By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SARASOTA, Fla. - For Pete Harnisch, it felt like the first game of spring training and the biggest game of his career all at the same time.

"It was a minor league spring training game on a back field," he said. "But I was a little anxious."

The playoffs weren't on the line Sunday, but it was a big step in a long comeback from "Tommy John" surgery for Harnisch.

Harnisch worked two scoreless innings against the Boston Red Sox Triple-A team. He gave up two hits and struck out two.

"I'm glad it's over," he said. "I wanted to get through this. I threw the ball decent. I was happy."

Pitching coach Don Gullett was pleased. "He was able to command all his pitches. His velocity was good when he got behind his fastball," Gullett said.

Most importantly, Harnisch threw all his pitchers - fastball, slider and changeup - without pain.

"I'm physically able to throw everything," he said. "My arm feels good."

Harnisch threw 32 pitches. He topped out at 88 mph on the radar gun. He's usually at that point around March 1.

"This felt like the first outing of spring training," he said. "If this was normal spring training and I threw like that in the first outing, I'd be very happy."

"It's going to get better," Gullett said. "He'll be in the upper '80s to low '90s. The important thing is he's getting extension and life on his pitches."

It was the first time Harnisch has appeared in a game since May 7, 2001. He had elbow surgery Aug. 9 of that year.

He tried to come back with the Colorado Rockies last year. But he had more elbow problems and underwent the Tommy John surgery April 21.

The Reds are being cautious with Harnisch, who is not yet scheduled to throw in a big league game.

"We're going to take it one step at a time," Gullett said. "We're not going to take any giant leaps."

But if the elbow's sound, there's little doubt Harnisch, who went 30-17 with a 3.41 ERA in 1998-99, will enter the Reds rotation this season.

When he'll be ready isn't clear.

"I'm behind," he said. "I'm fine with that. But, based on how much I've thrown, it shouldn't take long."

And whether he can get there in time to start the season depends on how it goes from here.

Harnisch reached another milestone Sunday: It was the first time his son, Jack, saw him pitch.

"Daddy, are you going to play on the big field (in the stadium)?" Jack asked.

"They won't let me play with the big boys yet," Harnisch replied. "Maybe next time."

Harnisch at a glance

A look at Pete Harnisch's career stats with the Reds:

Year	Games	W-L	ERA	CG	IP	SO	BB
1998	32	14-7	3.14	2	209	157	64
1999	33	16-10	3.68	2	1981/3	120	57
2000	22	8-6	4.74	3	131	71	46
2001	7	1-3	6.37	0	351/3	17	17

Note: Elbow problems have plagued Harnisch the last two years.

Key: W-L- wins-losses; CG-complete games; IP-innings pitched; SO-strikeouts; BB-base on balls

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E-mail jfay@enquirer.com