Larkin Re-Signs With Cincy
C I N C I N N A T I, July 24 -- Barry Larkin is staying in Cincinnati — forthe rest of this season and the next three as well.
Hours after he rejected a trade to the Mets, the All-Starshortstop agreed Sunday to a three-year, $27 million contractextension that will keep him with his hometown Reds through 2003.
Appearing in a suit and tie at the Reds’ offices five hoursafter a 5-3 victory over Arizona, Larkin admitted he was stunnedwhen owner Carl Lindner decided to give him almost exactly what hehad sought.
Reds general manager Jim Bowden, who arranged a trade with theMets, sought out Larkin after the game and told him that Lindnerwanted to talk about his contract.
Larkin Shocked
“This has all really come as a shock to me,” Larkin said.“Today I fielded questions about possibly being a Met. Now Mr.Lindner and the organization have stepped up and signed me forthree more years as a Red.”
Mets general manager Steve Phillips had the same reaction to theReds’ stunning about-face.
“Astonishment,” Phillips said, “only because Jim Bowden toldme they were not going to sign him. ... I guess we helped BarryLarkin get a contract.”
Only five days earlier, the Reds told Larkin they wouldn’t meethis request for a three-year, $27.9 million extension. Since Larkincould be a free agent, Bowden worked out a trade with the Mets forthree players.
It required Larkin’s approval. He wouldn’t give it because theMets weren’t offering a contract extension.
News Draws Ovation
His decision to stay drew a 30-second standing ovation from34,822 fans on Sunday. It also became a prelude to the club’sstrangest day since Lindner took control of the team from MargeSchott last September.
The Reds wound up giving Larkin only $900,000 less than herequested. A little less than one-third of the $27 million will bedeferred over 15 years, according to a source familiar with thecontract.
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