The Big Unit, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson. (AP file photo) | ZOOM |

        So, Austin Kearns, are you looking forward to facing Randy Johnson?

        “I am,” the Reds' right fielder said. “I'm not saying what I'm going to do against him. But I'm looking forward to seeing him — if I can see the ball.”

        The world champion Arizona Diamondbacks come to Cinergy Field today (7:10 p.m. first pitch) for the first of a three-game series with the Reds. Johnson, the D'backs' left-handed ace, doesn't start until Thursday. Arizona's other ace, righty Curt Schilling, doesn't pitch in this series.

        The Reds will get Johnson Aug.20 and Schilling Aug.21 when the teams meet at Phoenix's Bank One Ballpark.

        The pressure and competition goes up a notch beginning tonight. The Arizona series starts a stretch of 22 games in 23 days for the Reds, and 19 of those games are against the Diamondbacks and the two teams Cincinnati is battling in the National League Central: St.Louis and Houston.

        But Kearns, a rookie, spoke for many players. The Reds are eager to face the best.

        “We're going to get to see how good we are,” said Reds third baseman Aaron Boone, the hero of Sunday's 9-7, 12-inning win that completed a three-game sweep of the San Diego Padres.

        Added Kearns: “We got off to a good start in the homestand. Now we've got a big series coming up. That's what you play for.”

        The Reds better get Arizona in the first two games. The D'backs are 36-8 when Johnson (17-4) and Schilling (19-4) get the decision, and 37-33 in games when other pitchers get the decision.

        Johnson comes into his start on quite a roll — 4-0 with an 0.82 ERA in his last four starts.

        Right-hander Jose Rijo, one of the few Reds with pennant-race experience, keeps his message to young players simple.

        “Go with the flow,” Rijo said. “You've got to be aggressive but smart. We've made too many mistakes. You can't do that against the good teams.”

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