By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SAN DIEGO - If the Reds had a general manager, right now would be a good time to open the dialogue with Barry Larkin.

Larkin is in the final year of his three-year, $27 million contract. If he plays next year - and that remains an if - he'd like to play with the Reds.

But Larkin, in his 18th season with the Reds, hasn't had any talks with the team. Part of the reason is the absence of a general manager. Former GM Jim Bowden was fired July 28.

"That's the problem," Larkin said.

Brad Kullman, one of the two assistant general managers running the club, says an effort to bring Larkin back will be made if Larkin decides to play.

"We want to treat Barry with the class and dignity he's shown during his career with the Reds," Kullman said.

The Larkin decision will be handled by CEO Carl Lindner, chief operating officer John Allen or the new general manager.

The Reds plan to start informal talks with Larkin as soon as next week.

When he's healthy, Larkin remains the Reds best option at shortstop. In his last five starts, he has gone 3-for-5, 1-for-3, 2-for-4, 3-for-5 and 1-for-2. That punches up to .555.

He's hitting .285 with a .357 on-base percentage, but he's started only 54 of 117 games because of injuries. Even when Larkin is healthy, he plays only five of seven games.

With Larkin unsigned beyond this year and Brandon Larson still unproven at third base, the Reds have two question marks on the left side of the infield.

Money will be the biggest obstacle to bringing Larkin back.

Larkin knows he will make less than $9 million.

Does he have a number in mind?

"I haven't give it much thought," he said. "I certainly don't want to break the bank."

Larkin emphasized that he's in no rush to get things resolved.

"I'm in the wait-and-see mode," he said. "Players don't make these decisions. My contract's up. They have to decide if they want me back."