CINCINNATI, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- If shortstop Barry Larkin wants to continue his major league playing days in 2004, it appears it will not be in Cincinnati.
The Cincinnati Post is reporting that the Reds are ready to cut loose the 18-year veteran when the season is over. The paper said Larkin, 39, will not be offered a contract for next season.
Larkin, whose current contract will expire when the season ends Sept. 28, a three-year, $27 million extension on July 23, 2000. The paper said two sources have indicated that Reds CEO John Allen has no intention of re-signing Larkin, an 11-time All-Star and the team's captain.
He currently is on the disabled list for the fifth time, three times this season, since signing his last deal because of a sprained left ring finger, suffered Aug. 22 at Houston.
Larkin as name National League MVP in 1995, when he batted .319 with 15 home runs, 66 RBI, and a career-high 51 stolen bases, leading the Reds to the NL Central division title.
