Barry Larkin spent his entire 19-year career playing for his hometown Cincinnati Reds. Considered by many to be one of the best all-around players of his era, Larkin is now eligible for baseball’s highest individual honor. 

While statistics are the primary tool for measuring a baseball player’s greatness, there are vital qualities and characteristics that a computer can’t necessarily figure out. Larkin excelled in many of those categories. 

When judging a player at any level, I like to use the “Little League” test, which separates two types of players. One player stands in the field hoping the ball is not hit his way. The other player wants every ball to be hit to him, excited for the chance to make a game-changing play. 

Larkin was the second type of player, not intimidated by pressure situations. He wanted to be at the plate in the bottom of the ninth with two outs and the winning run in scoring position. Serving mostly as a leadoff hitter, Larkin was a key member of the 1990 World Series championship team.

Another thing that sticks out in my mind was his ability to work a pitcher. Larkin would foul-off pitch after pitch, perfectly slicing balls out of play. These were strikes, just not the pitch that was appropriate for the current situation. He was also not afraid to take a piitch, allowing a runner on first the opportunity to steal second base. 

Larkin was very versatile offensively. He could hit anywhere in the lineup and adapt to all situations. The manager could always feel comfortable calling for a bunt or hit-and-run with Larkin at the plate.

In addition to these intangibles, Larkin did post some impressive statistics over his Major League career. He was a member of the National League All-Star team twelve times, and named the league’s most valuable player in 1995.

Despite winning just three Gold Gloves, Larkin was the best defensive shortstop of his era. His glove, range and arm were superb as he anchored the Reds infield for nearly two decades.

He revolutionized the shortstop position, making it acceptable for a team to expect offensive production over simply a defensive specialist. He won the Silver Slugger award nine times and posted a .295 lifetime batting average.

So, yes or no?

If Ozzie Smith is in the Hall of Fame, it would be a joke if Barry Larkin is not.

I was born in 1975 and have been a Cincinnati Reds fan ever since.  For the majority of my life, the shortstop position has basically been manned by two people, Dave Concepcion and Barry Larkin.  Since Larkin’s final season in 2004, the Reds have been unable to find stability at the position.  It appears that the latest person to get a chance to play shortstop on a regular basis is Paul Janish.

Janish got a chance to play regularly when Alex Gonzalez was traded in August of last year.  He played exceptionally in the field, showcasing his glove and arm.  I would consider Janish to be one of the best defensive shortstops in the National League.  With Scott Rolen at third base and Brandon Phillips at second, the Reds should be able to count on a strong infield.

Nobody in the Reds organization doubts the fact that Janish can handle the job defensively.  The question is whether or not he can improve on the .211 batting average that he finished with last year.

Walt Jocketty has said the Reds are interested in free agent Jamey Carroll.  Carroll has spent the last two years as a utility man with the Cleveland Indians.  He has a better track record offensively than Janish, but has not played shortstop on a daily basis. 

Signing catcher Ramon Hernandez might have helped the chances that Janish will be given a real shot at the everyday shortstop job.  The other option at catcher is Ryan Hanigan.  Hanigan, like Janish, is known for his superb defense.  Offensively, the Reds probably could not afford to have the bats of Hanigan and Janish in the everyday lineup.

On Friday afternoon, we picked the kids up early from school and headed to Cincinnati for Redsfest.  If you have never been to the annual celebration of baseball during the winter months, it is well worth the time and money.  Opportunities for autographs and pictures with players are just some of the attractions.  There are games for kids of all ages and more Reds memorabilia than you can possibly imagine.

The Duke Energy Center in downtown Cincinnati serves as the home of Redsfest.  The event is well planned and  executed to perfection.  There is a main stage that serves as the location for question/answer sessions, game shows and concerts.  My wife really enjoyed the dating game show.

The kids got their picture taken with Ryan Hanigan and Chris Dickerson.  They also participated in story time with Jeff Brantley and Marty Brennaman.  Even with Reds employees rushing him to his next appearance, Brantley still took the time to take a picture with the kids.

Some of the other activities that the little ones took part in were an inflatable bounce house, speed pitch, running home to first and taking batting practice on the whiffle ball field.  They also got to participate in the kids question/answer session.  My daughter inquired about the player’s favorite ice cream while my son was pleased when Joey Votto told him he too plays Mario Kart Wii.

