Competition Bringing Out Best in Reds’ Stillwell, Concepcion

Rookie shortstop Kurt Stillwell already has learned a lot from the man he is helping to motivate.

He now knows how to skip throws on artificial turf. He has observed that playing relaxed gets the job done best. And he’s seen how a little competition can bring out the best in both a 20-year-old rookie and a 37-year-old veteran.

Those are some of the ways that Stillwell, 20, has grown since the Cincinnati Reds brought him to training camp and billed him as a threat to veteran Dave Concepcion.

“I’ve learned a lot just sitting around and watching these games,” Stillwell said.

Stillwell is touted as the Reds’ shortstop of the future, an era that could begin at the end of this season when Concepcion’s contract expires.

For now, he’ll probably be a backup shortstop and utility infielder, a role that would surpass his expectations.

“I came here with the attitude that I’m going to play in Class AAA this year and have a good year,” he said. “If there’s anything else, it’ll be a bonus.”

Player-manager Pete Rose used Stillwell over the winter to spur Concepcion, whose erratic play resulted in a .252 average and 24 errors last year. Rose believes Concepcion can still play well, but only if motivated to work hard.

Rose had plenty of nice things to say about Stillwell over the winter--praise that didn’t escape Concepcion. Stillwell was aware of Rose’s tactic, and didn’t mind.

“They were saying all those good things,” Stillwell said. “They were nice to hear. In the back of my mind, I knew what they were doing. I’d heard that he (Concepcion) had problems being motivated. But I knew I could do those things.”

Stillwell has proven that this spring. He has made just one error amid numerous impressive defensive plays, and his average is .333.

Concepcion also is having a good spring, making just two errors and hitting .400.

“I think it’s been good for both of us,” Stillwell said.

Stillwell skipped Class AA ball on his way to the Reds’ winter roster. He hit .264 and played impressive defense for Class AAA Denver last year.

The nervousness that accompanied his arrival has melted with the help of teammates.

“They’ve made it easy for me, just by making me feel like I belong,” he said.

Except for a few verbal jabs at reporters, Concepcion has been relaxed this spring. That has helped Stillwell learn one of the most important lessons for a rookie wide-eyed at his first chance to rub elbows with major leaguers.

“He’s so relaxed. I guess he’s having fun,” Stillwell said. “I think that’s what I need to do--relax. That’s when I play my best.”