[Krusty]

Here it is point blank...they made an agreement with Larkin last year that this would be his final year and they scheduled a day for him. It was his choice to cancel it, not the Reds'. The Reds made it clear last year that this year would be it. It's time to move on. Larkin would have never accepted a utility role here...and the Reds can't have their shortstop hopefully play 100 games. It's time....I don't feel the least bit sorry for Barry Larkin. I enjoyed watching him play, but the Reds paid him about 10-15 million more over his last multi-year deal than anyone in baseball would have paid him. Larkin had his chance here to go out with fan fare, but he chose to go another direction. Good luck to him, but it's time to move on...I agree with the Reds' decision.

Amem brother. Larkin had the choice of going out in style with a Barry Larkin day or go out kicking and screaming. He choose kicking and screaming.

Bottom line is the last three years Larkin pretty much was washed up as a player. Injuries were counted on more frequently each year. His defensive range was very limited. And even though he could still swing the bat, you couldn't count on him playing everyday because of the injuries.

Like someone said, this reminds me of the Ozzie Smith situtation with the Cardinals when it was time to pass the torch to Royce Clayton. Some players just don't know when it is time to go.