LOS ANGELES — Bob Boone hasn't had much to say during the Reds' winning streak. Naturally, the manager prefers this kind of silence.

        “I like the focus to be out there,” Boone said, gesturing toward the clubhouse where players were dressing. “When we win, you (reporters) talk to those guys much more — rather than me trying to explain and relive why we lost.”

        This is consistent with Boone's belief that a manager shouldn't be a prominent factor in a game. In fact, Boone hasn't left many fingerprints on the Reds' performance during their recent 8-3 surge. He has made relatively few lineup adjustments and rarely has resorted to strategical ploys in this span.

        “Any time you try to pull something off, there's a risk,” Boone said. “And it's a lot easier and more fun when you don't have to take those risks.”

        Boone took no risks with his lineup Thursday, sticking with the same starting eight, in order, for the third consecutive game. He indicated he might leave this alignment alone for a while, too.

        OUT IN LEFT FIELD: Cincinnati's Dmitri Young has heard more than the usual catcalls from Dodger Stadium fans while playing left field in this series. But he doesn't care all that much.

        “Same old, same old. Fans will be fans,” Young said. “They pay their $20 and they feel they can say anything. Everybody thinks they're Peter Gammons. "Gee, I know more baseball than you. You (stink).' All right. I (stink). I'm still going to collect on this pay stub that's in my bag.”

        REWIND, REPLAY: After hinting that he might give rookie Adam Dunn his first major-league rest in Thursday's game, Boone left the right fielder in the lineup.

        The 0-for-12 streak Dunn took into Wednesday's game prompted Boone's musings. Then Dunn proceeded to go 2-for-4 with a two-run double in the Reds' 10-5 victory.

        “He's still missing some pitches,” Boone said. By “missing,” Boone meant Dunn hasn't hit them solidly. Added Boone, “If he hits a couple of them, they're going to go a long way.”

        Dunn said he was trying to “lift” the ball too much. Told of this, Boone pointed out that Dunn's uppercutting swing makes this a natural tendency.

        CARDENAL BACK: The Reds have hired Jose Cardenal as a special consultant to general manager Jim Bowden and farm director Tim Naehring.

        Cardenal will be expected to help evaluate talent in the farm system, instructional league and Arizona Fall League. The former outfielder also will serve as a minor-league baserunning and outfield instructor.

Reds 7, Dodgers 4 Young no longer restless, and it shows Harnisch has ray of hope Boone keeps in background Reds-Padres Scouting Report Reds box, runs

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