By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Cincinnati Reds COO John Allen and Barry Larkin announce that the 18-year veteran will finish his career with the team. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM | • 24 photo gallery of Larkin's career

Barry Larkin and John Allen put their feelings aside and worked out a deal for the shortstop to return to the Reds as a player for one more year.

"It was a pretty rough week," said Allen, the Reds chief operating officer, who a week ago said Larkin had rejected a contract offer and wouldn't return to the team.

Larkin and Allen met Sunday during the Reds' final game of the season and worked out a deal that was announced in a hastily called news conference about 90 minutes after the end of the game.

Terms are similar in value to the offer of a $500,000 base salary and a chance to earn $500,000 more in incentives that Larkin rejected last week.

"They moved," Larkin said Sunday. "Money was one component. I wanted to be back here. I want to groom the future shortstop; my desire was to work in the front office and stay rooted in Cincinnati."

Larkin, 39, has played for the Reds for his entire 18-year big league career.

Larkin was limited to 70 games this year by three stints on the disabled list and has averaged only 86 games over the last three years.

"I'm definitely going to retire," he said. "My family, my kids wanted me to play one more year. But that's it."

Although details have not been worked out, there is a possibility Larkin will stay with the team in some other capacity when his playing days are over.

"Barry can be a tremendous asset to the organization both from a baseball standpoint and public relations," Allen said.

Larkin, a Cincinnati native and graduate of Moeller High School, is glad it will be as a Red.

"The bottom line is I always to be a part of the Reds," he said.

Larkin's week in review

Monday: The Reds call a surprise press conference for chief operating officer John Allen to "address the Barry Larkin situation." Allen announces that Larkin has rejected the club's offer for a 2004 contract, reportedly $500,000 plus incentives. Larkin calls a press conference, says he was disappointed.

Tuesday: Larkin is in uniform for the beginning of a three-game series with the Cubs. He said he wouldn't rule out playing for another team for the same amount the Reds offered. Larkin suggests he could still return to the Reds.

Thursday: Larkin signs autographs for fans before the game, then gives longtime clubhouse manager Rick Stowe a silver Mercedes-Benz, valued at $37,630. Larkin says he's open to talking to the Reds.

Sunday: After the season's final loss, the Reds announce Larkin has agreed to a reported $700,000 contract with $300,000 in incentives for the 2004 season.

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E-mail jfay@enquirer.com