After what General Manager Jim Bowden called "extensive research," the Reds pulled out of negotiations for Boston Red Sox second baseman Wil Cordero on Monday afternoon.
Cordero, 25, reportedly was put on waivers by the Red Sox later in the day. He has been accused of abusing his wife, Ana, and it has been alleged that Cordero has a long history of the same abuse.
Bowden entertained trade proposals from the Red Sox until his own investigation into the player's background. He said he spoke several times with Red Sox General Manager Dan Duquette on Sunday and again on Monday until backing out.
Bowden maintained that he believed Cordero innocent until proved guilty, "but the allegations and the history of the allegations were such that it was in the best interest of the club to pass."
Though he ordinarily refuses comment on trades and negotiations, Bowden spoke freely on the subject of Cordero.
He said the club's "angle" if it were to acquire Cordero was to enlist him in a counseling program, and to "improve public awareness for spousal abuse."
"However," he said, "when we looked at the long list of all through the years, there was so much information we thought it best to pass."
Bowden said the Reds spoke to many of the team officials in the Montreal Expos' and Red Sox' organizations in order to obtain background information on Cordero.
Larkin's calf
Shortstop Barry Larkin, on the disabled list since June 17 with a strained left calf, fielded grounders without his immobilization boot on Monday for the first time since he sustained the injury.
Close call
Brewers reliever Bob Wickman was struck in the groin by a line drive during Reds batting practice on Monday.
Wickman was available to pitch, according to the Brewers.
Wickman stood to the left of the third-base coaches' box when Joe Oliver pulled the line drive that surprised Wickman. He was treated on the field, then shuffled slowly to the clubhouse.
Boone's hand
Bret Boone, out of the lineup with a bruised right hand, said Monday that he was available to play. Lenny Harris started at second base against Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Cal Eldred.
Boone entered the game in the sixth inning as a pinch-hitter for Harris and grounded out.
Boone stayed in the game and played second base.
In the eighth, he grounded out to drive in the winning run.
Pay day
Knight picked up the envelope that was tossed on his deck, tore it open and looked inside. It was his paycheck. "You know I only get paid for wins," said Knight. "I'm not making any money. I might be owing them."
Schourek update
Reds left-hander Pete Schourek, whose left triceps tendinitis has had him on the disabled list since June 14, said he would like to return to the rotation immediately following the All-Star break.
Attendance
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- Season: 907,174 (40 dates).
- Average: 22,677 (40 dates).
REDS 4, BREWERS 3
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