Dempster in his first appearance with the Reds. DESKTOP WALLPAPER Click the thumbnail above to load a desktop-sized image. Then right-click on that image to Set As Background. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        HOUSTON — The Reds greeted Ryan Dempster Friday like he was a long lost brother rather than a stranger. It was a hug-a-thon in the Reds clubhouse.

        “He's a good guy, a fun guy and a heck of a pitcher,” said Reds closer Danny Graves, who traveled with Dempster to Japan on an all-star trip a few years ago. “Everybody in here is going to like him.”

        Dempster, a hail-fellow-well-met type, had to let his pitching do the talking for him, because the Reds said Dempster wouldn't be available to talk until after the game Friday, standard protocol for starters on the day they pitch.

        The Astros didn't treat Dempster as well as the Reds did.

        In fact, Houston was downright rude to him. It started when leadoff hitter Julio Lugo hit a first-inning home run to the opposite field.

        Then after Jose Vizcaino flied out to short left, Lance Berkman lined a single to right, Jeff Bagwell cranked a single to left and Daryle Ward hit a grounder wide left of Reds second baseman Todd Walker, who couldn't handle it for the double play.

Ryan Dempster at batting practice before the game Friday. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        Then came the big blow: a two-out, two-run double to right-center by Richard Hidalgo. In the third inning, Ward hit an 0-1 pitch into the second deck for a two-run homer. It was 5-0 Astros. Dempster left after 3 2/3 innings, having given up six runs on six hits and four walks.

        The Reds weren't about to shun him just for that, but fans are going to want results immediately, based upon the buildup the front office had given Dempster, calling him a No. 1 or two starter and a potential 20-game winner. But at least early, Dempster pitched like what he had been so far this season for the Florida Marlins: a 5-8 pitcher with a 4.79 ERA.

        The players take the long-haul view for what Dempster will mean.

        “I'm fired up,” said Reds third baseman Aaron Boone. “He gives us a chance. I know what kind of guy and pitcher he is . . . Hopefully, Ryan will give us the lift we need.”

        Graves said Dempster will live up to his billing.

        “He's always been a No. 1 starter, and I think the change of scenery will (ultimately) be great for him.”

Astros 6, Reds 3 Reds box, runs Teammates thrilled by addition to staff Larson will start today Marlins wonder: What next? Floyd feels buzz rejoining Expos NL roundup AL roundup Notes from Friday's games Red Sox 18, Bats 4

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