By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Reds shortstop Barry Larkin may move to second base next year to make room for Felipe Lopez at short. (AP file photo) | ZOOM |

Barry Larkin's scouting report on Barry Larkin at second base isn't a good one. "I took some balls there last season during infield," the Reds' shortstop said. "Everything was all turned around for me. I don't think I'd be very effective there."

Reds manager Bob Boone threw Larkin's name into the mix at second after the team traded for Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Felipe Lopez. Lopez, Aaron Boone and Brandon Larson also will get a look at second.

There's a chance Lopez would play shortstop and Larkin second.

Larkin didn't dismiss the move.

"I'm willing to try it," he said.

Larkin hasn't spoken to Bob Boone about the position switch.

"There's been a lot of speculation," Larkin said. "What's talked about and what actually happens in the clubhouse can be two totally different things."

Larkin's preference is shortstop, but he won't demand to play there.

"Talk that I might be playing second doesn't bother me," he said. "I'm past that."

Larkin has played 1,996 games in his career at short and three at second base. All three at second were in his rookie season (1987).

No matter what happens next season, Lopez is Larkin's heir apparent at short, if he lives up to his potential. Lopez has spent part of the last two years in the big leagues. Part of the rap on Lopez is that he started acting like a big leaguer as soon as he was called up to Toronto.

Larkin, a veteran of 17 big-league seasons, has long said he'd be willing to show his replacement the ropes, the way Dave Concepcion showed him.

The offer's open to Lopez.

"I don't know him," Larkin said. "If he's willing to work with me, I'd be happy to."

Larkin played well in the field last season (only 12 errors) but struggled at the plate, hitting a career-low .245.

Baseball America called Lopez "the most acrobatic shortstop in the minors." At 22, he's going to have more range than Larkin does at 38. But the Reds might take Larkin's stability over Lopez's athleticism.

Boone's formula is simple: "The best players will play."

E-mail jfay@enquirer.com