Angry Goodwin Demoted to Minors

The Cincinnati Reds optioned outfielder Curtis Goodwin, 24, to the minor leagues after he stormed out of the clubhouse, angered by Manager Jack McKeon’s suggestion that Goodwin needs to change his attitude.

Goodwin’s agent said the outfielder will report to triple-A Indianapolis in the required 72 hours, but wants to go to another organization.

Goodwin’s outburst capped a day that included six roster moves by the Reds. Starting pitchers Pete Schourek, with a sore elbow, and Dave Burba, with a sore back, were put on the disabled list, two more blows to a team that traded starter John Smiley to Cleveland last month.

The Reds promoted Chris Stynes from Indianapolis to take Goodwin’s place. Pitchers Gabe White and Pedro A. Martinez were also called up from Indianapolis.

Goodwin, hitless in his last 29 at-bats, was shaking with anger and swearing when he left McKeon’s office.

“He said he quit,” said pitcher Jose Rijo, one of several teammates who tried to calm Goodwin.

Goodwin told Rijo and Lozano that he had been threatened with a demotion, but McKeon and General Manager Jim Bowden said they had no intention of sending Goodwin down until he left the team. The move was made about an hour later.

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New York Met Bill Pulsipher, a left-hander who missed the 1996 season after reconstructive elbow surgery, pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief in a Eastern League game as part of his rehabilitation assignment. He gave up two hits and struck out four in the Binghamton Mets’ 5-3 victory over the New Britain Rock Cats.

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New York Met Bill Pulsipher, a left-hander who missed the 1996 season after reconstructive elbow surgery, pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief in a Eastern League (double A) game as part of his rehabilitation assignment. He gave up two hits and struck out four in the Binghamton Mets’ 5-3 victory over the New Britain Rock Cats.