Want to have a fun office pool? Have folks try to pick the five starting pitchers the Reds will break camp with next spring.

        Based on what's happened this year, the only semi-lock is Elmer Dessens.

        Chris Reitsma and Lance Davis also are possibilities. Pete Harnisch is too — if he's healthy and he and the Reds can agree to deal.

        Beyond that, it's anyone's guess. Current starters Jose Acevedo and Scott Winchester need to make the most of the rest of the season to get a chance to compete in the spring.

        Five players not on the current roster — Dennys Reyes, Seth Etherton, Scott Williamson, Brian Reith and Ty Howington — all will probably get a shot in Sarasota, Fla.

        Etherton and Williamson have been on the disabled list all year. Reyes, Reith and Howington are in the minors. Reith was briefly in the rotation this year.

        That's 10 pitchers going for five spots, and the Reds will probably bring in more.

        “It will be easy to sort out,” Reds manager Bob Boone said. “They sort themselves out. It's not hard. Right now, we're looking for somebody who is breathing. It's tough when you have to say, "these three guys should make it, but they're going to have to start at Louisville.' ”

        Don't be surprised if Reyes and Howington are in the rotation before the season is over.

        Both pitched well Thursday in the minors. Reyes, the 24-year-old lefty, threw six innings of three-hit, shutout ball in Louisville's 3-2 loss at Norfork.

        Reyes threw 98 pitches, walking three and striking out seven.

        “His turn may be coming,” Boone said. “I'd like to see him start. That's what we sent him down there for. That's what he wants to do.”

        Howington probably won't come up until Sept.1 when the rosters expand. He made his third start at Double-A Chattanooga. He allowed one earned run on four hits and struck out five in six innings Thursday. He got a no decision in a 4-3 loss to Jacksonville.

        Howington, the 20-year-old left-hander, was he Reds' first pick in the 1999 draft. He got a late start this season after having bone spur removed from his elbow.

        He's moved from low Single A to high Single A to Double A without missing a beat. Overall, he's 7-2 with a 1.82 ERA. He's allowed 60 hits and struck out 106 in 93 innings.

        “He's a power guy,” Boone said. “When you throw 94 with his breaking ball and command, it'll work.”

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