For R.J. Reynolds, Moving On Meant Moving Up

R.J. Reynolds’ act is playing better in Pittsburgh than it did in Hollywood, and the former Dodger outfielder wouldn’t have it any other way.

When the Dodgers traded Reynolds, Sid Bream and minor leaguer Cecil Espy to the Pirates for Bill Madlock last August, there were those who figured condolences were in order.

“That’s what a lot of people felt,” said Reynolds, drenched with sweat after stepping out of the batting cage here the other day.

“But I was grateful for the opportunity. I thanked Al Campanis. He understood that the trade was good for me and the team.

“I’m young. Some people might be content to be on the bench, but I wasn’t content as an extra outfielder. The bottom line is that I wasn’t going to crack that lineup.”

Instead, Reynolds took the Pirate lineup by storm, playing left field and hitting .308 in the last 31 games.

He had two nine-game hitting streaks, scored 16 runs in his last 16 games, batted .324 with runners in scoring position and stole 12 bases in 14 tries, including his last nine in a row.

And this spring, he’s projected as the starting left fielder in an outfield that also should include Joe Orsulak in center and former Angel Mike Brown in right.

“R.J. has a chance to be a good player,” Pittsburgh Manager Jim Leyland said.

Reynolds, whose biggest contribution as a Dodger was a game-winning squeeze bunt against the Atlanta Braves during L.A.’s title drive in 1983, is aware that the Pirates are hardly considered contenders.

“But no one knows what to expect, which should be on the positive side for us,” Reynolds said. “I know we’ll be exciting and win some games.”

Reynolds also has been in the midst of a minor controversy here. There have been reports that he is not 25, as his birth certificate says, but 31.

“I’ve heard I’m anywhere from 25 to 31,” he said. “That’s OK because maybe I’ll play like I’m 31.”

Reynolds also had a message for his former roommate, Dodger reliever Ken Howell, who had told one writer that he couldn’t wait to face Reynolds this season.

“My message to him is to get a few people out before he gets to me,” Reynolds said. “And if I get a knock off him, I’ll put the article between two pieces of bread, put mayo on it and make him eat it.”