ESPN update

[skyline]

Cincinnati Reds: Ken Griffey Jr. sat out the Reds' intrasquad game Tuesday because he's still not up to full speed in his recovery from a torn hamstring.

Griffey worked out with trainers before the game. He had surgery last Aug. 16 to reattach a torn right hamstring, and needs a little more time to recover.

The Reds expect him to be ready before Opening Day, but don't have a timetable for Griffey playing in a spring training game.

"We are mostly concerned with his ability to change directions and decelerate," trainer Mark Mann said. "He is running 90 to 95 percent right now. When he can go at 100 percent two or three days in a row without residual pain, he will be cleared to play in games."

Griffey, 35, has been sidelined by serious injuries each of the last four seasons, so the Reds will be cautious with him during spring training.

Utility player Ryan Freel also sat out the intrasquad game. Freel had surgery to repair torn knee cartilage last November and is close to full speed in his recovery. Outfielder Austin Kearns, who had surgery last July to remove scar tissue and a bone spur from his right thumb, hit a homer and a double in the intrasquad game.

[Kirkendall]

Note to Reds: Whatever you do, do NOT get rid of Willie Mo Pena -- as Peter Gammons has been suggesting in recent weeks.