CINCINNATI, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- The Cincinnati Reds reported Monday night on their Web site that Barry Larkin will not play for the team in 2004.
The 18-year veteran shortstop reportedly rejected a one-year offer to be backup infielder next season. The Cincinnati Post had reported Larkin's likely ouster last Friday.
CEO John Allen made the announcement at a news conference.
"I thought he would accept it (the offer)," Allen said. "We had a contract amount we felt was fair and fit into our structure. I got the impression that he felt it was a smack in the face. Based on the feedback I got from Barry and his agent, we weren't even close."
Larkin, whose current contract will expire when the season ends Sept. 28, signed a three-year, $27 million extension on July 23, 2000. The 11-time All-Star and team captain, currently is on the disabled list for the fifth time, three times this season, because of a sprained left ring finger, suffered Aug. 22 at Houston.
Larkin, a three-time Gold Glove winner, in 1996 became the first shortstop to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases in the same season. He was NL MVP in 1995.
For his career, he is batting .295 with 190 homer runs and 916 RBI. This season, he is at .282 with just two homers and 18 RBI.
