By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

CHICAGO - There won't be major changes in the Reds' security policy in the wake of Tuesday's on-field incident.

A fan ran onto the field at U.S Cellular Field and tried to tackle first-base umpire Laz Diaz during a Chicago White Sox-Kansas City Royals game.

On the same field last year, two fans attacked Royals first-base coach Tom Gamboa.

"I don't anticipate us making any changes," Reds chief operating officer John Allen said. "We've worked very hard on security. Our people are very cognizant of it."

The Reds use between 10 and 25 Cincinnati police officers as part of their security force for games at Great American Ball Park.

The Reds haven't had any incidents beyond fans running onto the field. That happened Opening Day.

"We try to be aware if people are drinking tremendous amounts," Allen said. "That usually accompanies this type of thing."

Any fan going onto the field at Great American is arrested.

"They have to post bond and get a court date," Allen said. "That's one advantage of using Cincinnati police: They have arrest power."

Because the Reds were in Chicago, facing the Cubs at Wrigley Field, the players were well aware of the incident Tuesday night.

"There are always people who are going to do things to get attention," reliever Scott Williamson said. "Players don't think about it. Major League Baseball has really locked things down."

The Reds have surveillance and security capabilities built into Great American.

"Fortunately or unfortunately, that's the state of the world we live in," second baseman Aaron Boone said. "MLB has beefed up security. It's an inconvenience to everyone, but you feel more secure."

An incident like Tuesday's was fairly harmless. The fan wrapped his arm around Diaz's legs before Royals players pounced on him.

But Boone fears an attack of a different kind.

"A stupid fan is something you can handle," he said. "Players watch out for each other. If someone goes out their with a weapon or a plan, that's another thing."

E-mail jfay@enquirer.com