March 24, 2002|By Peter Schmuck | Peter Schmuck,SUN STAFF
Henderson entered Thursday's game batting .313 with two home runs, six RBIs and seven runs scored in 32 at-bats. He has been 1-2 in the order in front of newcomer Johnny Damon three times against left-handed starters during the exhibition season, an arrangement that seems to appeal to new manager Grady Little.
The combined on-base percentage of first two slots in the order will be a key issue this season, with big swingers Nomar Garciaparra, Manny Ramirez and Tony Clark at the heart of the order.
Trade update
Former Orioles prospect Willie Harris isn't complaining about the deal that sent him to the Chicago White Sox for center fielder Chris Singleton. He has gotten more spring at-bats than anybody in the White Sox's lineup and entered the weekend hitting a solid .286 with three home runs and 12 RBIs.
Reds dawn
The new season will dawn on the Cincinnati Reds with a non-roster invitee as the Opening Day starter and another at the other end of the rotation.
Former San Diego Padres and Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Joey Hamilton accepted a spring invitation from the Reds and has won the Opening Day assignment. Former Orioles prospect Jimmy Haynes is expected to be the fifth starter.
If that doesn't say enough about the club's organizational pitching depth, consider that the team also decided Friday to add 36-year-old Jose Rijo to its 40-man roster and hand him a bullpen spot. His comeback has gone well enough that he was signed to a one-year deal.
Quote of the week
"I'm the ugliest million-dollar cheerleader in history." - Seattle Mariners reliever Norm Charlton, who will be out for the season with a shoulder injury.
Compiled from interviews, wire services and reports from other newspapers.
