honeymoon ends abruptly
NCAA upholds Kentucky's bowl ban
OSU's Sylvester recovering from gunshot
Xavier women's basketball schedule
St. X, Elder, Colerain hurting in Harbins
Ohio football computer rankings
Elder regains No. 1 in Cincinnati
Dixie still leads Northern Ky. poll
Kentucky statewide football polls
Madeira soccer team may be No. 1 in state
Hat trick boosts Boone Co.
Today's high school schedule
Boys cross country results
Boys golf results
Boys soccer results
Boys water polo results
Girls cross country results
Girls golf results
Girls soccer results
Girls tennis results
Girls volleyball results
Girls water polo results
Ohio statewide volleyball polls
Ohio statewide girls tennis polls
• Return to Reds front page...
Reds Notebook: Williamson looks like closer
