Ken Griffey Jr. lashed the ball down the first-base line ... right into St.Louis first baseman Tino Martinez's glove. A foot or two either way, and it's a double. But Griffey is in a slump, so it was a double-play ball.

Ken Griffey, Jr. throws his batting helmet after grounding out Sunday. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

        “When you're struggling, it seems like they have 30 infielders out there,” the Reds outfielder said. “When you're going good, it's like there aren't any infielders out there. It's just you and the pitcher.”

        Griffey is 4-for-28 with no home runs and no RBI since returning from the disabled list May 24. He's hitting .200 overall.

        But he saw some good signs Tuesday night in an 8-5 loss to the Cardinals.

        “I hit the ball decently four out of the five times up,” Griffey said.

        The first time up, he hit the smash to Martinez. Griffey also flew out to left, grounded out to second base, singled to left and hit a fly ball that nearly got out for a home run. “When I think of struggling, I think of striking out every other time up,” Griffey said. “This is something everyone goes through. It's a matter of getting at-bats.”

        Griffey has only 50 at-bats this season. He's at the point where a couple of three-hit games will raise his average 75 points.

        Griffey spent part of Monday's off day at Cinergy Field working on his swing. The Reds' Wednesday night game with St.Louis was called because of rain before it started.

        “We've identified some things,” Reds manager Bob Boone said of Griffey. “Little things. He's not getting his front foot set quick enough. He's messing with some things with his hands.”

        Griffey thinks the problem is in his hands.

        “I'm overwrapping them,” he said.

        Even though his father, Ken Sr., is no longer a Reds coach, Senior is still Junior's personal hitting coach.

        “He watches on DirecTV and calls,” Junior said. “I'm surprised (clubhouse manager) Rick Stowe has come and got me during the game, and said, "Your dad's on the phone.'”

        Junior actually prefers the long-distance instruction.

        “That's what I was used to for 11 years,” Griffey said. “The last two years, when he showed me, I'd have trouble understanding. My mom finally said, "Just have him call you on the phone and explain.'”

        Boone said he is treating Griffey as if he's healthy. That means playing him nearly every day.

        “We have to run him out there and be patient,” Boone said. “That's the nature of this game.”

Griffey's luck none at all Rainout rescheduled for Aug. 27 Reds Notebook: Silva returns from DL Rijo accepts bullpen role More local players drafted List of Reds Draft Picks Diamondbacks 5, Astros 4 Angels 7, Rangers 5 Mariners 5, Athletics 0

McElroy needs to score at draft camp
Huggins lunches with Nuggets GM
Golf Course Spotlight: Otter Creek
Lakers 99, Nets 94
O'Neal proves mountainous obstacle
Nets' slow start costly
Carolina's Irbe stands up to Stanley Cup pressure
Next for U.S. team: South Korea
U.S. - Portugal photo gallery
Sollmann sets NCAA baseball records
OSU's Sylvester breaks hand
UK search for AD hits full speed
Longest day for War Emblem
Coming up this week
DAUGHERTY: Madeira baseball star overcomes tragic crash
Madeira wakes up to possibilities
Sycamore, Hamilton hope for state softball showdown
Ex-Red Bair helping Milford
Ohio Softball Tourney Schedule
Ohio Baseball Tourney Schedule
Ohio Track Championships Schedule
Norwood hires Highlands coach
CovCath resumes with 3-0 lead
N.Ky. football all-star game tonight

• Return to Reds front page...