I like to walk around and look at the memorabilia.  I am not really into autographs like I was when I was a kid.  I mostly enjoy seeing old programs, pictures and collectibles.

This year was special because the Reds paid tribute to the 1990 World Championship team.  I remember that summer like it was yesterday.  I was 14 years old and had loved the Reds my entire life.  Watching the team you invested so much emotion in win the sport’s biggest prize can only be described by actually experiencing it.

Lou Piniella, Eric Davis, Billy Hatcher, Tom Browning, Hal Morris, Todd Benzinger, Glenn Braggs, Ron Oester, Chris Sabo, Herm Winningham, Joe Oliver, Scott Scudder and Barry Larkin were all present at Redsfest.  Larkin signed autographs for over two hours.

The best part for me was telling my kids all about each player.  It was great to share my childhood memories with my children.  My daughter even said she didn’t need to ask the players any questions, because I knew all of the answers.  Baseball is something that is shared by families across generations.  I got to do just that on Friday night.

I can’t wait for Opening Day!

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Homer Bailey was the chosen one.  He was brought to the big leagues at the age of 21 with a blazing fastball and the hopes of resurrecting the winning ways that have eluded the Cincinnati Reds for so long.  After a mediocre first year and disastrous 2008 season that saw him go 0-6 with a 7.93 earned run average, Reds fans were ready to part ways with Bailey.

Perhaps the diminished expectations allowed Bailey to approach the 2009 season more relaxed?  Perhaps his poor performance was a wake-up call?  Nevertheless, Bailey was a different pitcher this year.

I see two main reasons for Bailey’s dramatic turnaround. 

With help from teammate Justin Lehr, he developed a split-fingered fastball.  Adding the splitter gave Bailey a four-pitch arsenal.  He no longer relies solely on his fastball to get people out.  With his natural ability, becoming more of a “pitcher” will only make him better.

The other reason for Bailey’s success this past year was a change of attitude that started in the offseason.  Along with following a more dedicated workout schedule, he put aside the standoffish and somewhat aloof personality in favor of one that joked with teammates and was happy to talk to the media.

In his last nine starts of 2009, Bailey was 6-1 with a 1.70 earned run average.  Those numbers alone should all but guarantee him a spot in the starting rotation come Spring Training.  Building on last season’s success and another diligent offseason training plan should mean big things for Bailey in 2010.

This is the first post of my in-depth review of the 2009 Cincinnati Reds.  After a quick look back at the season as a whole, I will now begin a player-by-player analysis of this year’s performance and what too look for next year.

Bronson Arroyo finished the year 15-13 with a 3.84 earned run average.  Despite beginning the season with discomfort caused by carpal tunnel syndrome, he was the horse of the pitching staff.  Arroyo made 33 starts and logged 220.1 innings.  It was the sixth consecutive season in which he has started over 30 games.

To say that 2009 was a tale of two seasons for Arroyo would be the understatement of the year.  Prior to the All-Star Break, the right-hander made 18 starts, giving up 125 hits and 67 earned runs in 112 innings pitched.  In the second half, Arroyo made 15 starts, surrendering 89 hits and 27 earned runs in 108.1 innings.  His earned run average was more than three runs better in the second half of the season, ending up at a respectable 3.84.

Part of the dramatic turnaround could be attributed to a cortisone shot Arroyo received on July 10.  His final start of the year resulted in a victory over the Cardinals.  It marked the 12th straight start in which he pitched at least seven innings and allowed three runs or fewer.

Racking up 15 wins on a team that finished 78-84 is a noteworthy accomplishment.  With Aaron Harang having another disappointing season and Edinson Volquez slated to miss most of 2010 because of Tommy John surgery, Arroyo will need to put together a full season of quality starts if the Reds are to contend in the NL Central.

Arroyo has decided not to have carpal tunnel surgery on his right wrist this offseason.  He says the condition has improved since he stopped playing the guitar during Spring Training.  However, he plans on playing this winter then giving it up when the 2010 season rolls around.

I think Arroyo should be on the mound when the Reds open the season against the Cardinals next April.  He is the most reliable starting pitcher on the team and has earned the honor of being the Opening Day starter.

Arroyo is 32 years old and has one guaranteed year left in his current contract that will pay him $11 million in 2010.  There is a club option for 2011 for $11 million.

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