When Reds manager Ray Knight called Ozzie Timmons in for a little get-acquainted, this-is-your-role meeting, the newest Red broke out in a big smile.
''He's very happy to be here,'' Knight said.
That's because Timmons, who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs in a trade Monday, is the Reds' fourth outfielder.
With the track records of Reggie Sanders (81 games last year) and Ruben Sierra (142 games last year), Timmons is likely to get a lot of at-bats.
''I'm very glad to be over here,'' Timmons said. ''It gives me the opportunity to play more.''
Timmons, 26, went into spring training as one of six players fighting for the Cubs' left field spot. He hit .235 with 14 homers and 44 RBI in 311 at-bats with the Cubs the past two seasons.
''They wanted to go with guys with more speed,'' Timmons said.
Timmons, a right-handed hitter, split time between Class AAA Triple-A and the Cubs last year. In two years with the Cubs, he hit .235 with 14 home runs and 44 RBI in 311 at-bats.
''I've always liked his bat,'' Knight said. ''He hasn't had much success, or opportunity, in the big leagues.''
The Reds showed how much they thought of Timmons by trading Curt Lyons, one their top pitching prospects for him. The Reds got Jayson Peterson, a 21-year-old right-hander.
Timmons will back up both Sierra and Sanders. Knight said Eric Owens will spot Deion Sanders in the center field.
''We needed another outfielder,'' Knight said. ''We can put Lenny Harris out there. But I want to keep his big bat on the bench for late-inning situations.''
Nice tip
With two-out in the ninth, Jeff Shaw almost started a disaster when he deflected a ground ball hit by Walt Weiss.
It caromed to the right and almost got by Bret Boone. Instead, Boone got to it and threw to Hal Morris to end the game.
''I thought I had it,'' Shaw said. ''Boonie said, 'Leave the ground balls to the infielders.' ''
Had the ball got through, Shaw would have faced Dante Bichette (31 home runs, 131 RBI) with two men on.
Eischen OK
Joey Eischen, the left-hander reliever obtained late in spring training, threw 30 pitches under live conditions. Eischen's fastball was in 87 to 89 mph range.
Eischen is on the disabled list with an inflamed elbow.
''He was a little wild,'' Knight said. ''But he's a kid I like. I like his delivery. It's hard for left-handers to stay in against him.''
Eischen was so wild that he hit Jeff Branson with an 85 mph fastball. Branson was not happy initially.at first.
But after Eischen came off the mound, pitching coach Don Gullett got the two together, and Branson left smiling.
Eischen will go to Triple-A Indianapolis to begin a rehabilitation assignment.
Two days, one lineup
The Reds used the same lineup (one through eight) for the second straight game. Last year, the Reds did not use the same lineup in back-to-back games until the 27th and 28th games of the season.
No interest in Abbott
The Reds are not interested in Jim Abbott, who
was released by the Anaheim Angels. Reds General Manager Jim Bowden said the club isn't convinced Abbott will regain the velocity on his fastball.
Stat of the day
The Reds' average after two games: .441.
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