SARASOTA, Fla. — It was fitting that Tuesday's only on-field activity involving the Reds focused on pitching.

        Scott Williamson and Chris Reitsma, candidates for the lone apparent opening in the starting rotation, pitched five and 5 2/3 innings, respectively, in a minor-league intrasquad game. Meanwhile, their major-league teammates enjoyed their only scheduled off-day this spring.

        Williamson and Reitsma drew extra attention, because starting pitching is the most prominent issue the Reds must address. With a relatively set lineup — if it's healthy — and a seemingly strong bullpen, the rotation could determine the Reds' fate.

        Pete Harnisch, Osvaldo Fernandez, Rob Bell and Elmer Dessens appear to be locks for the five-man rotation. Williamson, who posted a 3-3 record and a 2.93 ERA in 10 starts last year, is battling with Reitsma and knuckleballer Jared Fernandez, both rookies, for the fifth spot.

        Here's a look at the Reds' prospective starting pitchers, with their exhibition-game stats in parentheses:

        Rob Bell (1-1, 5.91 ERA): Had to leave his last start early when a line drive struck him in the right biceps. He's OK and should start Thursday against Toronto. Needs to put together some longer outings, but he's a sure bet for the rotation.

        Elmer Dessens (1-1, 7.94): Rocked in his last outing (2 2/3 innings, six runs, nine hits against Boston), but manager Bob Boone liked his velocity. That's the Reds' biggest concern about Dessens, who doesn't throw overpoweringly hard but relies on the sharpness of his cut fastball and slider. He's another near-lock to start.

        Jared Fernandez (0-0, 4.50): Boone, general manager Jim Bowden and others remain enthralled by this 29-year-old rookie's knuckleball. They believe the sheer novelty of the fluttering pitch could help Fernandez contribute. Opponents have hit just .231 off him, but he has issued six walks in 10 innings. He's battling Scott Williamson and Chris Reitsma for the No.5 spot.

        Osvaldo Fernandez (2-0, 0.00): Save it for the regular season! Opponents have hit just .147 while drawing only two walks in 10 innings against the right-hander, who could begin the season as the No.2 starter behind Pete Harnisch.

        Pete Harnisch (1-2, 2.01): Bound for his fifth career Opening Day start and second in a row. Ever the perfectionist, Harnisch complained about a small mechanical glitch after his last outing, when his consecutive scoreless innings streak ended at 15 1/3. Most pitchers would love to have his problems.

        Chris Reitsma (0-1, 4.76): A good bet to pitch in Cincinnati sometime this year if he doesn't make the Opening Day rotation. Best stats are .205 opponents' average and 12 strikeouts in 11 1/3 innings. Has chance to stick as a reliever if Williamson beats him out for a starter's role, since he thrived in the bullpen in the Arizona Fall League.

        Dennys Reyes (1-1, 7.59): Talented left-hander will return to the bullpen once the season begins, though Boone wants to keep giving him a workload close to a starter's to help him gain consistency.

        Scott Williamson (0-0, 5.91): Accustomed to throwing with a maximum-effort, almost frenetic delivery, Williamson has worked with pitching coach Don Gullett on slowing down his motion. So far, Williamson's success has been mixed, but he still has the knack for the strikeout (11 in 10 2/3 innings).

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