Brandon Larson had a break out year in 2002.
photo by Tim Evearitt
As planned, third baseman Brandon Larson spent a few days during instructional league learning the rudiments of playing second base. Since the incumbent third baseman, Aaron Boone, (another former Chattanooga Lookout) is coming off his best all-around season and happens to be the manager's son, Cincinnati's desire to test Larson at second isn't surprising.
But the Reds' desire to tinker with Larson extends beyond Boone's obvious presence. Their motivation is based in flexibility and finances, closely related elements for all revenue-challenged franchises.
Which leads back to Larson playing second base. The promising slugger demonstrated his versatility this year by starting seven games in left field and five at third base while twice substituting at first.
While the Reds received a strong effort this year from second baseman Todd Walker, who hit .299 and led the team in numerous offensive categories, Larson's increased adaptability would come in handy should financial constraints force the Reds to revamp their lineup or bench. Bound to earn little more than the $300,000 Major League minimum, Larson's affordable, too.
Of course, the Reds also would like to find more ways to increase Larson's playing time. He had only 51 at-bats in 23 games while hitting .275 with four homers and 13 RBIs, but his .911 OPS (.549 slugging percentage, .362 on-base percentage) was difficult to ignore.
"We don't know what the makeup of the team is going to be like," GM Jim Bowden said. "Brandon's flexibility at first, second, third and in left field increases his chances (of playing) if we make any personnel moves. If he doesn't make it as an everyday player, which we think he's capable of doing, this will give him more value off the bench."
Once Larson recovered from the broken left hand that ended his season in early September, he reported to Cincinnati's instructional league base in Sarasota, Fla., to receive tips on playing second from Reds third-base coach Tim Foli and minor-league infield coordinator Freddie Benavides -- yet another former Lookout.
"We're very, very impressed with his range and turning the double play," Bowden said. "He worked extremely hard, which was a tribute to him."
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Adapted from article at MLB.com.