With Opening Day eight days away, Jose Rijo is the subject of choice for the e-mailers. Read on:

        Q, from Chris in Ashland, Ky.: It appears the Reds are not considering Jose Rijo as a potential candidate to help this below-average rotation. What do the Reds have to lose by giving Rijo a chance to be a starter? I believe Rijo is 36 years old, and if his arm can't handle the stress of being a full-time pitcher then it is time to retire. But what if he has healed and proves he belongs? Are there unknown facts about his arm condition?

        A: The Reds did put Rijo on the team, so they recognize his ability. But I've been as perplexed by the decision not to let Rijo start as anyone. If the Reds are worried about his health, they're not saying. They may be concerned about his ability to pitch deep into games, but with a stacked bullpen, a good five- or six-inning outing goes a long way.

        Q, from Mike in Cincinnati: The Reds want to make this year special, being the last in Riverfront (Cinergy). With Joey Hamilton and Chris Reitsma both pitching excellently, as well as Jose Rijo, what would it hurt to let Rijo start Game 1 against the Cubs? Talk about nostalgia.

        Here was one of the greatest pitchers in the early '90s, back pitching again in the majors. Would it really be a bad decision to let him start Opening Day with the way he has pitched this spring?

        A: As much as I love Rijo, Joey Hamilton earned the Opening Day start (despite Friday's outing). I think Rijo should have been given a shot to make the rotation.

        Q, from Chris in Nashville, Tenn.: I think it is the worst move in baseball to lead off Barry Larkin any time this year. He's coming off an injury and is old. Leave him batting second and hope he stays healthy.

        A: Manager Bob Boone is with you on this. Todd Walker looks to be the primary leadoff guy, although you may see Larkin there against tough left-handers.

        Q, from Chip in Columbus: The 2002 season looks like a .500 season at best. So look for bright spots now to change things. Make (Danny) Graves a starter, with a bullpen by committee including Rijo. In right field, put Austin Kearns. He's better than the two other guys, who will hit .250. Make trades. The time has come to build and increase the fan base.

        A: As far as Graves is concerned, I think either he or Scott Williamson will be in the rotation next year and the other will close. You have to be sure Williamson is healthy first. Juan Encarnacion won the right fielder's job fair and square. He could surprise Reds fans. If he hits .250 with his speed, power and defense, that might not be a bad thing.

        Q, from Robert in Penland, N.C.: I do not understand all of the complaints about Junior Griffey. What gives? ... What person would trust the media, the public and his former teammates under the type of scrutiny that Griffey is judged?

        A: Actually Junior has been fairly warm and fuzzy to the media this spring. He never ripped back at Pokey Reese or Dmitri Young, who ripped him. So he came out of the early spring turmoil looking pretty good.

        E-mail jfay@enquirer.com
       

Tantalizing talent Larkin returns, and gets a hit Reds Q&A with John Fay Roster moves breaking Reds' budget Phillies 4, Reds 3 Reds notebook Baseball insider Baseball notebook

Bacon brings home title
SULLIVAN: Flash bows to Bacon's true grit
Bacon: city's first D-II title since 1980
Bacon's Hausfeld leads all-tourney team
Superstar James keeps loss in perspective
Winton Woods comes up short
SULLIVAN: Winton Woods
Delphos St. John's takes Div. IV title
Holmes loses in state semifinal
Hoosier Hysteria waning
Indiana state championships
Preps Insider
A walking miracle
DAUGHERTY: Just like driveway for IU
IU rains 3s on Kent State
An Oregon son now directing Kansas attack
Details distinguish Mount baseball
NCAA: East region notes
NCAA: Midwest region notes
Physical Sooners take down Tigers
Terps, Huskies meet again
NCAA Tournament at a glance
NIT: Late-game run rallies Memphis
Women's roundup
Perfect Drift wins Spiral Stakes
Cyclones continue winning ways
Guite paces Ducks past Americans
Hawks down Bulls 112-96
Red Wings top Avs
Coming up this week
Enquirer Page Two power rankings
Huggins bides time in talks
UC's Stokes waits, worries
Bengals Q&A with Mark Curnutte
NFL notebook

• Return to Reds front page...