By Kevin Kelly
The Cincinnati Enquirer

PHILADELPHIA - The Reds appear to be taking the initial steps toward negotiations with veteran shortstop Barry Larkin.

The 39-year-old, in the final season of a three-year, $27 million contract, has publicly expressed his desire to rejoin the team next season.

Larkin's agent, Eric Goldschmidt, confirmed Saturday that he has spoken with Reds chief operating officer John Allen about starting talks to possibly bring back Larkin for a 19th season.

"It's too early to say how things are progressing," Goldschmidt said. "The ball is in their court. But we're going to have discussions."

A team spokesman also said Saturday that Allen has tried, with no success, to reach Larkin, who is rehabbing his injured left ring finger in Orlando, Fla.

Larkin is on the disabled list for the third time this season.

Reds trainer Mark Mann said Friday that Larkin will be seen by a hand specialist Monday in Cincinnati, but that there was a good chance his season was over.

Larkin has played in 70 games this season, batting .282 with two home runs and 18 RBI.

"I'm sure the Reds could get him as a bargain," pitcher John Riedling said. "I think it would be worth the money just to have him around.

"Teams always look at numbers and stuff, but I would say any guy around the league would love to play with a guy like Barry, to have a guy like that on their team to go to war with for the year."

Assistant general manager Brad Kullman has met once with Larkin since general manager Jim Bowden was fired July 28.

The Reds are the only major-league team Larkin has played for since they drafted him in 1985.

The Cincinnati native is a three-time Gold Glove Award winner and was the National League MVP in 1995.

"I think we're just going to have to continue to have dialogue," Goldschmidt said, "until there's either an agreement or one side breaks it off."

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E-mail kkelly@enquirer.com