By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SARASOTA, Fla. - Felipe Lopez likes the change of scenery and he hopes to have a new tutor.

Lopez, a 22-year-old shortstop acquired in the Elmer Dessens deal, arrived at Reds camp Friday.

His locker is a few down from Barry Larkin's. Lopez is the guy the Reds think will replace Larkin in the future, or possibly even unseat him this spring.

Lopez would be content to learn the trade from Larkin this season.

"I'm in a great position," Lopez said. "I can learn a lot from him. He's one of the best ever. I'm going to pick his brain even if he doesn't want me to."

Larkin turns 39 April 28. Reds manager Bob Boone rested Larkin about every fifth day last year and plans to do the same this year.

But Boone also has said the best players will play - opening the possibility that Lopez could win the job.

If Larkin wins the position, there probably will not be enough playing time for Lopez, in which case the Reds probably will send him to Triple-A to play every day.

Lopez needs to show he can hit consistently to have a chance to come north with the club. He hit .260 with five homers and 23 RBI in 177 at-bats in 2001 for Toronto. But last year, his average slipped to .227 with eight homers and 34 RBI in 282 at-bats. But he struck out 51 more times in 105 more at-bats.

"I'm just trying to work hard and get ready," Lopez said. "If I do that, I'll be OK. Whatever happens, happens."