Barry

Larkin

Larkin will begin taking fly balls on Tuesday. Whether we think it’s a good decision or not, Boone is determined to see it happen.

Larkin says he understands Lopez is the Reds’ future at shortstop, but doesn’t think Lopez should play at his expense. He ought to get used to the idea, though, since the Reds would also like to keep Barry fresh and healthy.

Like many catchers, Larkin will often be rested in day games following night games.

Larkin could become Washington’s starting shortstop. Oakland and Philadelphia would use him as a backup. The Red Sox, Dodgers and Padres are among the teams that also may establish contact with Larkin.

Bowden would like to have Larkin as a utilityman, but the feeling is that the former Red will wait to see if any team eventually wants him as a regular.

The Mets were also showing interest in Larkin as a utilityman, but it appears that he’ll wait and see if any teams wants him as its primary shortstop.

The Reds won’t be receiving any extra draft picks. Larkin and White were Type B free agents, but there’s no way the team could have risked arbitration with either of them.

Larkin also said that the Red Sox have joined the A’s and the Phllies in expressing interest in him. “I haven’t finalized any plans yet,” Larkin said. “I have talked to [Nationals manager Frank Robinson and GM Jim Bowden]. I’m very interested. I’m in the process of seeing what other teams are going to offer. Once I have everything on the table, then I will make a decision.”

Larkin wants to be some team’s primary shortstop, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. He might retire rather than become a utilityman.

Larkin said the Cardinals were the only club to talk to him about being an everyday shortstop and they chose David Eckstein instead. Larkin hasn’t ruled out becoming a utilityman, but he’s looking for the right opportunity.