The 2002 rotation remains the big question surrounding the 2001 Reds. But none of the answers has ever been Danny Graves — at least in most people's minds. But manager Bob Boone, who will ultimately make the decision, is considering it.

        “It will be up to him,” Boone said. “I'm not going to force him into anything. But I look at his stuff, and I think he has the stuff to be an outstanding starter.”

        Boone approached Graves with the idea a couple of weeks ago.

        “When Bob brought it up, I said, "Not this year,'” Graves said. “But I'm not totally against it. I'll leave it open.”

        Graves, a 28-year-old right-hander, is in his third year as Reds closer. He was the Reds' best pitcher last year, going 10-5 with a 2.56 ERA and 30 saves.

        This year, he hasn't been as effective — he is 5-3 with a 3.84 ERA and 20 saves — but part of that has been lack of opportunity.

        “I'm comfortable in the bullpen,” Graves said. “They know what I can do in the bullpen. But with (John) Riedling and (Scott) Williamson coming back (from injuries), you're going to have some people change roles. They both can close.”

        But can Graves start?

        He hasn't been a starter since high school — save three starts in Triple A just before the Reds acquired him from Cleveland in the John Smiley deal in 1997.

        “I never got my pitch count above 60,” he said.

        He stayed in the bullpen with the Cincinnati organization, but a bad shoulder forced surgery Oct. 6, 1997. He has been healthy — and relieving — since.

        “That's the big question,” Boone said. “How would his stamina be and what's going on inside that arm?”

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