In the other corner of the clubhouse, Deion Sanders.
He last played baseball on Aug. 16, and since then had a second injection for the bulging disk in his lower back and played football Sunday for the Dallas Cowboys.
After Sanders left for Dallas, and then Pittsburgh to play the Steelers, manager Jack McKeon wondered aloud where he might play Sanders, given the recent play of outfielders Jon Nunnally and Chris Stynes.
Sanders was not in Monday's starting lineup, though he claimed to be healthy.
Instead, he spent most of the afternoon on a chair at the end of the dugout, with a bat slung over his shoulder. In the seventh inning he pinch-hit for pitcher Stan Belinda, and grounded to second base on the first pitch.
Before the game, Sanders was very short with his answers about:
- His schedule for this week: The Cowboys play Sunday night in Arizona;
- His health: ''Fine.''
- Anything about football: ''This is a baseball locker room.''
"I don't need any more controversy in my life," he said. "Now I'm going to get in this hot tub for my body."
McKeon said that he probably will not start Sanders today against Kansas City Royals left-hander Jose Rosado.
No deal
The Reds were unable to swing a deal before Sunday's midnight deadline that would have brought more prospects for the club's rebuilding efforts.
The Angels, most interested in right-hander Mike Morgan, were the last team to fall out.
The Reds also drew interest from the Colorado Rockies for right-hander Dave Burba in a trade that appears will be discussed through the winter.
Larkin done
Barry Larkin's season ended before Monday's game, when he was placed on the 60-day disabled list.
He will have surgery to repair his left heel, calf and Achilles' tendon Wednesday in Cincinnati.
Hampered since spring training by the injuries, Larkin batted .317 with six home runs and 24 RBI in 73 games. He is expected to be healthy long before spring training. Larkin hardware
Larkin was announced Monday as the Reds' True Value Roberto Clemente Man of the Year Award winner, given to the player who is most involved with his team and communities.
Larkin's award will be presented on the field before tonight's game.
Today's Report
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ROSE TALKS OF REINSTATEMENT
FAN BREAKS RIBS IN FALL
DAD KNOWS MAJOR LEAGUER WHEN HE SEES ONE
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