You want it, they have it

BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Ideally, the Reds' outfield will have everything to offer offensively -- power, speed and consistency.

The Reds got a proven cleanup hitter and a locker room leader with their acquisition of Greg Vaughn. (Craig Ruttle | ZOOM)

The main source of power is Greg Vaughn, the left fielder acquired from San Diego on Feb. 2 with first baseman-outfielder Mark Sweeney for outfielder Reggie Sanders, infielder Damian Jackson and a minor-league pitcher.

Vaughn became only the eighth National Leaguer in history to hit 50 home runs last year, when he led San Diego to the World Series. He also drove in 119 runs and scored 112 while batting .272. It was the best season of his nine-year career.

Duplicating those feats isn't a requirement for Vaughn. The Reds, who finished 12th in the NL with 138 home runs last season, would be content with a 30-homer effort from him.

Though Vaughn has 247 career homers, don't expect him to be a longball machine. He has hit 30 or more homers three times, including twice in the last two years. Vaughn also becomes eligible for free agency after the season, which could spur him to greater heights.

Perhaps more importantly, Vaughn's presence has spurred his teammates, who have copied his diligent work habits.

''He's here for us because he wants to win,'' third baseman Aaron Boone said. ''He knows we're an important part of that.''

If the spring was any indication, Mike Cameron will be the slickest-fielding center fielder the Reds have had since Eric Davis' tenure ended in 1991. Obtaining Cameron from the Chicago White Sox last Nov. 11 for first baseman Paul Konerko enabled the Reds to strengthen themselves in two areas: defense and speed.

The Reds hope Cameron can capitalize on the latter quality on the bases. Hitting .210, as he did with the White Sox last year, won't be acceptable, especially since he'll begin the season as the leadoff hitter. But anything approximating his 1997 rookie season (.259, 14 homers, 55 RBI, 23-for-25 stealing) would bolster Cincinnati's offense considerably.

Cameron could be challenged for his starting spot by Jeffrey Hammonds, who enjoyed a torrid nine-game stretch toward the end of spring training in which he hit .429 (12-for-28, one double, one triple, four homers, 13 RBI). At press time, Hammonds led the team with four homers and tied for the team lead with 14 RBI. He batted .359 with a team-best slugging percentage of .609.

Mike Cameron will be counted on to provide defense in center field and speed on the bases. (Craig Ruttle | ZOOM)

Right fielder Dmitri Young will be acclaimed as one of baseball's top hitters if the switch-batter comes close to matching last year's numbers (.310, 48 doubles, 14 homers, 83 RBI). Vaughn's arrival spared Young from being forced to sacrifice average for power.

After committing 10 outfield errors last year while mostly playing left field, Young's primary springtime activity was improving his defense, a goal he accomplished with considerable help from first-base coach Dave Collins, a former Red.

''He's confident in what he's doing out there,'' Collins said. ''When you're confident, you're going to start making plays that you normally have trouble with. You're going to make them look routine. That's what he's doing.''

Cincinnati will have a pair of former regulars on the bench, whether Cameron or Hammonds starts in center. The other ex-regular is Michael Tucker, who still should be able to count on frequent activity. He may see plenty of time in right field, as the Reds try to keep Young fresh for the long haul. Tucker also can play the other two outfield spots. His three homers during the exhibition season, second on the team, served as a reminder of his lively bat.

''As (Atlanta scout) Bill Lajoie said, he (Tucker) is the most underrated outfielder in the league,'' Reds General Manager Jim Bowden said.

Sweeney will be used both in the outfield and at first base when he's not pinch hitting, a role he has mastered. He's 29-for-105 (.276) with three homers and 22 RBI off the bench in the last two years.