By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Tuesday's game

Barry Larkin isn't ready to join the 10 Reds already on the shelf for the season.

If Larkin, who is on the disabled list with a sprained left ring finger, were to join them, it could mark the end of his Reds career.

That's part of his motivation for coming back this season, though he has only a small window in which to play.

His finger will be re-examined Monday. At that point, 12 games will remain in the season.

"If I'm not coming back (after this year)," Larkin said, "I'd like to have another chance to play here one more time."

That sounds as though Larkin is open to a sendoff if the Reds aren't going to offer him a contract for 2004.

No "Barry Larkin Day" has been discussed, chief operating officer John Allen said. Allen would not say if Larkin will be asked back, but he plans to talk with the shortstop.

"I'm not going to negotiate through the press," Allen said.

Larkin, 39, in his 18th season with the Reds, would like to return for 2004.

"But that's not my decision," he said. "I have to be asked back. I'd like to come back. I think I can contribute, if I'm healthy."

Health is a huge question with Larkin, who has been limited to 70 games this season and has spent time on the disabled list with three separate injuries.

Larkin is in the final year of a three-year, $27 million contract. If he were to come back, it would be at a greatly reduced rate.

"I have not talked to John Allen," Larkin said. "Eventually, we'll get to do it and work it out - one way or another."

Larkin indirectly lobbied for a veteran influence in the clubhouse. He was talking about his role in Wily Mo Pena's turnaround when he said:

"That's our role as veterans, especially when you're not playing. You can contribute in other ways. Unfortunately, that gets overlooked."

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E-mail jfay@enquirer.com