MILWAUKEE — Catching for Bob Boone means accepting certain burdens.

        The Reds manager and former All-Star catcher said he lectured Jason LaRue and Kelly Stinnett on the dos and don'ts of calling pitches after Friday's 5-4 loss — “not in a berating fashion, but in more of a philosophical (way).”

        Boone felt the Brewers collected their big hits on pitchers' mistakes, which he called the defeat's most “distressing” aspect. He added: “To me, I hold them responsible for mistakes. ... You have to pitch away from them.”

        And because Cincinnati's catchers call pitches, Boone said he'll hold them responsible for those kinds of mistakes.

        “That's why catching and calling the game is such an art form,” Boone said.

        TAKING THE FIFTH: Contrary to what Boone said Friday night upon demoting Rob Bell to Louisville, the Reds will need a fifth starter next Sunday, despite their four scheduled off-days between April 10-23 that will allow them to use a four-man rotation temporarily.

        Boone said he could fill that date by starting Elmer Dessens, who is scheduled to pitch Wednesday at Pittsburgh, on three days' rest. That's one fewer than usual. Or the Reds could promote an emergency starter from Triple-A. “That's way too far off,” said Boone, refusing to commit to a decision. Boone didn't mention moving a reliever into the starting role for one day, though that's also an option.

        Summoning Bell wouldn't be possible. Rules dictate he must stay in the minors for at least 10 days before being recalled. Besides, Boone is adamant about making sure Bell receives regular work as a starter at Triple-A until he returns — tentatively, April 28.

        “I could have kept him,” said Boone, mentioning that Bell could have gone to the bullpen. “But that game is not worth jacking around with a young pitcher for 25 days. To me, it's a no-brainer that (the demotion) is in Rob Bell's best interests from a baseball standpoint.”

        CASEY & THE CHIEF: The Reds were still buzzing Saturday morning about President George W. Bush's clubhouse visit Friday afternoon.

        “I think everybody was pretty excited about it,” said Boone, who had Bush autograph his lineup card.

        The unsung hero of Bush's appearance was first baseman Sean Casey, who bought a pair of disposable cameras for the occasion.

        “Everyone's all over me about it, and the next thing I know, all of a sudden, everybody wanted a picture,” said Casey.

        How many snapshots did you take, Sean?

        “Fifty-four,” he said. “I was the official photographer.”

        One intriguing wrinkle about Bush's appearance became clear Saturday. Before the chief executive threw the ceremonial first pitch, the knot of on-field spectators was joined by the umpires — five of them. The extra one was a Secret Service officer.

        MORE CASEY: Casey noted he not only collected the first hit in Miller Park history — a second-inning single Friday night — but also hit the final home run at County Stadium Sept. 28.

        “That's gotta be a trivia question,” Casey said.

        Casey had a heat pad strapped to his left shoulder before Saturday's game, but he insisted he wasn't seriously hurt. “I think I slept on it wrong. It's kinked up,” Casey said. “It's really nothing to write home about.”

        REESE SITS: Juan Castro replaced Pokey Reese at second base for a variety of reasons.

        Castro was the only position player not to appear in Cincinnati's first five games. Reese had a sore hamstring and discomfort from being hit by a pitch in his left ribs Friday. Also, Reese was hitting .111 (2-for-18).

        “He can watch the game and see it's not that hard to hit,” Boone said in a comforting tone.

Brewers 6, Reds 1 SULLIVAN: Reds not in swing of things Larkin defying Father Time Young's gestures all in fun Atchley relieved by recall Catchers catch grief from Boone Wright flirts with no-hitter Reds box, runs

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