By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Reds shortstop Barry Larkin gets a different view of the world during stretching exercises. (Michael E. Keating photo)

SARASOTA, Fla. - Luke Hudson, who is coming off April 11 shoulder surgery, hopes to accelerate his rehab program over the next couple of weeks.

"I hope I'll be able to pitch in a game when the games start," Hudson said.

Hudson, 26, a right-hander, thinks he'll be able to do that.

"I feel really good," he said.

But he also realizes that it's a big jump.

"It's a lot different because I've been away from competition for so long," he said.

Hudson came to the Reds with Gabe White from Colorado in the 2001 trade that sent Pokey Reese and Dennys Reyes to the Rockies.

The Reds have been trying to move Hudson into the big leagues ever since. He has one of the best arms in the organization. He combines a 95 mph fastball with a knee-buckling curve.

Reds equipment guru Rick Stowe readies a Ken Griffey, Jr. jersey at his locker. (Michael E. Keating photo)

Hudson's problem has been control. The Reds have tried him as a starter and a closer in the minors.

He pitched briefly with the Reds in 2002. In six innings, he struck out seven, walked six and threw two wild pitches over three games.

SANCHEZ ARRIVES: Jesus Sanchez, 29, arrived in camp Friday. The left-hander was the only pitcher or catcher not to report. He was delayed in the Dominican Republic, awaiting his visa. Sanchez has an outside shot at making the club. He has pitched in the big leagues each of the last six years. He was 0-0 with a 9.00 ERA in eight innings with Colorado last year.

ANOTHER DAY: Day 2 for pitchers, catchers and players coming off injurywas another uneventful one at camp. "The only thing different is we let the pitchers hit," manager Dave Miley said. "They're pretty excited about that."